What does a records clerk do?
A records clerk is responsible for performing clerical and administrative duties, filing important documents, and keeping the company's files safe. Records clerks sort papers accurately and provide the files only to authorized personnel. They categorize records efficiently and dispose of unnecessary files, following correct procedures of the organization. A records clerk maintains a records database for easy tracking and retrieving of files. A records clerk must have excellent organizational and time-management skills, especially when compiling documents that are urgently needed.
Records clerk responsibilities
Here are examples of responsibilities from real records clerk resumes:
- Utilize SharePoint and Accutrac to convert information, by ensuring constant communication with department records coordinator and project leads.
- Review case files for evictions.
- Proofread all legal documents for signatures.
- Provide the statistics on a Powerpoint presentation.
- Compute, record, and proofread reports.
- Patrol designate districts in patrol cars and on foot.
- Update SharePoint daily for hours work on client records.
- Assist the recruiters and the HRIS team in the hiring process.
- Calendar (Compulaw), and provide prompt responsive service to attorneys
- Monitor CM/ECF and state and local deadlines and note completed tasks.
- Orchestrate the safe and efficient transfer of files to the NARA center.
- Perform QA on case and refer cased to the QA department as needed.
- Experience in document management and records keeping and responsible for keeping office HIPAA compliant.
- Locate, retrieve, and destroy aged records and x-rays according to HIPAA guidelines.
- Handle and maintain maintenance documents and parts changes within CMS comply with FAA requirements.
Records clerk skills and personality traits
We calculated that 24% of Records Clerks are proficient in Data Entry, Customer Service, and Digital Database. They’re also known for soft skills such as Communication skills, Organizational skills, and Integrity.
We break down the percentage of Records Clerks that have these skills listed on their resume here:
- Data Entry, 24%
Handled the data entry of public record documents after reviewing the documents for completeness and requisite information required by Florida Statute.
- Customer Service, 20%
Facilitated requests by lawyers and legal assistants and provided superior customer service while firmly committed to an exemplary team player status.
- Digital Database, 6%
Process and scan files to be entered into computer in digital database.
- Office Equipment, 4%
Operated a variety of office equipment including a computer terminal.
- Management System, 4%
Entered, sorted and stored electronic data and digitized records into electronic record management systems and scanned new documents.
- Computer System, 4%
Responded to requests for confidential law enforcement information by retrieving information from a computer system or micro-fiche.
"data entry," "customer service," and "digital database" are among the most common skills that records clerks use at work. You can find even more records clerk responsibilities below, including:
Communication skills. The most essential soft skill for a records clerk to carry out their responsibilities is communication skills. This skill is important for the role because "information clerks must be able to explain policies and procedures clearly to customers and the public." Additionally, a records clerk resume shows how their duties depend on communication skills: "provided customer service filed correspondence data entry maintain filing room reviewed incidents organized files created logs telecommunications clerical duties"
Organizational skills. Another soft skill that's essential for fulfilling records clerk duties is organizational skills. The role rewards competence in this skill because "information clerks must be able to retrieve files and other important information quickly and efficiently." According to a records clerk resume, here's how records clerks can utilize organizational skills in their job responsibilities: "performed administrative operations of the department which included data entry, filing and organizational projects. "
Integrity. Another skill that relates to the job responsibilities of records clerks is integrity. This skill is critical to many everyday records clerk duties, as "information clerks, particularly human resources assistants, have access to confidential information." This example from a resume shows how this skill is used: "assist other trust fund related departments with data entry with transferring accounts of sensitive data. "
Interpersonal skills. For certain records clerk responsibilities to be completed, the job requires competence in "interpersonal skills." The day-to-day duties of a records clerk rely on this skill, as "information clerks who work with the public and customers must understand and communicate information effectively to establish positive relationships." For example, this snippet was taken directly from a resume about how this skill applies to what records clerks do: "key results: cited for excellence in interpersonal communications, teamwork, customer service, flexibility, and reliability. "
The three companies that hire the most records clerks are:
- The GEO Group9 records clerks jobs
- Chickasaw Nation Industries3 records clerks jobs
- Epiq3 records clerks jobs
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Records clerk vs. Clerk typist
A clerk typist is responsible for data entry procedures and document transcriptions, alongside other clerical and administrative duties as required by the employer. Clerk typists create reports and presentation materials, transcribe audio meetings, write business drafts, and send documents to appropriate office personnel or clients. A clerk-typist must show excellent organizational and time-management skills, especially with handling various typing tasks under strict deadlines and minimal supervision. They also respond and take calls from clients and customers, assisting with their inquiries and concerns.
These skill sets are where the common ground ends though. The responsibilities of a records clerk are more likely to require skills like "digital database," "management system," "patient charts," and "law enforcement agencies." On the other hand, a job as a clerk typist requires skills like "payroll," "input data," "scheduling appointments," and "office procedures." As you can see, what employees do in each career varies considerably.
Clerks typist really shine in the education industry with an average salary of $32,312. Comparatively, records clerks tend to make the most money in the government industry with an average salary of $34,460.The education levels that clerks typist earn slightly differ from records clerks. In particular, clerks typist are 0.7% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree than a records clerk. Additionally, they're 0.3% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Records clerk vs. Administrative clerk
An administrative clerk provides support to staff and does clerical works. These clerical duties include answering and making phone calls, typing documents, compiling and filing records, and scheduling appointments. The clerks often set up office meetings and invite reliable speakers. Also, they do research and prepare reports or presentations. Candidates for the job must be organized, detail-oriented, and can manage their time well. They must be tech-savvy and have a basic knowledge of bookkeeping. The salary depends on their experience, industry, and location of the job.
In addition to the difference in salary, there are some other key differences worth noting. For example, records clerk responsibilities are more likely to require skills like "digital database," "management system," "patient charts," and "subpoenas." Meanwhile, an administrative clerk has duties that require skills in areas such as "patients," "payroll data," "database systems," and "administrative tasks." These differences highlight just how different the day-to-day in each role looks.
Administrative clerks earn a higher average salary than records clerks. But administrative clerks earn the highest pay in the finance industry, with an average salary of $33,044. Additionally, records clerks earn the highest salaries in the government with average pay of $34,460 annually.Average education levels between the two professions vary. Administrative clerks tend to reach similar levels of education than records clerks. In fact, they're 0.7% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.3% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Records clerk vs. Imaging clerk
An imaging clerk works in an imaging clinic or radiology center and handles multiple roles. Their first duty is to handle general clerical operations, such as scanning and uploading of images to a computer or organizing files in an orderly manner. They are also required to schedule appointments, collect the data of patients, and send out electronic copies of scanned images via email. Additionally, they may assist technologists, and they must accept any tasks that are given when the need arises.
There are many key differences between these two careers, including some of the skills required to perform responsibilities within each role. For example, a records clerk is likely to be skilled in "customer service," "digital database," "management system," and "background checks," while a typical imaging clerk is skilled in "patients," "radiology," "image quality," and "pacs."
Imaging clerks earn the highest salary when working in the finance industry, where they receive an average salary of $31,545. Comparatively, records clerks have the highest earning potential in the government industry, with an average salary of $34,460.Most imaging clerks achieve a similar degree level compared to records clerks. For example, they're 1.9% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree, and 0.3% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Records clerk vs. Recording technician
A recording technician specializes in operating audio systems and equipment for various purposes such as recordings, broadcasts, and events. It is their responsibility to prepare equipment according to project or program requirements like microphones, audio lines, speakers, and amplifiers, ensuring everything is accounted for and is functioning efficiently. Aside from setting up equipment, they must also conduct regular maintenance checks and perform repairs as necessary. Moreover, as a recording technician, it is essential to maintain an active communication line with staff for a smooth and efficient workflow.
Even though a few skill sets overlap between records clerks and recording technicians, there are some differences that are important to note. For one, a records clerk might have more use for skills like "digital database," "patient charts," "windows," and "fax machines." Meanwhile, some responsibilities of recording technicians require skills like "database systems," "criminal history," "hard copy," and "alphabetical order. "
In general, recording technicians earn the most working in the government industry, with an average salary of $38,663. The highest-paying industry for a records clerk is the government industry.In general, recording technicians hold similar degree levels compared to records clerks. Recording technicians are 0.9% more likely to earn their Master's Degree and 0.2% more likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.Types of records clerk
Updated January 8, 2025











