A county clerk salary in the USA can be different from one county or state to another, but the average County Clerk salary is around $34,889 per year, or about $17 per hour, based on current 2026 salary estimates. If you are searching for county clerk salary, county clerk salary by state, how much does a county clerk make, or county clerk pay, this guide explains the salary, monthly and hourly pay, state-wise salary, job duties, experience, education, and what can affect the income of a County Clerk in the United States. County Clerks usually work for county government and handle important public records, documents, licenses, elections-related records, court or administrative paperwork, and other official county services. The actual county clerk salary can be higher or lower depending on the state, county size, experience, job responsibilities and local government pay structure.
📑 Table of Contents
County Clerk Salary in the USA
The county clerk is an important local government position in many parts of the United States. County clerks help keep government records organized and make sure public documents are processed correctly. The exact duties are not the same in every county, because some states give the county clerk responsibility for court records, elections, property records, marriage licenses, business records or other public services.
For 2026, the average County Clerk salary is estimated at about $34,889 per year. This comes to around $2,907 per month, about $671 per week, and close to $17 per hour for a typical full-time schedule. Salary.com reports a 25th to 75th percentile range of roughly $32,451 to $37,233 for the position nationwide.
It is important to understand that County Clerk salary data is not exactly the same as general clerk salary data. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics does not publish a separate national wage category specifically called “County Clerk.” One related BLS occupation, court, municipal, and license clerks, had a median annual wage of $52,320 in May 2025. This broader occupation can include different government clerk jobs and therefore should not be treated as the exact salary of every County Clerk.
How Much Does a County Clerk Make a Year?
So, how much does a County Clerk make a year? A current estimate puts the average County Clerk salary at around $34,889 a year. But this is only an average number. A new County Clerk or a clerk working in a smaller county may earn less, while an experienced clerk in a high-paying location or a position with more responsibilities may earn more.
County government jobs can also have different pay grades. Some County Clerk positions are elected offices, while others are regular government employee positions. This difference matters because an elected county clerk may have a salary set by state law, county rules, or another public compensation system rather than a normal private-sector salary scale.
- Average County Clerk salary: about $34,889 per year
- Average monthly pay: about $2,907
- Average weekly pay: about $671
- Average hourly pay: about $17
- 25th percentile salary: about $32,451
- 75th percentile salary: about $37,233
These numbers are useful for understanding the general market, but an actual county clerk job can have a noticeably different salary depending on location and responsibilities.
County Clerk Salary by State
County clerk salary by state can change quite a lot across the United States. Location is one of the biggest factors because county governments have different budgets, pay structures and costs of living. States with higher overall wages can also have higher County Clerk pay, although this is not always the case.
The table below shows current estimated average annual salaries for County Clerks across the 50 states. These figures are useful for comparing the county clerk salary in different states. The District of Columbia is not included because it is not a state.
| State | Salary Amount |
|---|---|
| Alabama | $32,053 |
| Alaska | $37,768 |
| Arizona | $33,996 |
| Arkansas | $31,519 |
| California | $38,483 |
| Colorado | $35,597 |
| Connecticut | $37,286 |
| Delaware | $35,332 |
| Florida | $33,012 |
| Georgia | $33,651 |
| Hawaii | $36,466 |
| Idaho | $32,569 |
| Illinois | $35,563 |
| Indiana | $33,490 |
| Iowa | $33,389 |
| Kansas | $33,221 |
| Kentucky | $32,831 |
| Louisiana | $33,173 |
| Maine | $34,017 |
| Maryland | $35,974 |
| Massachusetts | $37,970 |
| Michigan | $34,359 |
| Minnesota | $35,702 |
| Mississippi | $31,114 |
| Missouri | $33,149 |
| Montana | $32,939 |
| Nebraska | $32,869 |
| Nevada | $34,530 |
| New Hampshire | $35,271 |
| New Jersey | $37,816 |
| New Mexico | $32,315 |
| New York | $37,091 |
| North Carolina | $33,155 |
| North Dakota | $34,464 |
| Ohio | $33,972 |
| Oklahoma | $32,259 |
| Oregon | $35,430 |
| Pennsylvania | $34,732 |
| Rhode Island | $36,173 |
| South Carolina | $32,692 |
| South Dakota | $31,708 |
| Tennessee | $32,605 |
| Texas | $34,032 |
| Utah | $33,410 |
| Vermont | $34,244 |
| Virginia | $35,133 |
| Washington | $37,830 |
| West Virginia | $31,418 |
| Wisconsin | $34,321 |
| Wyoming | $33,459 |
What Does a County Clerk Do?
A County Clerk is generally responsible for handling and maintaining important county records and administrative documents. But the actual job can look different from one county to another. In one county, the clerk may spend a lot of time with court records and marriage licenses, while another county may give the office more responsibility for elections, public records or local government paperwork.
This is one reason why people searching for a county clerk job should always read the actual job description instead of looking only at the job title. Two jobs with the same County Clerk title may have different responsibilities and different salaries.
- Maintain and organize official county records
- Process public documents and government paperwork
- Handle records related to licenses and certificates
- Assist residents who need county records or information
- Prepare, file and retrieve official documents
- Work with other county departments and government offices
- Follow state and county rules for record keeping
- In some locations, assist with elections and election records
- In some counties, handle court-related administrative records
The work may sound mostly administrative, but accuracy is very important. A small mistake in a government record can create problems for residents, courts, businesses or other public offices. County clerks therefore need to be organized, careful and comfortable working with official information.
County Clerk Salary Per Hour
County clerk salary per hour is another common search when people are checking this career. The current average works out to about $17 per hour. The typical range is around $16 to $18 per hour for the middle part of the salary range. A new person entering this type of work can sometimes start below the average, while a more experienced County Clerk can move closer to the higher end.
The hourly number is only an estimate because county government jobs are normally offered as annual or hourly public-sector positions. Some employees may also receive paid holidays, health insurance, retirement benefits and other compensation which is not included in the basic hourly wage.
- Average County Clerk hourly pay: about $17
- Lower common range: about $16 per hour
- Higher common range: about $18 per hour
- Experienced workers may earn above the normal range in some locations
- Benefits can add value beyond the basic hourly salary
County Clerk Salary Per Month
If you are looking at county clerk salary per month, the current average is around $2,907 per month before taxes and other deductions. The lower 25th percentile is around $2,704 per month, while the 75th percentile is about $3,103 per month.
This monthly amount is simply an annual salary divided across 12 months. Actual paychecks can look different because county employees may be paid weekly, every two weeks or according to another local government payroll schedule.
For example, a County Clerk earning $34,889 annually would have a gross monthly salary close to $2,907. After federal taxes, Social Security, Medicare, state taxes where applicable, retirement contributions and insurance deductions, the take-home pay will be lower.
County Clerk Salary by Experience
Experience can have an effect on county clerk salary, although the increase is usually not very large compared with some professional careers. Salary.com currently estimates about $34,483 for an entry-level County Clerk with less than one year of experience. The estimate rises to about $35,246 at 1 to 2 years, around $36,783 at 2 to 4 years, and around $37,120 for more than 8 years of experience.
This shows that experience matters, but it is not the only thing that decides pay. County size, job duties, location and whether the position is elected or employed can have a bigger impact in some cases.
| Experience Level | Estimated Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level, Less Than 1 Year | $34,483 |
| 1–2 Years | $35,246 |
| 2–4 Years | $36,783 |
| 5–8 Years | $37,008 |
| More Than 8 Years | $37,120 |
These are salary estimates and not a guaranteed pay scale for every county. A county with a different compensation structure can pay considerably more or less.
What Affects County Clerk Salary?
There is no single county clerk salary that applies everywhere in America. The pay can change because of several things. A clerk working in a small rural county may have different pay from someone working in a large county with a much bigger population and more records to manage.
- Location: Salary levels are different from state to state and county to county.
- County size: Larger counties can have more complex administrative work.
- Experience: More years in government administration can help with higher-level positions.
- Job responsibilities: A position handling elections, court records or multiple departments may have broader duties.
- Education: Some employers may prefer college-level education or relevant administrative training.
- Government pay grade: Public employers may use fixed salary grades for different positions.
- Union or employee agreements: In some areas, compensation can be affected by collective agreements or local employment rules.
County Clerk Salary in High-Paying States
Some states currently show higher County Clerk salary estimates than the national average. California is around $38,483, Massachusetts around $37,970, Washington around $37,830, New Jersey around $37,816, and Alaska around $37,768 in the current Salary.com estimates.
These higher numbers do not automatically mean that the job is financially better in every case. Cost of living can also be much higher in some of these states. A salary that looks bigger on paper may not provide the same buying power as a lower salary in a less expensive area.
County Clerk Salary in Low-Paying States
At the lower end of the current state estimates are Mississippi, West Virginia, Arkansas, South Dakota and Alabama. Mississippi is estimated at about $31,114 per year, while Alabama is around $32,053.
Lower average salary does not mean every County Clerk in these states earns the same amount. Individual counties can have their own pay schedules, and some positions may include additional benefits or responsibilities.
County Clerk Education Requirements
Education requirements for a County Clerk are not exactly the same across the United States. Some clerk positions may accept a high school diploma and relevant office experience, while other jobs can prefer an associate degree, bachelor's degree or previous government administrative experience.
Because County Clerk is a local government position, the requirements can be decided by state law, county rules or the individual employer. A person interested in this career should check the requirements of the specific county where they want to work.
For an entry-level office clerk type position, strong basic computer and communication skills can sometimes be more important than having an advanced degree. For higher responsibility positions, experience with government records, public administration, elections or legal documents can become more useful.
Skills Needed to Become a County Clerk
A County Clerk deals with public documents and people almost every working day. Good organization is therefore one of the most important skills for this job. The worker needs to find records, enter information correctly and follow government procedures without making careless mistakes.
- Basic computer and office software skills
- Good record keeping ability
- Attention to detail
- Clear written communication
- Customer service skills
- Ability to work with confidential or sensitive records
- Understanding of government procedures
- Ability to organize a large amount of paperwork
- Basic data entry skills
- Ability to communicate with residents professionally
Customer service can also be important because county clerks often deal directly with residents who are looking for documents, certificates, licenses or other public services. Salary.com lists customer service among the commonly mentioned skills for County Clerk roles.
County Clerk Job Duties and Responsibilities
The exact duties depend on the county, but most County Clerk jobs involve a combination of record keeping, document processing, public service and administrative work. The clerk needs to make sure documents are properly received, stored and available when they are needed.
Some County Clerk offices also have responsibilities connected with elections or court administration. This is why one County Clerk job can look quite different from another County Clerk job in a different state.
- Maintain county records and files
- Enter and update information in government systems
- Prepare official documents
- Process applications and public requests
- Issue or maintain certain licenses and records where required
- Answer questions from residents
- Coordinate with county departments
- Retrieve old records when requested
- Follow records retention and government procedures
- Prepare reports and administrative paperwork
Is County Clerk a Government Job?
Yes, County Clerk work is generally connected with local government. County clerks serve their county and perform public administrative duties. However, the exact employment arrangement can be different. Some County Clerk positions are elected offices, while other clerk jobs are regular county government employee positions.
This difference is important when comparing county clerk salary. An elected County Clerk may have compensation established under state or local law, while an employee in a county clerk office may be placed into a county salary grade.
County Clerk Benefits and Other Pay
Salary is only one part of the total compensation for a county government employee. Depending on the county and employment status, a County Clerk may receive benefits such as health insurance, retirement contributions, paid vacation, sick leave and paid holidays.
- Health insurance
- Retirement or pension benefits
- Paid vacation
- Paid sick leave
- Paid government holidays
- Life insurance in some plans
- Disability coverage in some plans
- Training and professional development
The value of these benefits can make a government position more attractive even when the basic salary is not among the highest salaries in the local job market.
How to Become a County Clerk
If you want to become a County Clerk, there is not one single path that works for every county in the United States. The requirements can be different depending on the state and county. Some county clerk jobs are regular government employee positions, while some County Clerk offices are headed by an elected official.
For a regular clerk or administrative position, a high school diploma may be enough to get started. BLS says information clerks typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and learn many of the needed skills on the job. Some employers may prefer college education or an associate degree depending on the position.
A person who wants to move into a higher level county government role can also benefit from education in public administration, business administration, political science, legal studies or a related subject. But having a degree does not automatically mean a person will receive a higher County Clerk salary.
- Finish high school or obtain an equivalent qualification
- Build basic computer and office skills
- Gain experience in administration or public service
- Learn government record keeping procedures
- Look for county government clerk and administrative jobs
- Check the specific requirements of the county
- For elected positions, check state and local election requirements
County Clerk Starting Salary
The county clerk starting salary can be lower than the average salary because new employees normally have less experience and may enter at a lower pay grade. Current estimates from Salary.com put an entry-level County Clerk with less than one year of experience at around $34,483 per year.
That is not a fixed national starting salary. One county may start a new employee at a much lower amount, while another county with a higher government pay scale can offer more. Benefits should also be checked because government employment packages can add meaningful value to the total compensation.
Someone applying for their first county clerk job should therefore compare the complete job offer instead of looking only at the annual salary number.
County Clerk Salary Compared With Other Clerk Jobs
County Clerk salary can look different when compared with other clerk occupations. This is partly because “clerk” is a very broad job category in the United States. A County Clerk may work with government records and public services, while another clerk may work in a court, business office, hospital or private company.
The latest BLS data gives a useful comparison. In May 2025, the median annual wage for court, municipal, and license clerks was $52,320. BLS also reported a median wage of $45,430 for information clerks overall. These figures should not be treated as the exact County Clerk salary, but they show why different clerk salary websites can report noticeably different numbers.
- County Clerk: current estimate around $34,889 per year
- Court, municipal and license clerks: $52,320 median annual wage in May 2025
- Information clerks: $45,430 median annual wage in May 2025
- General office clerks: $45,010 median annual wage in May 2025
The job titles are not interchangeable. Salary research should always match the exact position and duties as closely as possible.
Is County Clerk a Good Job?
County Clerk can be a good job for someone who likes government work, organized office work and helping people with public services. It is not normally a job people choose because they want a very high salary. The bigger attraction can be the stability of local government employment, regular work environment and employee benefits.
The work can also be a good starting point for someone who wants a longer career in local government. Experience with public records, government procedures, administration and residents can help a worker qualify for other county or municipal positions.
- Government work environment
- Mostly administrative and office-based duties
- Opportunity to work directly with the public
- Possible health and retirement benefits
- Experience that can help with other government jobs
- Different career paths depending on the county
On the other hand, the job can become repetitive in some offices. There can also be busy periods when elections, public filings, court deadlines or large record requests increase the workload.
County Clerk Career Growth
Career growth for a County Clerk does not always mean simply getting a bigger salary every year. A worker may move into a senior clerk role, records supervisor position, administrative coordinator job or another county government position.
Experience with government software, records management, public administration and customer service can become useful when applying for more responsible jobs. In a larger county, there can be several levels of administrative positions, giving employees more chances to move up.
For someone who wants to stay in local government for many years, County Clerk work can provide useful experience with how a county actually operates.
County Clerk Salary and Cost of Living
Looking only at the highest county clerk salary by state can be misleading. Cost of living is an important part of the calculation. California, Massachusetts, Washington and New Jersey show some of the higher estimated salaries, but housing and other everyday expenses can also be high in many areas of these states.
In a lower-cost state, a smaller County Clerk salary may sometimes provide similar or even better purchasing power. This is why someone comparing county clerk jobs should check housing costs, transportation, taxes and other regular expenses along with the salary.
Do County Clerks Get Paid More With Experience?
Yes, experience can help increase County Clerk pay, but the increase is usually not automatic. Government employers often use specific pay grades or salary ranges. An employee may need to move into a higher position or receive a scheduled increase to see a meaningful salary change.
Current estimates show a gradual increase from entry-level County Clerk pay toward the experienced range. Salary.com estimates about $34,483 for less than one year of experience and around $37,120 for more than eight years. This suggests that experience can help, but location and job level remain important factors.
Can a County Clerk Make $50,000 a Year?
Yes, a County Clerk can potentially earn $50,000 or more, but it should not be presented as the normal salary for every County Clerk. The current national County Clerk estimate is below $50,000, while some related government clerk occupations reported by BLS have a higher median wage.
A County Clerk working in a larger county, holding a higher-level position or working under a different local compensation system may earn above the general estimate. Elected county officials can also have compensation rules that are different from ordinary clerk employees.
Are County Clerk Jobs in Demand?
County government will continue to need people who maintain public records, process documents and provide administrative services. BLS projects employment for court, municipal, and license clerks to grow about 3% from 2025 to 2035, with projected employment increasing from about 187,000 to 193,300. BLS notes that local governments will continue to need these workers for tasks such as preparing case dockets, drafting agendas and issuing permits.
This related occupation is a better benchmark for County Clerk work than using the overall office clerk outlook. Technology is changing government administration, but local offices still need people to handle official documents, public requests and government procedures.
County Clerk Job Outlook
The future of County Clerk jobs will probably depend on both government staffing needs and how much administrative work becomes digital. Many records that were once handled only on paper are now stored electronically. Online forms and digital document systems can reduce some routine work.
At the same time, local governments still need employees who understand the rules behind these records. Digital systems do not remove the need for someone to check information, answer residents, process official documents and make sure records are handled correctly.
For this reason, computer skills are becoming more useful for County Clerks. A worker who can use modern government databases, electronic records systems and common office software can have an advantage over someone who only knows traditional paperwork.
County Clerk vs City Clerk
County Clerk and City Clerk can sound like the same job, but they normally serve different levels of local government. A County Clerk works for a county government, while a City Clerk works for a city or municipality.
The responsibilities can overlap, including records, public documents, meetings and administrative services. But the exact duties depend heavily on state law and local government structure.
- County Clerk: Works at the county government level
- City Clerk: Works at the city or municipal level
- County responsibilities: Can cover county-wide records and services
- City responsibilities: Usually focus on municipal government records and services
- Salary: Both can vary greatly by location and government pay structure
Final Thoughts on County Clerk Salary
The county clerk salary in the USA is not one fixed number because this is a local government position with different structures across the country. Current estimates place the average around $34,889 per year, or about $17 per hour, but actual pay can change based on state, county, experience, duties and employment type.
For people searching how much does a County Clerk make, the most important thing is to look beyond one national salary number. State and county location can make a real difference, and government benefits can also add value to the total compensation.
County Clerk can be a practical career for someone interested in public service, records management and local government. It may not be one of the highest-paying government careers, but it can provide stable administrative work and a path toward other local government positions.