### Bureau of Labor Statistics U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Information Clerks Summary
                        
            
                                                        
                                                                
                        
            
            
            
                            
                                                
                                                
                                                
                                                
            									
							
				                                                
                                            




            			information clerks imageInformation clerks maintain records.							
						Quick Facts:     Information Clerks2023     Median Pay
            						$40,540     per year
										$19.49     per hourTypical Entry-Level Education
                                    See How to Become OneWork Experience in a Related Occupation
                                    NoneOn-the-job Training
                                    See How to Become OneNumber of Jobs, 2022
                                    1,382,600Job Outlook, 2022-32
                                    -4% (Decline)Employment Change, 2022-32
                                    -54,000What Information Clerks Do
                                                
                        
                        
Information clerks perform routine clerical duties, maintain records, collect data, and provide information to customers.
            
                        Work Environment
                        
Although information clerks are employed in nearly every industry, many work in government agencies, hotels, and healthcare facilities. Most information clerks work full time.
            
                                                How to Become an Information Clerk
                                                
                        
Information clerks typically need a high school diploma and learn their skills on the job. Some employers may prefer to hire candidates with some college education or an associate’s degree, depending on the occupation.
            
                        Pay
                        												                            																				    														The median annual wage for information clerks was $40,540 in May 2023.									                                					
						
            
                        Job Outlook
                        						
												Overall employment							of information clerks is projected to decline							 4 percent from 2022 to 2032.
						Despite declining  employment, about 154,100 openings for information clerks are projected each year, on average, over the decade.
            			
            			 All of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to other occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
						State & Area Data
                       Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for information clerks.
            
            
						
                        Similar Occupations
                        
                                                    Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of information clerks with similar occupations.
            
            
                        More Information, Including Links to O*NET
                        
                                               
                        Learn more about information clerks by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
 What Information Clerks Do 
            

			Information clerksReservation and transportation ticket agents issue boarding passes to passengers.			
Information clerks do routine clerical tasks such as maintaining records, collecting data, and providing information to customers.
Duties
Information clerks typically do the following:
Prepare routine reports, claims, bills, or orders
Collect and record data from customers, staff, and the public
Answer questions from customers and the public about products or services
File and maintain paper or electronic recordsInformation clerks do routine clerical tasks in an organization, business, or government. They use telephones, computers, and other office equipment, such as scanners and shredders.
The following are examples of types of information clerks:
***Correspondence clerks*** respond to inquiries from the public or customers. They prepare standard responses to requests for merchandise, damage claims, delinquent accounts, incorrect billings, or complaints about unsatisfactory service. They may also check the organization’s records and type response letters for their supervisors to sign.
***Court clerks*** organize and maintain records for courts of law. They prepare the calendar of cases, also known as the docket, and inform attorneys and witnesses about upcoming court appearances. Court clerks also receive, file, and send court documents.
***Eligibility interviewers*** ask questions both in person and over the phone to determine whether applicants qualify for government assistance and benefits. They provide information about programs and may refer applicants to other agencies for assistance.
***File clerks*** maintain electronic or paper records. They enter and retrieve data, organize records, and file documents. In organizations with electronic filing systems, file clerks scan and upload documents.
***Hotel, motel, and resort desk clerks***, also called *front desk clerks*, provide customer service to guests at the establishment’s front desk. They check guests in and out, assign rooms, and process payments. They also keep occupancy records; take, confirm, or change room reservations; and provide information about the hotel’s policies and services. In addition, front desk clerks answer phone calls, take and deliver messages for guests, and handle guests’ requests and complaints.
***Human resources assistants*** provide administrative support to human resources managers. They maintain personnel records on employees, including their addresses, employment history, and performance evaluations. They may post information about job openings and compile candidates’ résumé for review.
***Interviewers*** ask questions over the phone, in person, through mail, or online. They use the information to complete forms, applications, or questionnaires for market research surveys, census forms, and medical histories. Interviewers typically follow set procedures and questionnaires to get specific information.
***License clerks*** process applications for licenses and permits, including administering tests and collecting fees. They determine whether applicants are qualified to receive a particular license or must submit additional documentation. They also maintain records of applications received and licenses issued.
***Municipal clerks*** provide administrative support for town or city governments by maintaining government records. They record, file, and distribute minutes of town or city council meetings to local officials and staff and help prepare for elections. They may also answer information requests from local, state, and federal officials and the public.
***Order clerks*** receive requests from customers and process their payments, which may involve entering the customer address and payment method into the order-entry system. They also answer questions about prices and shipping.
***Reservation and transportation ticket agents and travel clerks*** take and confirm passengers’ bookings for hotels and transportation. They also sell and issue tickets and answer questions about itineraries, rates, and tours. Ticket agents who work at airports and railroads also check bags and issue boarding passes to passengers.
 Work Environment
			Information clerksHotel desk clerks may work evenings, weekends, and holidays.			

	    
				
	
	    	    		Information clerks held about 1.4 million jobs in 2022. Employment in the detailed occupations that make up information clerks was distributed as follows:
    	    	
    	Hotel, motel, and resort desk clerks
                257,700Interviewers, except eligibility and loan
                175,400Court, municipal, and license clerks
                170,600Information and record clerks, all other
                161,100Eligibility interviewers, government programs
                157,500Order clerks
                132,800Reservation and transportation ticket agents and travel clerks
                123,000Human resources assistants, except payroll and timekeeping
                107,600File clerks
                91,100Correspondence clerks
                6,000The largest employers of information clerks were as follows:
        Traveler accommodation
                17%Healthcare and social assistance
                12State government, excluding education and hospitals
                8Transportation and warehousing
                8Federal government
                7Information clerks work in nearly every industry. Although most clerks work in offices, interviewers may travel to applicants’ locations to meet with them.
The work of information clerks who provide customer service can be stressful, particularly when dealing with dissatisfied customers.
Reservation and transportation ticket agents at airports or shipping counters lift and maneuver heavy luggage or packages, which may weigh up to 100 pounds.
Injuries and Illnesses
Reservation and transportation ticket agents and travel clerks have one of the highest rates of injuries and illnesses of all occupations. Lifting and maneuvering heavy luggage or packages may lead to sprains, strains, or overexertion. To avoid injuries, these workers must follow procedures, such as protocols for safe lifting.
Work Schedules
Most information clerks work full time. However, part-time work is common for hotel clerks and file clerks.
Clerks in lodging and transportation establishments that are open around the clock may work evenings, weekends, and holidays.
 How to Become an Information Clerk

			Information clerksInformation clerks must be comfortable using computers.			
Information clerks typically need a high school diploma and learn their skills on the job.
Education
Although candidates for most of these positions usually qualify with a high school diploma, human resources assistants generally need an associate’s degree. Regardless of whether they pursue a degree, courses in word processing and spreadsheet applications are particularly helpful.
Training
Most information clerks receive short-term on-the-job training, usually lasting a few weeks. Training typically covers clerical procedures and the use of computer applications. Those employed in government receive training that may last several months and includes learning about government programs and regulations.
Advancement
Some information clerks may advance to other administrative positions with more responsibilities, such as secretaries and administrative assistants. With completion of a bachelor’s degree, some human resources assistants may become human resources specialists.
Important Qualities
***Communication skills.*** Information clerks must be able to explain policies and procedures clearly to customers and the public.
***Integrity.*** Information clerks, particularly human resources assistants, have access to confidential information. They must be trusted to adhere to the applicable confidentiality and privacy rules governing the dissemination of this information.
***Interpersonal skills.*** Information clerks who work with the public and customers must understand and communicate information effectively to establish positive relationships.
***Organizational skills.*** Information clerks must be able to retrieve files and other important information quickly and efficiently.
 Pay

			



	
 
                                                     
            
    
                Information ClerksMedian annual wages, May 2023Total, all occupations$48,060  Information clerks$40,540  Information and record clerks$39,030Note: All Occupations includes all occupations in the U.S. Economy.Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics
 

	
	



		
	
	
	
The median annual wage for information clerks was $40,540 in May 2023. 


The median wage is the wage at which half the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $28,590, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $63,430.

			
                    	Median annual wages for information clerks in May 2023 were as follows:
        Eligibility interviewers, government programs
		$50,270Human resources assistants, except payroll and timekeeping
		47,710Information and record clerks, all other
		46,210Court, municipal, and license clerks
		46,110Correspondence clerks
		42,120Order clerks
		41,600Reservation and transportation ticket agents and travel clerks
		40,610Interviewers, except eligibility and loan
		40,300File clerks
		38,130Hotel, motel, and resort desk clerks
		30,790In May 2023, the median annual wages for information clerks in the top industries in which they worked were as follows:	
        Federal government
                $49,920State government, excluding education and hospitals
                46,030Transportation and warehousing
                42,830Healthcare and social assistance
                40,780Traveler accommodation
                30,780Most information clerks work full time. However, part-time work is common for hotel clerks and file clerks.
Clerks who work in lodging and transportation establishments that are open around the clock may work evenings, weekends, and holidays.
 Job Outlook

   
        
    
          
        
    
               Information ClerksPercent change in employment, projected 2022-32Total, all occupations3%  Information and record clerks-4%  Information clerks-4%Note: All Occupations includes all occupations in the U.S. Economy.Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program
            
            
			 
	
	
	

			Overall employment				of information clerks is projected to decline				 4 percent from 2022 to 2032.
			
			Despite declining  employment, about 154,100 openings for information clerks are projected each year, on average, over the decade.
			
			 All of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to other occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
			Employment
	
			
Projected employment of information clerks varies by occupation (see table). The increased use of online ordering and reservation systems and self-service ticketing kiosks will limit demand for these workers.
Local governments will continue to need court, municipal, and license clerks to do tasks such as prepare case dockets, draft agendas, and issue permits. Eligibility interviewers will continue to be needed to determine whether government assistance, such as unemployment or Social Security benefits, is appropriate for people applying for it. However, the adoption of technology in data collection and document processing, which enables people to submit online responses and documents, will likely limit demand for most other interviewers and clerks.
			

                        Employment projections data for     information clerks, 2022-32
                Occupational Title
                        SOC Code
                        Employment, 2022
                        Projected Employment, 2032
                        Change, 2022-32
                        Employment by IndustryPercent
                        NumericSOURCE: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program**Information clerks**
			—
			1,382,600
			1,328,600
			-4
			-54,000
			—**Correspondence clerks**
			43-4021
			6,000
			5,600
			-6
			-400
			Get data**Court, municipal, and license clerks**
			43-4031
			170,600
			175,700
			3
			5,100
			Get data**Eligibility interviewers, government programs**
			43-4061
			157,500
			161,000
			2
			3,500
			Get data**File clerks**
			43-4071
			91,100
			76,500
			-16
			-14,600
			Get data**Hotel, motel, and resort desk clerks**
			43-4081
			257,700
			251,100
			-3
			-6,600
			Get data**Interviewers, except eligibility and loan**
			43-4111
			175,400
			157,600
			-10
			-17,700
			Get data**Order clerks**
			43-4151
			132,800
			108,600
			-18
			-24,200
			Get data**Human resources assistants, except payroll and timekeeping**
			43-4161
			107,600
			102,400
			-5
			-5,200
			Get data**Reservation and transportation ticket agents and travel clerks**
			43-4181
			123,000
			124,600
			1
			1,600
			Get data**Information and record clerks, all other**
			43-4199
			161,100
			165,400
			3
			4,300
			Get data
 State & Area Data **Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS)** The Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program produces employment and wage estimates annually for over 800 occupations. These estimates are available for the nation as a whole, for individual states, and for metropolitan and nonmetropolitan areas. The link(s) below go to OES data maps for employment and wages by state and area. Correspondence clerks
					Court, municipal, and license clerks
					Eligibility interviewers, government programs
					File clerks
					Hotel, motel, and resort desk clerks
					Human resources assistants, except payroll and timekeeping
					Information and record clerks, all other
					Interviewers, except eligibility and loan
					Order clerks
					Reservation and transportation ticket agents and travel clerks **Projections Central** Occupational employment projections are developed for all states by Labor Market Information (LMI) or individual state Employment Projections offices. All state projections data are available at www.projectionscentral.com. Information on this site allows projected employment growth for an occupation to be compared among states or to be compared within one state. In addition, states may produce projections for areas; there are links to each state’s websites where these data may be retrieved. **CareerOneStop** CareerOneStop includes hundreds of occupational profiles with data available by state and metro area. There are links in the left-hand side menu to compare occupational employment by state and occupational wages by local area or metro area. There is also a salary info tool to search for wages by zip code.
 Similar Occupations This table shows a list of occupations with job duties that are similar to those of information clerks. Occupation
                Job Duties
                ENTRY-LEVEL EDUCATION
                2023     MEDIAN PAY**Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing Clerks**
            Bookkeeping, accounting, and auditing clerks produce financial records for organizations and check financial records for accuracy.
            Some college, no degree
            $47,440**Customer Service Representatives**
            Customer service representatives interact with customers to handle complaints, process orders, and answer questions.
            High school diploma or equivalent
            $39,680**Financial Clerks**
            Financial clerks do administrative work, help customers, and carry out transactions that involve money.
            High school diploma or equivalent
            $47,070**General Office Clerks**
            General office clerks perform a variety of clerical tasks, including answering telephones, typing documents, and filing records.
            High school diploma or equivalent
            $40,480**Human Resources Specialists**
            Human resources specialists recruit, screen, and interview job applicants and place newly hired workers in jobs. They also may handle compensation and benefits, training, and employee relations.
            Bachelor's degree
            $67,650**Lodging Managers**
            Lodging managers ensure that guests have a pleasant experience at an accommodations facility. They also plan, direct, or coordinate activities to ensure that the facility is efficient and profitable.
            High school diploma or equivalent
            $65,360**Material Recording Clerks**
            Material recording clerks track product information in order to keep businesses and supply chains on schedule.
            High school diploma or equivalent
            $44,210**Receptionists**
            Receptionists do tasks such as answering phones, receiving visitors, and providing information about their organization to the public.
            High school diploma or equivalent
            $35,840**Medical Records Specialists**
            Medical records specialists compile, process, and maintain patient files.
            Postsecondary nondegree award
            $48,780**Secretaries and Administrative Assistants**
            Secretaries and administrative assistants do routine clerical and organizational tasks.
            High school diploma or equivalent
            $46,010
 Contacts for More Information
								
For more information about human resources assistants, visit
Society for Human Resource Management
CareerOneStop
For a career video on interviewers, except eligibility and loan, visit
Interviewers, Except Eligibility and Loan

                                                
                                                        
                                                                                                    O*NET
                                        Correspondence ClerksCourt, Municipal, and License ClerksEligibility Interviewers, Government ProgramsFile ClerksHotel, Motel, and Resort Desk ClerksHuman Resources Assistants, Except Payroll and TimekeepingInformation and Record Clerks, All OtherInterviewers, Except Eligibility and LoanOrder ClerksReservation and Transportation Ticket Agents and Travel Clerks
 Suggested citation: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S.  Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Information Clerks, 
        	 at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/office-and-administrative-support/information-clerks.htm (visited *May 21, 2024*).
 **Last Modified Date:**
                        Wednesday, April 17, 2024


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