Job Outlook for:
Information Clerks

SOC: 43-4071        OOH: U359

Information Clerks Quick Stats
Total Jobs in 2016	1,516,800
Expected Growth	3%    (Slower than average)
New Jobs To Be Added from 2016 to 2026	38,900
Median Pay	$25,000 to $34,999

 

• Job Outlook for Information Clerks
• Pay for Information Clerks
• What do Information Clerks do all day
• The work environment
• How to become one

 

 

 

Employment Outlook for Information Clerks

Employment of information clerks is projected to grow 3 percent from 2016 to 2026, slower than the average for all occupations. Employment growth of information clerks will vary by occupation. (See table below.)

Growth in the overall employment of information clerks is expected to be limited as organizations and businesses consolidate their administrative functions. For example, businesses increasingly use online applications for benefits and employment, thereby streamlining the process and requiring fewer workers.

Furthermore, increased use of online ordering and reservations systems and self-service ticketing kiosks will result in the need for fewer clerks to process orders and maintain files. In some businesses, including medical offices, receptionists and other workers are increasingly performing tasks that used to be done by clerks.

Job Prospects

Overall job prospects should be good because of the need to replace workers who leave the occupation each year. Workers with previous clerical or customer service experience and education beyond high school should have the best prospects.

 

 

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Typical Pay for Information Clerks

The median annual wage for information clerks was $32,920 in May 2016. 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 $20,090, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $53,720.

Median annual wages for information clerks in May 2016 were as follows:

Eligibility interviewers, government programs	$43,350
Information and record clerks, all other	39,260
Human resources assistants, except payroll and timekeeping	39,020
Court, municipal, and license clerks	36,670
Correspondence clerks	36,370
Reservation and transportation ticket agents and travel clerks	35,230
Order clerks	33,370
Interviewers, except eligibility and loan	32,150
File clerks	29,090
Hotel, motel, and resort desk clerks	22,070

In May 2016, the median annual wages for information clerks in the top industries in which they worked were as follows:

Government	$40,140
Transportation and warehousing	38,370
Healthcare and social assistance	32,240
Administrative and support services	30,790
Traveler accommodation	22,220

Most information clerks worked full time in 2016. 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.

Union Membership

Compared with workers in all occupations, court, municipal, and license clerks, and government program eligibility interviewers, had a higher percentage of workers who belonged to a union in 2016.

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What Information Clerks Do All Day

Information clerks perform routine clerical duties 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 records

Information clerks perform routine office support functions in an organization, business, or government. They use telephones, computers, and other office equipment such as scanners and fax machines.

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 services. They may also review the organization’s records and type response letters for their supervisors to sign.

Court clerks organize and maintain court records. They prepare the calendar of cases, also known as the docket, and inform attorneys and witnesses about their upcoming court appearances. Court clerks also receive, file, and forward court documents.

Eligibility interviewers conduct interviews both in person and over the phone to determine if applicants qualify for government assistance and benefits. They answer applicants’ questions about programs and may refer them 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 on 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. For example, when guests report problems in their rooms, clerks coordinate with maintenance staff to resolve the issue.

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’ résumés for review.

Interviewers conduct interviews 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 obtain specific information.

License clerks process applications for licenses and permits, administer tests, and collect application fees. They determine if applicants are qualified to receive particular licenses or if additional documentation needs to be submitted. 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, maintain, and distribute minutes of town or city council meetings to local officials and staff and help prepare for elections. They may also answer requests for information from local, state, and federal officials and the public.

Order clerks receive orders from customers and process payments. For example, they may enter customer information, such as addresses and payment methods, 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’ reservations for hotels and transportation. They also sell and issue tickets and answer questions about itineraries, rates, and package tours. Ticket agents who work at airports and railroads also check bags and issue boarding passes to passengers.

 

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Work Environment for Information Clerks

Information clerks held about 1.5 million jobs in 2016. Employment in the detailed occupations that make up information clerks was distributed as follows:

Hotel, motel, and resort desk clerks	252,600
Interviewers, except eligibility and loan	194,700
Order clerks	179,000
Information and record clerks, all other	178,100
Reservation and transportation ticket agents and travel clerks	150,100
Eligibility interviewers, government programs	143,100
Human resources assistants, except payroll and timekeeping	141,500
Court, municipal, and license clerks	135,500
File clerks	135,000
Correspondence clerks	7,200

The largest employers of information clerks were as follows:

Government	26%
Traveler accommodation	16
Healthcare and social assistance	12
Transportation and warehousing	8
Administrative and support services	6

Information clerks work in nearly every industry. Although most clerks work in an office setting, interviewers may travel to applicants’ locations to interview 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, sometimes weighing up to 100 pounds.

Injuries and Illnesses

Information clerks who work as reservation and transportation ticket agents have one of the highest rates of injuries and illnesses of all occupations. The most common injuries are muscle strains, such as from lifting heavy suitcases.

Work Schedules

Most information clerks worked full time in 2016. 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.

 

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How To Become an Information Clerk

Information clerks typically need a high school diploma and learn their skills on the job.

Education

Although candidates for most positions usually qualify with a high school diploma, human resources assistants generally need an associate’s degree. Whether pursuing a degree or not, 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 various 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 in order to establish positive relationships.

Organizational skills. Information clerks must be able to retrieve files and other important information quickly and efficiently.

 

 

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