File Clerks
File clerks organize and maintain records such as correspondence, invoices, receipts, and cards using alphabetical, numerical, or other filing systems. They retrieve documents when requested and ensure materials are properly stored and accessible. File clerks work in offices across government, healthcare, legal, and corporate settings.
Four short assessments and your background, scored against file clerks and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
A day in the work
A file clerk's week involves receiving new documents, sorting them according to the organization's filing system, and storing them in cabinets, drawers, or digital databases. When staff request specific files, clerks locate and retrieve them promptly. Tasks also include labeling materials, maintaining file indexes, checking files for completeness, and occasionally purging outdated records. The work requires attention to detail and organizational consistency.
Who this work suits
Holland code CRS. Conventional work is organized, detail-oriented work with clear procedures. Aptly’s interest assessment scores you on the same six scales.
You work well as a file clerk if you prefer structured, rule-based tasks and enjoy organizing physical or digital materials systematically. You're detail-oriented, reliable with procedures, and comfortable with routine work that supports an office's operations.
What it takes
Preparation: Some preparation (usually high school; some on-the-job training). Most people in this occupation hold a certificate or training program.
Skills that matter most
Knowledge areas
Openings right now
- File Clerk · Veterans Health Administration · Chillicothe, Ohio · $37992–$49393
- File Clerk (OA) · Veterans Health Administration · Milwaukee, Wisconsin · $38076–$49502
- File Clerk · Veterans Health Administration · Vancouver, Washington · $39230–$51002
- File Clerk - Health Information Management Service · Veterans Health Administration · Dallas, Texas · $39452–$51459
- File Clerk · Veterans Health Administration · Tucson, Arizona · $37100–$48232
- File Clerk (Office Automation) · Veterans Health Administration · Kansas City, Missouri · $37003–$48107
- FILE CLERK · Naval Supply Systems Command · Bangor, Washington · $33410–$42041
- Supervisory File Clerk · Veterans Health Administration · Charleston, South Carolina · $45409–$59031
Openings are read from employers’ own career pages and public job boards and change daily. Search all openings (free account) to filter by distance, pay and how well you qualify.
Pay by state
| State | 25th pct | Median | 75th pct | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oregon | $40,390 | $50,660 | $61,000 | 970 |
| Hawaii | $38,060 | $50,630 | $50,990 | 100 |
| Illinois | $38,600 | $49,920 | $63,700 | 3,780 |
| Alaska | $40,300 | $49,910 | $60,310 | 150 |
| California | $39,780 | $49,040 | $62,440 | 9,520 |
| Massachusetts | $42,990 | $48,310 | $56,400 | 600 |
| Vermont | $36,150 | $47,540 | $54,140 | 70 |
| Minnesota | $44,180 | $46,640 | $52,350 | 760 |
| Iowa | $37,570 | $46,560 | $55,940 | 430 |
| Colorado | $39,200 | $46,490 | $55,120 | 1,130 |
| Idaho | $38,210 | $45,910 | $48,580 | 540 |
| Washington | $42,770 | $45,830 | $52,940 | 520 |
All 49 states
Training
Aptly members see WIOA-approved programs, colleges and certificates near them, with completion and earnings data, on every Path plan.
Job titles in this occupation
Related occupations
Four short assessments and your background, scored against file clerks and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
O*NET-SOC 43-4071.00 · O*NET OnLine. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025, annual, U.S. Employment counts are national.