Life As a 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.
List of File Clerk Job Duties
- Track materials removed from files to ensure that borrowed files are returned.
- Find, retrieve, and make copies of information from files in response to requests and deliver information to authorized users.
- Scan or read incoming materials to determine how and where they should be classified or filed.
- Add new material to file records or create new records as necessary.
- Sort or classify information according to guidelines, such as content, purpose, user criteria, or chronological, alphabetical, or numerical order.
- Design forms related to filing systems.
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Qualities of a File Clerk
Below is a list of the skills most File Clerks say are important on the job.
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.
Monitoring: Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Other File Clerk Job Titles
- Document Scanner
- Records Custodian
- Morgue Librarian
- Indexer
- Invoice Coder
Job Opportunities for File Clerks
In 2016, there was an estimated number of 135,000 jobs in the United States for File Clerk. 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.
File Clerk Average Salary
The salary for File Clerks ranges between about $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 |
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 do I Become a File Clerk?
What kind of File Clerk requirements are there?
How Long Does it Take to Become a File Clerk?
Where do File Clerks Work?
The table below shows some of the most common industries where those employed in this career field work.
Other Jobs You May be Interested In
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.
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