Find Trade Skills Schools

Study Area & Zipcode

Court Clerk

Find Schools Near

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.

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.

undefined

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.

undefined

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?

undefined

How many years of work experience do I need?

undefined

Where Court Clerks Work

undefined

Court Clerks work in the following industries:

undefined

Similar Careers

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

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:

Image Credit: via

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

Find Business Schools Near You

Our free school finder matches students with accredited business colleges across the U.S.