All About Court Clerks
Job Description & Duties Perform clerical duties in court of law; prepare docket of cases to be called; secure information for judges; and contact witnesses, attorneys, and litigants to obtain information for court.
Life As a Court Clerk: What Do They Do?
- Prepare dockets or calendars of cases to be called, using typewriters or computers.
- Explain procedures or forms to parties in cases or to the general public.
- Collect court fees or fines and record amounts collected.
- Open courts, calling them to order, and announcing judges.
- Direct support staff in handling of paperwork processed by clerks’ offices.
- Perform administrative tasks, such as answering telephone calls, filing court documents, or maintaining office supplies or equipment.
Featured schools near , edit
Qualities of a Court Clerk
When polled, Court Clerks say the following skills are most frequently used in their jobs:
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.
Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Writing: Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Time Management: Managing one’s own time and the time of others.
Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Other Court Clerk Job Titles
- Warrant Clerk
- District Clerk
- Clerk of Court
- Judge’s Clerk
- Chief Deputy Court Clerk
Court Clerk Job Outlook
In the United States, there were 135,500 jobs for Court Clerk in 2016. New jobs are being produced at a rate of 6.4% which is above the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 8,700 new jobs for Court Clerk by 2026. The BLS estimates 12,600 yearly job openings in this field.
The states with the most job growth for Court Clerk are Vermont, Utah, and Texas. Watch out if you plan on working in Maryland, Alaska, or New Jersey. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.
Average Court Clerks Salary
Court Clerks make between $25,150 and $60,330 a year.
Court Clerks who work in Washington, New York, or Alaska, make the highest salaries.
Below is a list of the median annual salaries for Court Clerks in different U.S. states.
| State | Annual Mean Salary |
|---|---|
| Alabama | $31,820 |
| Alaska | $52,680 |
| Arizona | $39,060 |
| Arkansas | $30,970 |
| California | $51,550 |
| Colorado | $41,470 |
| Connecticut | $51,350 |
| Delaware | $34,880 |
| Florida | $38,720 |
| Georgia | $35,360 |
| Hawaii | $45,480 |
| Idaho | $37,850 |
| Illinois | $42,830 |
| Indiana | $33,730 |
| Iowa | $42,690 |
| Kansas | $34,500 |
| Kentucky | $32,250 |
| Louisiana | $33,090 |
| Maine | $37,550 |
| Maryland | $43,530 |
| Massachusetts | $48,840 |
| Michigan | $38,640 |
| Minnesota | $45,250 |
| Mississippi | $32,570 |
| Missouri | $33,240 |
| Montana | $33,710 |
| Nebraska | $38,860 |
| Nevada | $46,820 |
| New Hampshire | $40,030 |
| New Jersey | $49,060 |
| New Mexico | $38,260 |
| New York | $56,890 |
| North Carolina | $36,160 |
| North Dakota | $42,930 |
| Ohio | $37,840 |
| Oklahoma | $30,970 |
| Oregon | $44,840 |
| Pennsylvania | $40,400 |
| Rhode Island | $49,540 |
| South Carolina | $34,760 |
| South Dakota | $32,880 |
| Tennessee | $37,600 |
| Texas | $37,590 |
| Utah | $38,940 |
| Vermont | $43,690 |
| Virginia | $39,650 |
| Washington | $50,590 |
| West Virginia | $36,190 |
| Wisconsin | $43,150 |
| Wyoming | $39,310 |
Tools & Technologies Used by Court Clerks
Although they’re not necessarily needed for all jobs, the following technologies are used by many Court Clerks:
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Office
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Outlook
- Microsoft Access
- Data entry software
- Adobe Systems Adobe Acrobat
- IBM Notes
- LexisNexis
- Corel WordPerfect Office Suite
- Thomson Reuters Westlaw
- Syscon Court Clerk
How to Become a Court Clerk
What education is needed to be a Court Clerk?
How many years of work experience do I need?
Where Court Clerks Work
Court Clerks work in the following industries:
Similar Careers
Those thinking about becoming a Court Clerk might also be interested in the following careers:
- Office Clerks, General
- Word Processors and Typists
- Gaming Cage Workers
- Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing Clerks
Are you already one of the many Court Clerk in the United States? If you’re thinking about changing careers, these fields are worth exploring:
References:
More about our data sources and methodologies.
Featured Schools
You have goals. Southern New Hampshire University can help you get there. Whether you need a bachelor's degree to get into a career or want a master's degree to move up in your current career, SNHU has an online program for you. Find your degree from over 200 online programs.
Visit School