Government Clerk Salary in the USA

A Government Clerk in the USA can earn around $45,010 a year as a broad national benchmark, while government office clerical jobs can pay around $23.27 per hour depending on the agency, state, experience and job title. Government clerk salary can be different for federal, state and local government jobs because there is not only one government clerk position in the United States. Some workers are called administrative clerks, office clerks, records clerks, file clerks, court clerks or government office clerks. In federal jobs, the pay can also follow the General Schedule system. If you are looking for how much a government clerk makes, government clerk salary per year, government clerk hourly pay or government clerk salary by state, the actual income depends a lot on where the clerk works and what kind of clerical work they do.

What Does a Government Clerk Do?

A government clerk usually helps a public office keep its daily work moving. The work can include entering information, preparing documents, checking forms, answering phones, filing records, handling emails, updating databases and helping people at the office counter. A government clerk may work for a city, county, state agency or federal department. The job can look different from one office to another, because some clerks deal mostly with records while others may spend more time with public service and administrative work.

Government Clerk Salary in the USA

The salary for a Government Clerk is not one fixed number in the United States. For a useful general comparison, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reports a median wage of about $45,010 per year, or $21.64 per hour, for Office Clerks, General in May 2025. Workers at the lower end earned less, while higher-paid workers can earn well above the median. Government can also be a better-paying industry for some clerical workers, with BLS reporting a $23.27 median hourly wage for office clerks in government industries outside state and local education and hospitals.

This means a government clerk salary can commonly fall somewhere around the low-$30,000s to $50,000 or more, depending on the job and location. More specialized government clerk positions, federal positions with higher grades, and experienced clerical employees can have higher pay than a basic entry-level clerk job.

Government Clerk Salary by State

Government clerk pay is different across the country. The following table uses May 2025 BLS Office Clerks, General wage estimates as a consistent state-level salary benchmark. These numbers are not a promise of government-only pay, because government clerk titles and pay systems can be different in each state and agency.

The state numbers show why searching only for one national government clerk salary can give a confusing answer. For example, the median wage benchmark is much higher in Colorado and Washington than in some lower-paying states. California also has a higher median than the national figure. Cost of living, local government budgets, agency type, experience and the exact clerk title can all affect what an employee actually earns.

Federal Government Clerk Salary

Federal government clerks do not always have a simple salary number listed as “government clerk.” Many federal administrative and clerical positions are assigned a General Schedule grade and step. The 2026 federal General Schedule starts at different annual rates depending on the grade and step, and locality pay can increase the basic salary in many locations.

For example, the 2026 General Schedule base table lists GS-3 Step 1 at $27,708 and GS-4 Step 1 at $31,103, while the Rest of U.S. locality table lists higher amounts of $32,435 and $36,409 for those same grades and steps. Some lower-grade federal positions can also be covered by special-rate tables. Because of this, a federal clerk salary should be checked using the actual job announcement, grade, step and work location instead of assuming every federal clerk gets the same pay.

Government Clerk Hourly Pay

Government clerk hourly pay can vary quite a bit. As a national benchmark, Office Clerks, General had a median hourly wage of $21.64 in May 2025. The lower 10 percent were below $14.57 per hour and the upper 10 percent were above $31.10 per hour. Government industry pay was higher at a $23.27 median hourly wage for this occupation, but actual government clerk jobs can be higher or lower depending on the position.

Entry Level Government Clerk Salary

An entry level government clerk usually starts with a lower salary than an experienced clerk. The exact starting pay depends on the agency, job grade, state and type of work. A new clerk may start around the low to middle $30,000 range in some areas, while jobs in higher paying states or federal agencies can start higher. Some government jobs also have fixed salary steps, so the employee can get a pay increase after gaining experience or moving to another grade.

People searching for entry level government clerk salary should also look at the job title instead of only the word clerk. An entry level administrative clerk, records clerk, court clerk and federal clerk may all have different starting pay. Education, computer skills and previous office experience can also help a person qualify for a better paying position.

Federal Government Clerk Salary

Federal government clerk jobs can have a more structured pay system than many private office jobs. A federal employee may be placed into a General Schedule grade and step based on the position and qualifications. The actual paycheck can also change because of locality pay, which means the same federal grade does not always have exactly the same salary in every location.

A person working as a federal administrative clerk may therefore earn a different amount from a clerk working for a small city government. Federal benefits can also make these jobs attractive even when the starting salary is not the highest. Health insurance, retirement programs, paid leave and other benefits can be an important part of the total compensation.

State Government Clerk Salary

State government clerk salary depends on the state agency and the state pay system. State departments may employ clerks for offices dealing with motor vehicles, courts, taxation, health services, licensing, public records and many other services. Some positions have a simple hourly wage while others use a state employee pay grade with scheduled increases.

State government clerks can also move into higher administrative positions after gaining experience. A clerk who starts by entering records or answering public questions may later become a senior clerk, administrative assistant, records specialist or another government administrative worker. This can increase income without completely changing the type of office work.

Local Government Clerk Salary

Local government includes city, county and other local public offices. A local government clerk may work at a city hall, county office, public records department, court, licensing office or other local agency. The salary can be different even between nearby cities because local governments have their own budgets and employee pay structures.

City clerk and county clerk positions can sometimes pay more than a basic office clerk position because they may have additional responsibilities. These workers can handle official records, public documents, meeting records, permits, elections related paperwork or other government information. The exact duties depend on the local government and position.

Government Clerk Duties

The daily work of a government clerk is mostly office and administrative work, but it can change from one department to another. Some clerks spend most of their day working on a computer, while others have regular contact with people visiting a government office.

• Enter and update information in government computer systems.
• Prepare, organize and check government documents.
• File paper and electronic records.
• Answer phone calls and emails from the public.
• Help people complete forms and applications.
• Check documents for missing information.
• Make copies, scan records and maintain office files.
• Schedule appointments and meetings when required.
• Process routine government paperwork.
• Protect confidential records and personal information.
• Search databases for records requested by authorized workers.
• Send notices, letters and other official documents.

Government Office Clerk Salary

Government office clerk salary is generally connected to the type of office work being done. A general office clerk may have a lower salary than a specialized clerk who works with court records, legal documents, financial records or technical government systems. Experience with office software and government databases can be useful for getting better positions.

The national Office Clerks, General median of about $45,010 provides a useful starting point for understanding this type of work, but it should not be treated as the exact salary for every government office clerk. Government agencies use many different job titles, and some positions have their own salary schedules.

Government Records Clerk Salary

A government records clerk handles documents and information that an agency needs to store, find and maintain. The job can include scanning documents, entering records into databases, checking files and responding to authorized requests for information. Records work may be found in courts, county offices, police departments, licensing agencies and other public offices.

Government records clerk salary can be close to general clerical pay at the entry level, but specialized records positions may offer more when the employee has experience with records management, databases, privacy rules or government information systems.

Government Administrative Clerk Salary

A government administrative clerk helps an office with many routine tasks. This can include preparing paperwork, entering data, maintaining calendars, answering calls, creating reports and helping supervisors with daily office work. Because the title is used by many different agencies, salary can vary a lot.

Government administrative clerk salary is often affected by the agency's pay grade and the employee's experience. A clerk who can work independently, use several computer systems and handle complicated paperwork may qualify for a higher level position than a new worker doing basic filing and data entry.

Court Clerk Salary

A court clerk works with court related records, documents and public inquiries. Depending on the court, the job may involve filing cases, preparing documents, maintaining schedules, collecting fees or helping people understand where to submit paperwork. Court clerks can work for local, county, state or federal courts.

Court clerk salary is not the same everywhere because courts have different employment systems. Federal court positions, state court positions and local court jobs can all have different pay structures. Experience with legal documents and court procedures can be useful for moving into more advanced court administrative jobs.

City Clerk Salary

A city clerk can have more responsibility than a general office clerk. City clerks may maintain official city records, prepare meeting materials, keep minutes, process public documents and support city government activities. In some cities, the clerk's office may also be involved in elections, licenses or public information requests.

Because city clerk positions can carry significant administrative responsibility, the salary can be higher than an entry-level general clerk position. Small towns may have smaller salaries, while larger cities can offer higher compensation and stronger benefits.

County Clerk Salary

A county clerk works for county government and can be responsible for a wide range of public records and administrative services. Depending on the county, the work may involve court records, property records, licenses, elections, public documents or other county services. Some county clerk positions are elected offices, while other clerk jobs are regular county employee positions.

For this reason, county clerk salary should always be checked against the exact job title. A county office employee with a clerk title may have a completely different salary from an elected county clerk who is responsible for managing an entire government office.

Government Clerk Requirements

Many entry-level government clerk jobs do not require a college degree. A high school diploma or equivalent may be enough for some positions, although the requirements are different between agencies. Government employers can also ask for computer knowledge, typing skills, communication ability and previous office experience.

• High school diploma or equivalent for many entry-level jobs.
• Basic computer and keyboard skills.
• Ability to use email and office software.
• Good written and verbal communication.
• Ability to organize documents and records.
• Attention to small details.
• Ability to follow government rules and procedures.
• Basic math skills for some office positions.
• Ability to work with the public in customer-facing offices.
• Previous clerical or administrative experience can help for higher-level jobs.

Skills Needed for a Government Clerk

A government clerk needs to be comfortable doing routine office work without making many mistakes. Government documents can contain important personal, financial or legal information, so accuracy is a big part of the job. Being able to stay organized is also important because a clerk may have many files, emails and requests to handle during the same day.

• Computer skills
• Data entry
• Typing
• Document management
• Customer service
• Written communication
• Record keeping
• Time management
• Attention to detail
• Basic office software knowledge
• Confidential information handling
• Problem solving

Highest Paying Government Clerk Jobs

Not every clerk position has the same earning potential. General clerical jobs are usually easier to enter, while specialized government clerk positions may require more experience or knowledge. Jobs connected with courts, legal records, financial administration, specialized records or federal agencies can have different pay levels.

• Federal government clerk
• Senior government clerk
• Senior records clerk
• Court clerk
• City clerk
• County clerk
• Government records specialist
• Administrative support specialist
• Legal administrative clerk
• Government program clerk

Government Clerk Salary vs Private Office Clerk Salary

Government clerk and private office clerk jobs can look similar because both may involve computers, paperwork, records and customer service. The biggest difference can be the employment system and benefits. Government jobs often have formal pay grades, employment rules and benefit packages, while private companies can have more flexible salaries based on the employer.

A private office may sometimes offer a higher starting wage, especially in a large company or specialized industry. A government clerk may instead prefer the job because of predictable pay increases, retirement benefits, health benefits, paid leave or long-term employment opportunities. The best choice depends on the worker's priorities and the specific job offer.

How to Increase Government Clerk Salary

A government clerk can improve earning potential by gaining experience and applying for higher-level positions. Moving from basic data entry or filing work into specialized administrative work can be one way to increase pay. Learning government computer systems and becoming good at handling records can also make a worker more valuable.

• Gain experience in government office work.
• Learn advanced Microsoft Office and similar software.
• Improve typing and data entry speed while keeping accuracy.
• Learn records management and document procedures.
• Apply for senior clerk positions.
• Look for higher government pay grades.
• Build experience with specialized government departments.
• Consider federal positions with better grade opportunities.
• Develop customer service and communication skills.
• Continue education when a higher-level position requires it.

Is Government Clerk a Good Job?

Government clerk can be a good job for someone who wants regular office work and prefers a public sector workplace. The work is usually less physically demanding than many labor jobs, and there can be opportunities to move into other government administrative positions. The job can also provide useful experience for people who want to build a longer government career.

The downside is that some clerk jobs can be repetitive. A worker may spend many hours entering information, checking documents or doing similar paperwork. Public-facing clerks can also deal with people who are frustrated about government services. Still, for someone who likes organized office work, government clerk can be a practical entry point into public-sector employment.

Government Clerk Starting Salary

Government clerk starting salary can be different from one agency to another. A person entering a basic clerk position with no previous government experience may start near the lower end of the salary range. Some federal, state and local jobs use a fixed grade or pay schedule, so the starting amount is already set in the job announcement.

Location also matters a lot. A clerk working in a high wage area can have a better starting salary than someone doing similar work in a lower wage area. Federal employees can also receive locality pay in many locations. This is why checking the actual government job posting is more useful than using one average number for every new clerk.

Government Clerk Pay Scale

A government clerk pay scale is normally based on the agency and the position. Federal jobs often use the General Schedule or another federal pay system, while state and local governments can have their own salary grades. A higher grade generally means more responsibility and a higher basic salary.

Employees may also move up within a pay scale after meeting experience requirements. In some government workplaces, promotions are another way to move into a higher salary range. The exact rules depend on the government employer and position.

Government Clerk Salary Per Month

Using the national median benchmark of about $45,010 per year for Office Clerks, General, the monthly gross equivalent is around $3,751 before taxes and other deductions. This is only a simple annual-to-monthly calculation and does not mean every government clerk receives the same monthly paycheck.

For example, a clerk earning $40,000 per year would have a gross monthly equivalent of about $3,333, while a worker earning $50,000 would have about $4,167 before deductions. Actual take-home pay will be lower after federal, state and other deductions.

Government Clerk Salary Per Hour

The national median for Office Clerks, General was about $21.64 per hour in May 2025. Government workers in this occupation can have different hourly pay depending on the agency and location. A government clerk earning $25 per hour would make roughly $52,000 a year if working a standard 40-hour week for 52 weeks, before taxes and assuming the same hours throughout the year.

Hourly government clerk pay can also be affected by overtime rules, part-time schedules and the specific government pay system. Some government employees are paid by salary rather than an hourly wage, even though an hourly equivalent can still be calculated.

Government Clerk Salary by Experience

Experience can have a clear effect on government clerk income. A new employee normally has less responsibility and may start at an entry-level grade. After several years, the worker can become a senior clerk or move into a more specialized administrative position.

These ranges are general examples rather than official salary bands for every government employer. A federal, state or local government position may have a completely different pay structure. Specialized jobs and high-cost locations can also pay above these ranges.

Government Clerk Benefits

Salary is only one part of government clerk compensation. Government employees may receive benefits that can make the total value of the job higher than the basic salary. Benefits depend on whether the employee works for the federal government, a state agency or a local government.

• Health insurance options
• Retirement benefits
• Paid vacation or annual leave
• Sick leave
• Paid holidays
• Life insurance options
• Disability coverage in some systems
• Employee assistance programs
• Possible tuition or education benefits
• Stable government employment structure

Government Clerk Career Growth

A government clerk does not have to stay in the same position forever. Clerical work can give employees experience with government procedures, records, databases and public services. With enough experience, a worker may apply for senior clerk, administrative assistant, records specialist, program support or other administrative positions.

Some employees also use clerical experience as a starting point for a larger government career. Learning how the agency works and building a good record at work can help when applying for internal opportunities. Additional education may be useful when moving into positions that require more specialized knowledge.

Government Clerk Job Outlook

The demand for basic office clerical work can be affected by computer systems, online government services and automation. Many routine tasks that once required paper forms can now be completed digitally. However, government offices still need employees to deal with records, public requests, documents and services that require human review.

The type of clerk work is therefore changing rather than simply disappearing. Workers who are comfortable with databases, digital records, customer service and modern office software can have an advantage over someone who only has traditional filing skills.

Where Do Government Clerks Work?

Government clerks can be found in many different departments. The job title may not always contain the word “government clerk,” so people searching for these jobs should search several related titles. The actual duties are more important than the exact title.

• City government offices
• County government offices
• State government departments
• Federal government agencies
• Courts and judicial offices
• Tax and revenue offices
• Motor vehicle offices
• Public records departments
• Licensing offices
• Public service departments
• Government health agencies
• Election and voter service offices

Government Clerk vs Administrative Assistant

Government clerks and administrative assistants can perform some of the same work, but administrative assistants may have broader responsibilities. An administrative assistant can manage calendars, meetings, correspondence, reports and other support work for managers or departments. A clerk may focus more heavily on records, forms, data entry and routine transactions.

There is also a lot of overlap between these jobs. Some government agencies use administrative assistant titles for work that another agency would call clerical work. For salary research, the exact job description and government pay grade are more useful than the title alone.

Government Clerk vs Office Clerk

An office clerk can work in either the private or public sector, while a government clerk specifically works for a government agency. The daily tasks can be almost the same, such as filing, data entry, answering calls and processing documents.

The main difference is the employer and pay structure. Government clerks may have formal government pay grades and public employee benefits, while private office clerks are paid according to the employer's salary structure.

How Much Does a Government Clerk Make?

So, how much does a government clerk make in the USA? There is no single salary because the position can mean many different jobs. A useful national benchmark is about $45,010 per year for Office Clerks, General, with a median hourly wage of $21.64. Government industry wages for this occupation were around $23.27 per hour at the median in the May 2025 data.

Entry-level government clerks may earn closer to the $30,000 range, while experienced or specialized clerks can reach $50,000, $60,000 or more. Federal positions, senior administrative jobs and government jobs in higher-paying locations can have higher compensation. The best way to know the actual government clerk salary is to check the specific agency, job grade, location and job announcement.

Final Thoughts on Government Clerk Salary

Government clerk is a practical office career for people who like organized work, computers, paperwork and helping the public. The salary is usually not the highest government income, but the job can offer stable work and a path toward better administrative positions. A national benchmark of around $45,010 gives a useful idea of the earning level, but state, federal and local government jobs can be quite different.

Anyone planning to become a government clerk should compare the complete job offer instead of salary alone. Pay grade, location, benefits, retirement, working hours and opportunities for promotion can all change the value of the position. Searching for government clerk salary by state, federal government clerk salary, entry level government clerk salary and government administrative clerk salary can help job seekers find a position that better matches their experience and income goals.

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