File Clerks
Information clerks perform routine clerical duties, maintain records, collect data, and provide information to customers.
Is file clerks a good career?
It scores 9/100 and ranks #759 of 825 occupations on pay, growth, employment and openings. Here's what the federal data says, with no editorializing.
Advantages
- No college degree typically required to enter
Possible tradeoffs
- Pays below the U.S. median wage ($43,600 vs $61,390)
- Employment is projected to decline (-15.9% through 2034)
What file clerks earn
Wages: BLS OEWS May 2025Pay is a range, not a number. Half of U.S. file clerks earn between $36,420 and $51,770 a year.
Best-paying states
Best-paying metros
Strongest employment concentration
Live file clerks jobs
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- Typical education
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Work experience
- None
- On-the-job training
- Short-term on-the-job training
- Outlook
- Employment is projected to grow decline through 2034.
Education
Although candidates for most of these positions usually qualify with a high school diploma, human resources assistants generally need an associate’s degree. Regardless of whether they pursue a degree, courses in word processing and spreadsheet applications are particularly helpful.
Training
Most information clerks receive short-term on-the-job training, usually lasting a few weeks. Training typically covers clerical procedures and the use of computer applications. Those employed in government receive training that may last several months and includes learning about government programs and regulations.
Advancement
Some information clerks may advance to other administrative positions with more responsibilities, such as secretaries and administrative assistants. With completion of a bachelor’s degree, some human resources assistants may become human resources specialists.
Important qualities
Communication skills. Information clerks must be able to explain policies and procedures clearly to customers and the public.
Integrity. Information clerks, particularly human resources assistants, have access to confidential information. They must be trusted to adhere to the applicable confidentiality and privacy rules governing the dissemination of this information.
Interpersonal skills. Information clerks who work with the public and customers must understand and communicate information effectively to establish positive relationships.
Organizational skills. Information clerks must be able to retrieve files and other important information quickly and efficiently.
Related occupations
How much do file clerks make?
The national median wage is $43,600 a year, with the middle half earning between $36,420 and $51,770 (BLS OEWS May 2025).
Is file clerks a good career?
On the Jobs.best index it scores 9 of 100 and ranks #759 of 825 occupations, weighing pay, growth, employment and openings. Employment is projected to change -15.9% through 2034.
What education do you need to become a file clerk?
The typical entry-level education is high school diploma or equivalent.
Where do file clerks earn the most?
Among states, Oregon pays the highest median ($50,660). Local pay for every state and metro is below.