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What is a records clerk and how to become one
A records clerk is an employee who works in a records office, managing and retrieving documents for other staff or personnel when needed. They are responsible for the collection, organization, conservation, and accessibility of archived records. They are also held accountable for digitizing historical documents, indexing documents, and developing research instruments in collaboration with the records officer.
Records clerks are involved in the filing and presentation of documents. They help retrieve documents related to the information requested and generate statistics and data on requests received and processed. In collaboration with colleagues, they help disseminate documents, participate in organizing activities and perform all other duties based on services needed.
The majority of records clerks secure their position by having strong communication skills, interpersonal skills, data entry experience, customer service, and medical records experience. The role requires a bachelor's degree in library services and professional expertise in records management.
While employers like to see a bachelor's degree on a resume, only 29.8% of records clerks have earned one. Therefore, it is possible to become a records clerk with a high school diploma or GED. Typically, a records clerk will earn $29,198 per year, which translates to $14.04 per hour.
Avg. Salary $29,795
Avg. Salary $59,228
American Indian and Alaska Native 0.86%
Asian 5.39%
Black or African American 11.15%
Hispanic or Latino 15.89%
Unknown 4.52%
White 62.20%
Genderfemale 74.77%
male 25.23%
Age - 47American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%
Asian 7.00%
Black or African American 14.00%
Hispanic or Latino 19.00%
White 57.00%
Genderfemale 47.00%
male 53.00%
Age - 47Stress level is manageable
7.1 - high
Complexity Level is challenging
7 - challenging
Work Life balance is excellent
6.4 - fair
Records Clerk career paths
Key steps to become a records clerk
Explore records clerk education requirements
Start to develop specific records clerk skills
Skills 
Percentages Data Entry 24.46% Customer Service 20.07% Digital Database 5.92% Office Equipment 4.45% Management System 4.23% Complete relevant records clerk training and internships
Accountants spend an average of Less than 1 month on post-employment, on-the-job training. New records clerks learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a records clerk based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real records clerk resumes.Gain additional records clerk certifications
More About CertificationsRecords clerk certifications can show employers you have a baseline of knowledge expected for the position. Certifications can also make you a more competitive candidate. Even if employers don't require a specific records clerk certification, having one may help you stand out relative to other applicants.
The most common certifications for records clerks include Word 2010 Certification and Certified Medical Administrative Assistant (CMAA).
Research records clerk duties and responsibilities
- Utilize SharePoint and Accutrac to convert information, by ensuring constant communication with department records coordinator and project leads.
- Review case files for evictions.
- Proofread all legal documents for signatures.
- Provide the statistics on a Powerpoint presentation.
Prepare your records clerk resume
When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your records clerk resume.
You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a records clerk resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.
Choose From 10+ Customizable Records Clerk Resume templates
Build a professional Records Clerk resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your Records Clerk resume.
Apply for records clerk jobs
Now it's time to start searching for a records clerk job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:
- Browse job boards for relevant postings
- Consult your professional network
- Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
- Watch out for job scams
How Did You Land Your First Records Clerk Job
Are you a Records Clerk?
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Average records clerk salary
The average Records Clerk salary in the United States is $29,795 per year or $14 per hour. Records clerk salaries range between $23,000 and $38,000 per year.
What Am I Worth?
How do records clerks rate their job?
Records Clerk reviews
I like making sure other patients information was not in another patient records filing the records and also triaging the records as well.
Not have work to do.
It is an inside job so you are always comfortable. Some of what you deal with is entertaining. I'm about to retire so it is a good way to wind down my working career. There is little to no stress.
It is very, very, boring and repetitive. I hate sitting for hours on end, sometimes with nothing to do if the officers are not doing anything. This is no chance or advancement.
Always something new to do, and learn, always changing.
Updated January 8, 2025
