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File Clerks


Nature of the Work About this section

File clerks classify, store, retrieve, track, and update records and information.

Education and Training About this section

Most employers prefer applicants with a high school diploma or its equivalent. Most training occurs on the job, and can be learned in a short period of time.

Job Outlook About this section

Current and Projected Employment.

2008 Employment 212,200
2018 Employment 162,600
Employment Change -49,600
Growth Rate -23%

Employment change. Employment is expected to decline rapidly. Employment is expected to decline due to productivity gains from office automation and the consolidation of clerical jobs. Additionally, most files are stored digitally and can be retrieved electronically, reducing the demand for file clerks.

Job prospects. Favorable opportunities are expected. Despite employment declines, job opportunities should arise from the need to replace workers who leave the labor force or transfer to other occupations. Job prospects will be best for those who have typing and other secretarial skills and who are familiar with a wide range of office machines, especially personal computers.

Earnings About this section

Median annual wages for file clerks were $23,800 in May 2008.


Receptionists and information clerks; Shipping, receiving, and traffic clerks.

O*NET-SOC Code Coverage About this section

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O*NET provides comprehensive information on key characteristics of workers and occupations. For information on a specific occupation, select the appropriate link below. For more information on O*NET, visit their homepage.


Suggested citation: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2010-11 Edition, File Clerks, on the Internet at http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos146.htm (visited February 09, 2012).

 

Last Modified Date: December 17, 2009