File Clerks
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.
Also called: Admissions Clerk, Blueprint Clerk, Brand Recorder, Card Filer, Claims Clerk, Classification Clerk
Median pay
$43,600
per year, U.S.
Pay range (10th–90th)
$31,200 – $63,490
People employed
73,440
Holland code
CRS
Conventional · Realistic · Social
Updated October 2026 · Data: O*NET 31.0 and BLS OEWS May 2025 · How we match careers
Is this career right for you?
These are the things that stand out in this job compared with other U.S. jobs (O*NET 31.0 work context). Answer honestly.
- 1.Are you comfortable following clear instructions?
- 2.Do you want the same hours every week?
- 3.Are you OK repeating the same tasks most of the day?
- 4.Do you want a job with little physical risk?
- 5.Are you comfortable sitting at a desk most of the day?
- 6.Do you prefer working indoors?
- 7.Do you prefer doing your own work rather than directing others?
The hard parts
- Tight deadlines are common
File Clerks pay by state
Annual median pay by state (49 states with published data). Source: BLS OEWS May 2025.
What file clerks do
- 01Perform general office activities, such as typing, answering telephones, operating office machines, processing mail, or securing confidential materials.
- 02Keep records of materials filed or removed, using logbooks or computers and generate computerized reports.
- 03Input data, such as file numbers, new or updated information, or document information codes into computer systems to support document and information retrieval.
- 04Gather materials to be filed from departments or employees.
- 05Complete general financial activities, such as processing accounts payable, reviewing invoices, collecting cash payments, or issuing receipts.
- 06Track materials removed from files to ensure that borrowed files are returned.
Skills that matter most
- Reading Comprehension
- Active Listening
- Speaking
- Monitoring
- Writing
- Critical Thinking
Knowledge
- Administrative
- English Language
- Customer and Personal Service
- Law and Government
- Computers and Electronics
Work styles that stand out
- Dependability
- Attention to Detail
Education and first steps
Share of workers by required education, as reported to O*NET.
How people get started
- Usually needs a high school diploma (O*NET Job Zone 2).
- Related work experience: over 1 year, up to and including 2 years.
- On-the-job training: over 1 month, up to and including 3 months.
Most common answers from O*NET 31.0 Education, Training and Experience.
Interest fit (Holland code)
O*NET occupational interest scores, scale 1–7. Take the Free Career Test to compare with your own.
Career changes
Change from file clerks
- Word Processors and Typists94% · +13%
- Office Clerks, General93% · +3%
- Data Entry Keyers93% · −5%
- Billing and Posting Clerks87% · +11%
- Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical, and Executive87% · +9%
Change into file clerks
Jobs whose skills carry over best (skill match, their median pay).
- Data Entry Keyers93% · $41,340
- Office Clerks, General93% · $45,010
- Word Processors and Typists93% · $49,280
- Billing and Posting Clerks87% · $48,500
- Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical, and Executive87% · $47,540
Majors that lead here
- General Office Occupations and Clerical Services
From the NCES CIP 2020 to SOC 2018 crosswalk.