Hiring File Clerks
Employers across the 86 metro areas we have BLS OEWS wage data for pay file clerks a median of $32,160 to $60,840 a year (BLS OEWS, May 2025). A search through recruitlocalpros runs Tier I to Tier VI, $6,240 to $54,340, set by seniority, never by location or salary. Our vetted recruiting partner handles sourcing, screening and placement end to end.
What do file clerks do?
- Scan or read incoming materials to determine how and where they should be classified or filed.
- Input data, such as file numbers, new or updated information, or document information codes into computer systems to support document and information retrieval.
- Perform general office activities, such as typing, answering telephones, operating office machines, processing mail, or securing confidential materials.
- Sort or classify information according to guidelines, such as content, purpose, user criteria, or chronological, alphabetical, or numerical order.
- Answer questions about records or files.
- Keep records of materials filed or removed, using logbooks or computers and generate computerized reports.
Core tasks, O*NET OnLine, 43-4071.00.
What does it take to become one?
These occupations usually require a high school diploma.
Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is usually needed. For example, a teller would benefit from experience working directly with the public.
Employees in these occupations need anywhere from a few months to one year of working with experienced employees. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.
O*NET Job Zone 2, SVP (4.0 to < 6.0). O*NET OnLine.
Employers commonly list experience with Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Office software, Microsoft Outlook, Microsoft Word, Adobe Acrobat, Intuit QuickBooks for this role.
What do file clerks get paid?
BLS OEWS, May 2025 publishes a wage for file clerks in 86 of the metro areas in this build. The median ranges from $32,160 to $60,840 a year depending on the metro, with a midpoint of $44,250. This is what employers pay, place of work, not a single national figure and not what any one person takes home.
BLS OEWS, BLS OEWS, May 2025, SOC 43-4071.
What does hiring one cost?
The same as any role: tier, not location or salary, sets the fee. Across all six tiers the published range is $6,240 to $54,340 per search. For scale, the highest published median for file clerks in this build is $60,840. A contingency firm hiring at that level would bill roughly $12,168 to $18,252 on the first year salary alone, 20 to 30%.
Frequently asked
- How fast can a file clerks search fill?
- 23 to 35 days, 2 to 3x faster than a typical contingency search, per the recruiting provider's published figures.
- What if the hire does not work out?
- A 45-day replacement guarantee, at 50% off a repeat search for the same role.
Price a file clerks search
Eight questions about the role. Your tier range appears on screen, with the contingency comparison if you are paying one now.