File Clerks
High71.35%
Found in Industries:
Salary Range
Low (10th %)$27,040
Median$38,130
High (90th %)$58,140
AI Prompt Guides for File Clerks
Unlock expert prompt guides tailored for this File Clerks. Get strategies to boost your productivity and results with AI.
AI Prompt Tool for File Clerks
Experiment with and customize AI prompts designed for this occupation. Try, edit, and save prompts for your workflow.
File correspondence, cards, invoices, receipts, and other records in alphabetical or numerical order or according to the filing system used. Locate and remove material from file when requested.
The occupation of "File Clerks" carries an automation risk of 71.3%, which is closely aligned with its base risk of 72.4%. This elevated risk level is primarily due to the routine and repetitive nature of many of the tasks performed in this role, making them well-suited for automation through current technologies. The digitalization of records management and advancements in artificial intelligence and machine learning further contribute to the vulnerability of these jobs. As businesses strive to improve efficiency and reduce costs, the shift from physical to digital filing systems has accelerated, making manual filing less necessary. Consequently, positions devoted exclusively to handling and organizing paper-based documents are increasingly at risk of displacement by software and automated solutions. Among the most automatable tasks for file clerks are activities that involve sorting, categorizing, and managing information flows. Specifically, tasks like scanning or reading incoming materials to determine how and where they should be classified or filed are particularly susceptible to automation, given the capabilities of modern document recognition systems. Similarly, inputting data such as file numbers or updated information into computer systems is highly automatable, as data entry can be efficiently managed by software or even robotic process automation (RPA) tools. Lastly, general office activities—including typing, answering telephones, operating office machines, processing mail, or securing confidential materials—are increasingly addressed by a combination of smart software, virtual assistants, and improved hardware, further contributing to job automation. However, certain tasks within the file clerk occupation exhibit greater resistance to automation. For example, retrieving documents stored on microfilm or microfiche and placing them in viewers for reading requires manual handling and familiarity with legacy equipment, which is not yet widely automated. Other resistant tasks include assigning and recording or stamping identification numbers or codes to index materials for filing, which often involve unique judgment and attention to detail. Operating mechanized files that rotate to bring records to a specific location also requires a level of hands-on interaction that automation rarely replicates effectively. The main bottlenecks in automating this occupation are skills related to originality, with the occupation requiring originality at just 2.9% and 2.8% levels, reflecting that while some creativity or problem-solving is involved, it is minimal and not a significant barrier to automation. As such, the overall high risk stems from the fact that most tasks in this occupation do not require advanced cognitive or social skills that machines currently struggle to replicate.
Filter by Automatable Status
Scan or read incoming materials to determine how and where they should be classified or filed.
Automatable
Input data, such as file numbers, new or updated information, or document information codes into computer systems to support document and information retrieval.
Automatable
Perform general office activities, such as typing, answering telephones, operating office machines, processing mail, or securing confidential materials.
Partially Automatable
Sort or classify information according to guidelines, such as content, purpose, user criteria, or chronological, alphabetical, or numerical order.
Automatable
Answer questions about records or files.
Automatable
Keep records of materials filed or removed, using logbooks or computers and generate computerized reports.
Automatable
Add new material to file records or create new records as necessary.
Automatable
Gather materials to be filed from departments or employees.
Partially Automatable
Track materials removed from files to ensure that borrowed files are returned.
Automatable
Place materials into storage receptacles, such as file cabinets, boxes, bins, or drawers, according to classification and identification information.
Non-Automatable
Eliminate outdated or unnecessary materials, destroying them or transferring them to inactive storage, according to file maintenance guidelines or legal requirements.
Partially Automatable
Perform periodic inspections of materials or files to ensure correct placement, legibility, or proper condition.
Partially Automatable
Modify or improve filing systems or implement new filing systems.
Partially Automatable
Design forms related to filing systems.
Partially Automatable
Operate mechanized files that rotate to bring needed records to a particular location.
Automatable
Assign and record or stamp identification numbers or codes to index materials for filing.
Automatable
Retrieve documents stored in microfilm or microfiche and place them in viewers for reading.
Non-Automatable
Find, retrieve, and make copies of information from files in response to requests and deliver information to authorized users.
Automatable
Complete general financial activities, such as processing accounts payable, reviewing invoices, collecting cash payments, or issuing receipts.
Partially Automatable
Reading ComprehensionActive ListeningCritical ThinkingComplex Problem SolvingOperations MonitoringQuality Control AnalysisSystems EvaluationManagement of Personnel ResourcesWritingSpeakingMathematicsScienceActive LearningLearning StrategiesMonitoringSocial PerceptivenessCoordinationPersuasionNegotiationInstructingService OrientationOperations AnalysisTechnology DesignEquipment SelectionInstallationProgrammingOperation and ControlEquipment MaintenanceTroubleshootingRepairingJudgment and Decision MakingSystems AnalysisTime ManagementManagement of Financial ResourcesManagement of Material Resources
Arm-Hand SteadinessAuditory AttentionCategory FlexibilityControl PrecisionDeductive ReasoningDepth PerceptionDynamic FlexibilityDynamic StrengthExplosive StrengthExtent FlexibilityFar VisionFinger DexterityFlexibility of ClosureFluency of IdeasGlare SensitivityGross Body CoordinationGross Body EquilibriumHearing SensitivityInductive ReasoningInformation OrderingManual DexterityMathematical ReasoningMemorizationMultilimb CoordinationNear VisionNight VisionNumber FacilityOral ComprehensionOral ExpressionOriginalityPerceptual SpeedPeripheral VisionProblem SensitivityRate ControlReaction TimeResponse OrientationSelective AttentionSound LocalizationSpatial OrientationSpeech ClaritySpeech RecognitionSpeed of ClosureSpeed of Limb MovementStaminaStatic StrengthTime SharingTrunk StrengthVisual Color DiscriminationVisualizationWrist-Finger SpeedWritten ComprehensionWritten Expression
Administration and ManagementAdministrativeEconomics and AccountingSales and MarketingCustomer and Personal ServicePersonnel and Human ResourcesProduction and ProcessingFood ProductionComputers and ElectronicsEngineering and TechnologyDesignBuilding and ConstructionMechanicalMathematicsPhysicsChemistryBiologyPsychologySociology and AnthropologyGeographyMedicine and DentistryEducation and TrainingPhilosophy and TheologyPublic Safety and SecurityLaw and GovernmentTelecommunicationsCommunications and MediaTransportationForeign LanguageEnglish LanguageFine ArtsTherapy and CounselingHistory and Archeology
Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or MaterialsMonitoring Processes, Materials, or SurroundingsEstimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or InformationGetting InformationIdentifying Objects, Actions, and EventsJudging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or PeopleProcessing InformationEvaluating Information to Determine Compliance with StandardsAnalyzing Data or InformationMaking Decisions and Solving ProblemsThinking CreativelyUpdating and Using Relevant KnowledgeDeveloping Objectives and StrategiesScheduling Work and ActivitiesOrganizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkPerforming General Physical ActivitiesHandling and Moving ObjectsControlling Machines and ProcessesOperating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or EquipmentWorking with ComputersDocumenting/Recording InformationInterpreting the Meaning of Information for OthersCommunicating with Supervisors, Peers, or SubordinatesCommunicating with People Outside the OrganizationEstablishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsAssisting and Caring for OthersSelling or Influencing OthersResolving Conflicts and Negotiating with OthersPerforming for or Working Directly with the PublicCoordinating the Work and Activities of OthersDeveloping and Building TeamsTraining and Teaching OthersGuiding, Directing, and Motivating SubordinatesCoaching and Developing OthersProviding Consultation and Advice to OthersPerforming Administrative ActivitiesStaffing Organizational UnitsMonitoring and Controlling ResourcesRepairing and Maintaining Electronic EquipmentRepairing and Maintaining Mechanical EquipmentDrafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment
Microsoft WindowsElectronic filing softwareOptical scanning softwareMicrosoft Office softwareMicrosoft OutlookMicrosoft PowerPointMicrosoft SharePointMicrosoft WordMicrosoft AccessWord processing softwareElectronic health record EHR softwareIntuit QuickBooksMicrosoft ExcelMicrosoft WindowsElectronic filing softwareOptical scanning softwareWord processing softwareMicrosoft Office softwareMicrosoft OutlookMicrosoft PowerPointMicrosoft SharePointMicrosoft WordElectronic health record EHR softwareIntuit QuickBooksMicrosoft ExcelAdobe AcrobatAdobe AcrobatEmail softwareEmail softwareMicrosoft Access
Administrative Services Managers
Medium45.13%
Plan, direct, or coordinate one or more administrative services of an organization, such as records and information management, mail distribution, and other office support services.
Database Administrators
Medium50.55%
Administer, test, and implement computer databases, applying knowledge of database management systems. Coordinate changes to computer databases. Identify, investigate, and resolve database performance issues, database capacity, and database scalability. May plan, coordinate, and implement security measures to safeguard computer databases.
Document Management Specialists
Medium56.74%
Implement and administer enterprise-wide document management systems and related procedures that allow organizations to capture, store, retrieve, share, and destroy electronic records and documents.
Title Examiners, Abstractors, and Searchers
Medium60.33%
Search real estate records, examine titles, or summarize pertinent legal or insurance documents or details for a variety of purposes. May compile lists of mortgages, contracts, and other instruments pertaining to titles by searching public and private records for law firms, real estate agencies, or title insurance companies.
Archivists
Medium51.16%
Appraise, edit, and direct safekeeping of permanent records and historically valuable documents. Participate in research activities based on archival materials.
Library Technicians
Medium62.26%
Assist librarians by helping readers in the use of library catalogs, databases, and indexes to locate books and other materials; and by answering questions that require only brief consultation of standard reference. Compile records; sort and shelve books or other media; remove or repair damaged books or other media; register patrons; and check materials in and out of the circulation process. Replace materials in shelving area (stacks) or files. Includes bookmobile drivers who assist with providing services in mobile libraries.
Medical Records Specialists
High73.53%
Compile, process, and maintain medical records of hospital and clinic patients in a manner consistent with medical, administrative, ethical, legal, and regulatory requirements of the healthcare system. Classify medical and healthcare concepts, including diagnosis, procedures, medical services, and equipment, into the healthcare industry's numerical coding system. Includes medical coders.
Health Information Technologists and Medical Registrars
Medium57.81%
Apply knowledge of healthcare and information systems to assist in the design, development, and continued modification and analysis of computerized healthcare systems. Abstract, collect, and analyze treatment and followup information of patients. May educate staff and assist in problem solving to promote the implementation of the healthcare information system. May design, develop, test, and implement databases with complete history, diagnosis, treatment, and health status to help monitor diseases.
Billing and Posting Clerks
High79.60%
Compile, compute, and record billing, accounting, statistical, and other numerical data for billing purposes. Prepare billing invoices for services rendered or for delivery or shipment of goods.
Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing Clerks
High84.94%
Compute, classify, and record numerical data to keep financial records complete. Perform any combination of routine calculating, posting, and verifying duties to obtain primary financial data for use in maintaining accounting records. May also check the accuracy of figures, calculations, and postings pertaining to business transactions recorded by other workers.
Payroll and Timekeeping Clerks
High77.74%
Compile and record employee time and payroll data. May compute employees' time worked, production, and commission. May compute and post wages and deductions, or prepare paychecks.
Correspondence Clerks
High78.29%
Compose letters or electronic correspondence in reply to requests for merchandise, damage claims, credit and other information, delinquent accounts, incorrect billings, or unsatisfactory services. Duties may include gathering data to formulate reply and preparing correspondence.
Postal Service Mail Sorters, Processors, and Processing Machine Operators
Medium51.33%
Prepare incoming and outgoing mail for distribution for the United States Postal Service (USPS). Examine, sort, and route mail. Load, operate, and occasionally adjust and repair mail processing, sorting, and canceling machinery. Keep records of shipments, pouches, and sacks, and perform other duties related to mail handling within the postal service. Includes postal service mail sorters and processors employed by USPS contractors.
Medical Secretaries and Administrative Assistants
High79.20%
Perform secretarial duties using specific knowledge of medical terminology and hospital, clinic, or laboratory procedures. Duties may include scheduling appointments, billing patients, and compiling and recording medical charts, reports, and correspondence.
Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical, and Executive
High71.06%
Perform routine administrative functions such as drafting correspondence, scheduling appointments, organizing and maintaining paper and electronic files, or providing information to callers.
Data Entry Keyers
High74.25%
Operate data entry device, such as keyboard or photo composing perforator. Duties may include verifying data and preparing materials for printing.
Word Processors and Typists
High83.45%
Use word processor, computer, or typewriter to type letters, reports, forms, or other material from rough draft, corrected copy, or voice recording. May perform other clerical duties as assigned.
Office Clerks, General
Medium65.57%
Perform duties too varied and diverse to be classified in any specific office clerical occupation, requiring knowledge of office systems and procedures. Clerical duties may be assigned in accordance with the office procedures of individual establishments and may include a combination of answering telephones, bookkeeping, typing or word processing, office machine operation, and filing.
Office Machine Operators, Except Computer
Medium57.72%
Operate one or more of a variety of office machines, such as photocopying, photographic, and duplicating machines, or other office machines.
Statistical Assistants
High75.61%
Compile and compute data according to statistical formulas for use in statistical studies. May perform actuarial computations and compile charts and graphs for use by actuaries. Includes actuarial clerks.
Librarians and Media Collections Specialists
Medium50.09%
Administer and maintain libraries or collections of information, for public or private access through reference or borrowing. Work in a variety of settings, such as educational institutions, museums, and corporations, and with various types of informational materials, such as books, periodicals, recordings, films, and databases. Tasks may include acquiring, cataloging, and circulating library materials, and user services such as locating and organizing information, providing instruction on how to access information, and setting up and operating a library's media equipment.
Technical Writers
Medium54.19%
Write technical materials, such as equipment manuals, appendices, or operating and maintenance instructions. May assist in layout work.
Court Reporters and Simultaneous Captioners
High79.75%
Use verbatim methods and equipment to capture, store, retrieve, and transcribe pretrial and trial proceedings or other information. Includes stenocaptioners who operate computerized stenographic captioning equipment to provide captions of live or prerecorded broadcasts for hearing-impaired viewers.
Medical Transcriptionists
High67.76%
Transcribe medical reports recorded by physicians and other healthcare practitioners using various electronic devices, covering office visits, emergency room visits, diagnostic imaging studies, operations, chart reviews, and final summaries. Transcribe dictated reports and translate abbreviations into fully understandable form. Edit as necessary and return reports in either printed or electronic form for review and signature, or correction.
Police Identification and Records Officers
Low31.22%
Collect evidence at crime scene, classify and identify fingerprints, and photograph evidence for use in criminal and civil cases.
Court, Municipal, and License Clerks
Medium65.96%
Perform clerical duties for courts of law, municipalities, or governmental licensing agencies and bureaus. May prepare docket of cases to be called; secure information for judges and court; prepare draft agendas or bylaws for town or city council; answer official correspondence; keep fiscal records and accounts; issue licenses or permits; and record data, administer tests, or collect fees.
Interviewers, Except Eligibility and Loan
Medium54.04%
Interview persons by telephone, mail, in person, or by other means for the purpose of completing forms, applications, or questionnaires. Ask specific questions, record answers, and assist persons with completing form. May sort, classify, and file forms.
Library Assistants, Clerical
Medium59.54%
Compile records, and sort, shelve, issue, and receive library materials such as books, electronic media, pictures, cards, slides and microfilm. Locate library materials for loan and replace material in shelving area, stacks, or files according to identification number and title. Register patrons to permit them to borrow books, periodicals, and other library materials.
Postal Service Clerks
High70.36%
Perform any combination of tasks in a United States Postal Service (USPS) post office, such as receive letters and parcels; sell postage and revenue stamps, postal cards, and stamped envelopes; fill out and sell money orders; place mail in pigeon holes of mail rack or in bags; and examine mail for correct postage. Includes postal service clerks employed by USPS contractors.
Desktop Publishers
Medium65.37%
Format typescript and graphic elements using computer software to produce publication-ready material.
Mail Clerks and Mail Machine Operators, Except Postal Service
Medium58.07%
Prepare incoming and outgoing mail for distribution. Time-stamp, open, read, sort, and route incoming mail; and address, seal, stamp, fold, stuff, and affix postage to outgoing mail or packages. Duties may also include keeping necessary records and completed forms.
Proofreaders and Copy Markers
High74.34%
Read transcript or proof type setup to detect and mark for correction any grammatical, typographical, or compositional errors. Excludes workers whose primary duty is editing copy. Includes proofreaders of braille.
Stockers and Order Fillers
Medium56.05%
Receive, store, and issue merchandise, materials, equipment, and other items from stockroom, warehouse, or storage yard to fill shelves, racks, tables, or customers' orders. May operate power equipment to fill orders. May mark prices on merchandise and set up sales displays.