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All About File Clerks

Occupation Description 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.

Life As a File Clerk: What Do They Do?

  • Track materials removed from files to ensure that borrowed files are returned.
  • Input data, such as file numbers, new or updated information, or document information codes into computer systems to support document and information retrieval.
  • Perform general office activities, such as typing, answering telephones, operating office machines, processing mail, or securing confidential materials.
  • Answer questions about records or files.
  • Eliminate outdated or unnecessary materials, destroying them or transferring them to inactive storage, according to file maintenance guidelines or legal requirements.
  • Scan or read incoming materials to determine how and where they should be classified or filed.

Qualities of a File Clerk

These are the skills File Clerks say are the most useful in their careers:

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 Jobs

  • Documentation Specialist
  • File Clerk
  • Records Custodian
  • Computer Tape Librarian
  • Indexer

Is There Job 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. There will be an estimated 14,200 positions for File Clerk per year.

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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?

The salary for File Clerks ranges between about $21,390 and $50,230 a year.

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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 & Technology do File Clerks Use?

Below is a list of the types of tools and technologies that File Clerks may use on a daily basis:

  • 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 to Become a File Clerk

Individuals working as a File Clerk have obtained the following education levels:

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What work experience do I need to become a File Clerk?

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Where File Clerks Are Employed

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Below are examples of industries where File Clerks work:

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Those thinking about becoming a File Clerk might also be interested in the following careers:

Those who work as a File Clerk sometimes switch careers to one of these choices:

References:

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More about our data sources and methodologies.

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