How to become file clerkseducation, training, experience and the steps to enter

United States Office & Admin Confidence ★★★★★

Median annual pay

$43,600

25th–75th pct. $36,420–$51,770

Top pay (est.)

$82,500

Top 10% $63,490

Pay in 5 years

$46,400est.

2031

Pay in 10 years

$49,300est.

$42,400–$57,300

Outlook score

16/100

★☆☆☆☆ Weak

AI replacement risk

82%

Very high

Job growth (10 yr)

−15.8%

5,600 openings / yr

How to become file clerks

Typical education

High school diploma or equivalent

BLS

Related experience

None

On-the-job training

Short-term on-the-job training

A step-by-step guide for this occupation is being prepared. The education, training and experience data above show the typical path.

Skills, education and requirements for File Clerks

Key skills

Reading Comprehension

3.2

Critical Thinking

3.0

Active Listening

3.0

Speaking

3.0

Writing

3.0

Service Orientation

2.9

Time Management

2.8

Monitoring

2.8

O*NET skill level ratings (0–7).

Key knowledge areas

Administrative

5.4

Customer and Personal Service

5.2

English Language

4.0

Computers and Electronics

3.5

Education and Training

3.4

Law and Government

3.2

Mathematics

2.8

Public Safety and Security

2.8

What the work involves

Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsUpdating and Using Relevant KnowledgeGetting InformationMaking Decisions and Solving ProblemsWorking with ComputersPerforming Administrative ActivitiesProcessing InformationAnalyzing Data or Information

Important abilities

Near VisionOral ExpressionOral ComprehensionCategory FlexibilityWritten ExpressionWritten Comprehension

Education of workers

Associate's degree

38%

High school diploma

30%

Some college

23%

Bachelor's degree

Training before entry

Up to 1 month

35%

1–3 months

24%

6–12 months

17%

None / short demo

13%

3–6 months

11%

Related work experience

1–2 years

42%

6–12 months

25%

2–4 years

15%

None

13%

4–6 years

Job Zone 2 — some preparation needed (O*NET)

Difficulty of entry: ★★☆☆☆ Fairly easy (from education, training, experience and Job Zone)

Career path and how to earn more as file clerks

Career-path guidance is being prepared. Pay by percentile is shown in the Pay section.

Related occupations

	Occupation	Pay	Outlook	AI risk
1	Customer Service Representatives Interact with customers to provide basic or scripted information in response to routine inquiries about products and services.	$44,770	28/100	77%
2	Office Clerks, General Perform duties too varied and diverse to be classified in any specific office clerical occupation, requiring knowledge of office systems and procedures.	$45,010	24/100	83%
3	Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical, and Executive Perform routine administrative functions such as drafting correspondence, scheduling appointments, organizing and maintaining paper and electronic files, or providing information to callers.	$47,540	24/100	84%
4	First-Line Supervisors of Office and Administrative Support Workers Directly supervise and coordinate the activities of clerical and administrative support workers.	$69,500	40/100	80%
5	Medical Secretaries and Administrative Assistants Perform secretarial duties using specific knowledge of medical terminology and hospital, clinic, or laboratory procedures.	$45,930	41/100	76%
6	Receptionists and Information Clerks Answer inquiries and provide information to the general public, customers, visitors, and other interested parties regarding activities conducted at establishment and location of departments, offices, and employees within the organization.	$38,010	29/100	73%

Pay and employment figures are national statistics. Projected pay, outlook scores and AI replacement risk are estimates from the Shigoto Zukan model, not guarantees. To request a correction, use the contact form. How to read the data

Sources: BLS OEWS May 2025; BLS Employment Projections 2025–35; O*NET 31.0 Database by USDOL/ETA (CC BY 4.0), modified by Shigoto Zukan. Pay ranges, projections and scores are Shigoto Zukan estimates.