What Do File Clerk Do?
File Clerk Job 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.
Daily Life Of a File Clerk
- Track materials removed from files to ensure that borrowed files are returned.
- Assign and record or stamp identification numbers or codes to index materials for filing.
- Add new material to file records or create new records as necessary.
- Retrieve documents stored in microfilm or microfiche and place them in viewers for reading.
- Answer questions about records or files.
- Perform general office activities, such as typing, answering telephones, operating office machines, processing mail, or securing confidential materials.
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Qualities of a File Clerk
File Clerks state the following job skills are important in their day-to-day work.
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.
Related Job Titles for this Occupation:
- Map Clerk
- Index Clerk
- Brand Recorder
- Kardex Clerk
- Clerk
Job Demand for File Clerks
In the United States, there were 135,000 jobs for File Clerk in 2016. There is little to no growth in job opportunities for File Clerk. Due to new job openings and attrition, there will be an average of 14,200 job openings in this field each year.

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.
File Clerk Salary
The typical yearly salary for File Clerks is somewhere between $21,390 and $50,230.

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 |
Tools & Technologies Used by File Clerks
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 to Become a File Clerk
Learn what File Clerk education requirements there are.

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

Where File Clerks Are Employed

File Clerks work in the following industries:

Similar Careers
Those interested in being a File Clerk may also be interested in:
Career changers with experience as a File Clerk sometimes find work in one of the following fields:
References:
More about our data sources and methodologies.
Featured Schools
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