What is a File Clerk?
File Clerk Example File correspondence, cards, invoices, receipts, and other records in alphabetical or numerical order or according to the filing system used. Locate and remove material from file when requested.
A Day in the Life of a File Clerk
- Assign and record or stamp identification numbers or codes to index materials for filing.
- Gather materials to be filed from departments or employees.
- Answer questions about records or files.
- Keep records of materials filed or removed, using logbooks or computers and generate computerized reports.
- Eliminate outdated or unnecessary materials, destroying them or transferring them to inactive storage, according to file maintenance guidelines or legal requirements.
- Input data, such as file numbers, new or updated information, or document information codes into computer systems to support document and information retrieval.
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File Clerk Required Skills
When polled, File Clerks say the following skills are most frequently used in their jobs:
Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Writing: Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Service Orientation: Actively looking for ways to help people.
Types of File Clerk
- Records Custodian
- Intelligence Clerk
- Credit Card Clerk
- Import Export Clerk
- History Card Clerk
Is There Going to be Demand for File Clerks?
There were about 135,000 jobs for File Clerk in 2016 (in the United States). There is little to no growth in job opportunities for File Clerk. The BLS estimates 14,200 yearly job openings in this field.

The states with the most job growth for File Clerk are Maryland, Alaska, and Colorado. Watch out if you plan on working in Maine, West Virginia, or Hawaii. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.
Do File Clerks Make A Lot Of Money?
File Clerks make between $21,390 and $50,230 a year.

File Clerks who work in District of Columbia, Washington, or Rhode Island, make the highest salaries.
How much do File Clerks make in each U.S. state?
State | Annual Mean Salary |
---|---|
Alabama | $25,300 |
Alaska | $31,650 |
Arizona | $33,680 |
Arkansas | $29,690 |
California | $36,820 |
Colorado | $35,990 |
Connecticut | $34,950 |
Delaware | $29,510 |
District of Columbia | $45,680 |
Florida | $33,200 |
Georgia | $31,640 |
Hawaii | $34,170 |
Idaho | $28,320 |
Illinois | $39,010 |
Indiana | $31,900 |
Iowa | $33,770 |
Kansas | $29,270 |
Kentucky | $28,080 |
Louisiana | $26,970 |
Maine | $31,800 |
Maryland | $38,820 |
Massachusetts | $38,120 |
Michigan | $34,430 |
Minnesota | $33,880 |
Mississippi | $28,430 |
Missouri | $35,270 |
Montana | $28,510 |
Nebraska | $30,250 |
Nevada | $33,200 |
New Hampshire | $28,250 |
New Jersey | $33,740 |
New Mexico | $32,300 |
New York | $34,170 |
North Carolina | $32,150 |
North Dakota | $36,420 |
Ohio | $34,330 |
Oklahoma | $31,770 |
Oregon | $36,440 |
Pennsylvania | $32,520 |
Rhode Island | $38,630 |
South Carolina | $30,240 |
South Dakota | $28,650 |
Tennessee | $31,740 |
Texas | $32,740 |
Utah | $31,100 |
Vermont | $33,930 |
Virginia | $31,890 |
Washington | $39,480 |
West Virginia | $29,860 |
Wisconsin | $34,380 |
Wyoming | $24,530 |
What Tools do File Clerks Use?
Although they’re not necessarily needed for all jobs, the following technologies are used by many File Clerks:
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Office
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Outlook
- Microsoft Access
- Data entry software
- Email software
- Intuit QuickBooks
- Electronic health record EHR software
How do I Become a File Clerk?
Education needed to be a File Clerk:

How many years of work experience do I need?

Where do File Clerks Work?

Below are examples of industries where File Clerks work:

You May Also Be Interested In…
Those interested in being a File Clerk may also be interested in:
Those who work as a File Clerk sometimes switch careers to one of these choices:
References:
More about our data sources and methodologies.
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