How much does a file clerk make?
Answer: A typical file clerk in the United States makes $43,600 a year (median, May 2025, US Bureau of Labor Statistics).
Line up 100 people; this is the one in the middle (median). about 73,000 people work in this job. About the same as the US-wide typical pay ($50,980).
If 100 people had this job
Lowest at bottom-left, highest at top-rightHover over a person to see their yearly pay
File clerk pay in the United States (May 2025, median and spread)
| Lower earner (10th from bottom) | Typical person (median) | Higher earner (10th from top) | People in this job |
|---|---|---|---|
| $31,200 | $43,600 | $63,490 | about 73,000 |
| State | Typical person (median) | People in this job |
|---|---|---|
| Oregon | $50,660 | about 970 |
| Illinois | $49,920 | about 4,000 |
| California | $49,040 | about 10,000 |
| Massachusetts | $48,310 | about 600 |
| Minnesota | $46,640 | about 760 |
Why does pay differ?
In the United States, pay can differ with experience and skill, the employer’s industry and location, and how much responsibility the tasks involve. Valued credentials may help in some workplaces, and part-time hours can change total earnings; part-time schedules are common for file clerks.
What if you lived in a different state?
Pay varies a lot by state in the USTop 5 and bottom 3 states, typical (median) yearly pay.
What does a file clerk do?
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.
What's a typical day like?
They sort incoming letters, forms, and receipts, decide where each belongs, and file paper records or enter details into a computer. They log files as they move, then find and deliver records coworkers request.
How to get this job
In the United States, a high school diploma or equivalent is the usual starting point, and related experience is not required. New file clerks get short on-the-job training to learn their employer’s filing system.
High school plus some training (preparation level 2 of 5)
Good for people who like keeping things organized and building and doing.
Did you know?
Some file clerks use mechanized files that rotate to bring a needed record to them—like a paper carousel.
Similar jobs
Jobs using similar skills (O*NET)Earn more in the same field
Office and Administrative Support jobs that pay a bit moreSources and data
Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS May 2025 (bls.gov); descriptions and related jobs from O*NET 31.0. Figures as of May 2025, full-time yearly pay (hourly × 2,080 hours). bls.gov/oes · O*NET OnLine
Pages used for the text
- www.bls.gov/emp/tables/education-and-training-by-occupation.htm
- www.onetonline.org/link/summary/43-4071.00
- www.bls.gov/ooh/office-and-administrative-support/information-clerks.htm
- www.bls.gov/careeroutlook/2015/article/wage-differences.htm
- www.bls.gov/oes/2023/may/oes434071.htm
Data: US BLS OEWS, May 2025 · 1 USD = 150 JPY