Life As a File Clerk
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.
- Place materials into storage receptacles, such as file cabinets, boxes, bins, or drawers, according to classification and identification information.
- Complete general financial activities, such as processing accounts payable, reviewing invoices, collecting cash payments, or issuing receipts.
- Retrieve documents stored in microfilm or microfiche and place them in viewers for reading.
- Scan or read incoming materials to determine how and where they should be classified or filed.
- Keep records of materials filed or removed, using logbooks or computers and generate computerized reports.
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What Skills Do You Need to Work as 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:
- Keyboarding Clerk
- Classification Clerk
- Morgue Keeper
- Librarian
- Record Clerk
File Clerk Employment Estimates
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. 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
File Clerks make between $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 |
What Tools 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
Education needed to be a File Clerk:

How Long Does it Take to Become a File Clerk?

Where File Clerks Work

Below are examples of industries where File Clerks work:

Related Careers
Those thinking about becoming a File Clerk might also be interested in the following careers:
Are you already one of the many File 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.
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