Information and Record Clerks, All Other
SOC Code: 43-4199.00
Office & Admin SupportInformation and Record Clerks encompass a diverse category of administrative professionals who manage, organize, and maintain records and information systems that don't fall into more specific clerical classifications, earning a median salary of $48,360 per year. These workers serve as the organizational backbone in government agencies, healthcare facilities, educational institutions, and private businesses. While the title is broad, the role is essential for ensuring that critical information is accurately recorded, stored, and retrievable when needed.
Salary Overview
Median
$48,360
25th Percentile
$39,610
75th Percentile
$58,680
90th Percentile
$68,850
Salary Distribution
Job Outlook (2024–2034)
Growth Rate
-0.2%
New Openings
17,800
Outlook
Little or no change
Education Requirements
Typical entry-level education: High school diploma or equivalent
A Day in the Life
A typical day for an Information and Record Clerk begins with checking incoming correspondence, requests for information, and any data that needs to be entered or updated in organizational databases. They spend a significant portion of their day entering, verifying, and correcting data in electronic record management systems, ensuring accuracy and completeness. Answering phone calls and emails from internal staff and external inquiries about records, documentation status, or procedural questions is a constant activity. Filing physical documents and maintaining organized filing systems remains part of the role despite increasing digitization, as many organizations maintain parallel paper and electronic records. They may process applications, permits, licenses, or registrations, verifying that required documentation is complete and accurate before forwarding for approval. Scanning and digitizing paper records for electronic storage, attaching metadata tags, and ensuring proper indexing for future retrieval occupies meaningful time. Coordinating with other departments to obtain missing information, resolve discrepancies, or fulfill records requests is a regular interpersonal component. Some clerks also handle mail distribution, supply ordering, and other general administrative tasks that complement their primary records management duties.
Work Environment
Information and Record Clerks work primarily in office environments with standard business hours, making it one of the more predictable and routine administrative roles. The work is sedentary, involving extended periods of sitting at a desk and working with computers, filing systems, and office equipment. Ergonomic considerations are important, as repetitive motion from keyboarding and mouse use can lead to strain injuries over time without proper workstation setup. Most offices are climate-controlled and well-lit, providing comfortable working conditions throughout the year. The pace of work is generally steady, though peak periods during fiscal year-end, enrollment seasons, or audit preparations can increase workload intensity. Social interaction varies—some positions involve significant public contact at service counters, while others are primarily back-office functions with limited interpersonal demands. Government and institutional settings tend to offer the most regular schedules and predictable work patterns. Noise levels are typically low, and the environment is professional but not high-pressure in most settings, making this role suitable for those who prefer stability and routine.
Career Path & Advancement
Most Information and Record Clerk positions require a high school diploma or equivalent, though some employers prefer candidates with an associate's degree or postsecondary certificate in office administration or records management. Entry-level clerks typically receive on-the-job training in the specific record systems, procedures, and software used by their employer. Strong keyboarding skills, attention to detail, and familiarity with office software suites are expected from the start. After one to two years of experience, clerks may advance to senior clerk or lead clerk positions with greater responsibility for quality control and training new staff. Specialized certifications like the Certified Records Manager designation from ARMA International can accelerate advancement into supervisory roles. Records management supervisors oversee teams of clerks and manage departmental records programs, policies, and compliance. Further career growth may lead to records manager, information governance specialist, or office manager positions that involve strategic planning and policy development. Some clerks leverage their organizational skills and institutional knowledge to transition into related fields like health information management, legal support, or compliance administration.
Specializations
Court clerks work within the judicial system, managing case files, court schedules, legal filings, and public records that require knowledge of legal procedures and terminology. Medical records clerks handle patient health information in healthcare settings, organizing charts, processing requests for records, and ensuring HIPAA compliance. Municipal and government clerks manage public records including property deeds, birth and death certificates, business licenses, and voting records. Insurance claims clerks process and organize claim documentation, verifying policy information and maintaining records of claim status and payments. Education records clerks maintain student transcripts, enrollment records, and academic documentation in schools, colleges, and universities. Vital records clerks specifically handle birth, death, marriage, and divorce records for government agencies, requiring meticulous attention to legal requirements. Library and archival clerks assist with cataloging, preservation, and retrieval of materials in libraries, museums, and historical archives. Correspondence clerks specialize in managing incoming and outgoing organizational communications, routing information to appropriate departments and maintaining communication logs.
Pros & Cons
Advantages
- ✓Low barrier to entry requiring only a high school diploma for most positions
- ✓Predictable work schedule with standard business hours and minimal overtime
- ✓Comfortable office work environment with no physical labor or hazardous conditions
- ✓Available across virtually every industry and geographic area
- ✓Structured work that suits detail-oriented individuals who prefer routine and organization
- ✓Government and institutional positions often include strong benefits and job security
- ✓Can serve as a stepping stone to higher-level administrative and management roles
Challenges
- ✗Below-average median salary with limited earnings growth potential in the role
- ✗Repetitive work that can become monotonous without variety or new challenges
- ✗Slower-than-average job growth as automation reduces demand for routine clerical tasks
- ✗Sedentary nature of the work can contribute to health issues without proactive physical activity
- ✗Limited advancement opportunities without additional education or certification
- ✗Repetitive strain injuries possible from sustained keyboarding and computer work
- ✗May be perceived as a low-status position despite the essential nature of the work
Industry Insight
The information and records management field is undergoing significant transformation as organizations migrate from paper-based to fully digital record-keeping systems. Electronic records management, document imaging, and cloud-based storage solutions are changing the technical skills required for these positions. Regulatory requirements for records retention and privacy protection continue to expand, with HIPAA in healthcare, FERPA in education, and various state and federal regulations increasing compliance complexity. The growth of data governance as a corporate priority is elevating the strategic importance of records management within organizations. Automation and artificial intelligence are beginning to handle routine data entry and filing tasks, shifting the clerk role toward more quality assurance, exception handling, and compliance verification functions. Remote work capability for records clerks has improved with cloud-based systems, though positions handling sensitive or physical records still require on-site presence. Job growth in the specific category of general information clerks is projected to be slower than average as technology reduces demand for routine clerical processing. However, specialized niches in healthcare records, legal document management, and government compliance maintain steadier demand for skilled clerks.
How to Break Into This Career
Entry into information and records clerk positions is among the most accessible of any office-based career, with most employers requiring only a high school diploma and basic computer literacy. Developing strong typing skills—aiming for 50 words per minute or higher with high accuracy—is one of the most practical preparations for the role. Proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel and Word, is expected, and familiarity with database applications strengthens any application. Community college courses in office administration, business technology, or records management provide both skills and credentials that set candidates apart. Temporary staffing agencies frequently place clerical workers, providing opportunities to gain experience across different organizations and industries. Volunteering to manage records for community organizations, churches, or nonprofits builds relevant experience while demonstrating organizational aptitude. Customer service experience from any setting demonstrates the interpersonal skills needed for positions involving public interaction. Attention to detail and accuracy should be emphasized in applications and interviews, as these qualities are the most critical competencies for success in records management roles.
Career Pivot Tips
Retail and customer service workers bring interpersonal communication and computer transaction skills that transfer well to public-facing clerk positions. Data entry specialists already possess keyboarding speed and accuracy, needing mainly to develop familiarity with specific records management systems and compliance requirements. Administrative assistants can narrow their focus to records management, leveraging existing office skills while developing specialization in information governance. Library workers and volunteers possess organizational and cataloging skills that directly align with records management methodology. Bank tellers and financial service representatives understand transaction processing, confidentiality requirements, and attention to detail in document handling. Healthcare administrative workers familiar with patient scheduling and insurance documentation can transition into medical records specialization relatively easily. To strengthen a transition into records management, consider pursuing a certificate program in records and information management or earning ARMA International credentials. Highlighting any experience with databases, filing systems, confidential information handling, or compliance procedures in your resume demonstrates transferable competencies that hiring managers value.