What Do File Clerk Do?
Example of File Clerk Job 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.
A Day in the Life of a File Clerk
- Assign and record or stamp identification numbers or codes to index materials for filing.
- Perform periodic inspections of materials or files to ensure correct placement, legibility, or proper condition.
- Gather materials to be filed from departments or employees.
- 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.
- Retrieve documents stored in microfilm or microfiche and place them in viewers for reading.
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Things a File Clerk Should Know How to Do
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.
Monitoring: Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Types of File Clerk Jobs
- Death Surveys Coder
- Document Scanner
- Record Keeper
- Morgue Keeper
- Human Resources Assistant (HR Assistant)
Are There Job Opportunities 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. 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
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 do I Become a File Clerk?
Are there File Clerks education requirements?

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

Where File Clerks Work

The table below shows the approximate number of File Clerks employed by various industries.

Other Jobs You May be Interested In
Those interested in being a File Clerk may also be interested in:
Those who work as a File Clerk sometimes switch careers to one of these choices:
References:
More about our data sources and methodologies.
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