Court, Municipal, and License Clerks

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.

SOC: 43-4031.00

Common Job Titles

City ClerkCourt ClerkLicense ClerkTown Clerk

What You'll Need to Succeed

AI-generated

Key competencies for this occupation at a glance

  • KnowledgeEvaluate case docket information and filing compliance to determine adherence to court standards and regulatory requirements.
  • KnowledgeOrganize administrative workflows and case documentation prioritizing multiple tasks across judicial and municipal functions independently.
  • MindsetBalance confidentiality requirements with public access to information when managing sensitive court records and responding to information requests.
  • KnowledgeApply legal procedures and governmental regulations when processing court documents, licenses, and permits in municipal or judicial settings.
  • Hands-onOperate court recording and data management systems using specialized judicial software and document scanning equipment.
  • MindsetEngage with diverse public stakeholders seeking licenses, permits, or court services demonstrating professionalism and service orientation under time constraints.
  • KnowledgePrepare official correspondence, agendas, and legal drafts for judges, attorneys, and municipal councils following established templates and protocols.
  • KnowledgeExplain licensing requirements, court procedures, and fee structures to members of the public in clear, accessible language.
  • Hands-onExecute financial transactions and fiscal record-keeping collecting fees, processing payments, and maintaining accurate account balances.
  • KnowledgeAnalyze case documentation and legal filings to identify missing information and ensure completeness prior to court proceedings.
Wage Data According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics

Annual wage data for Court, Municipal, and License Clerks (2024)

Estimated Total Employment (U.S.)

170,010

Wage Distribution by Percentile

MetricU.S.
10% of workers earn the following or less$34,860
10% of workers earn the following or more$72,370
Workers on average earn$51,200

+ indicates wage is at or above the BLS reporting cap ($239,200/year)

Skills & Requirements

Key competencies for this occupation, ranked by importance

  • Customer and Personal Service4.5/5
  • Administrative4.3/5
  • Law and Government4.1/5
  • English Language4.0/5
  • Administration and Management3.5/5
Tools & Technology

Equipment and software commonly used in this occupation

In-Demand Technology

Frequently requested by employers in job postings

Adobe AcrobatMicrosoft AccessMicrosoft ExcelMicrosoft Office softwareMicrosoft OutlookMicrosoft PowerPointMicrosoft WordZoom

Technology Skills

Abilis CORIS Offender Management SystemCorel WordPerfect Office SuiteData Technologies SummitEmail softwareIBM Judicial Enforcement Management System JEMSIBM NotesLexisNexisSpreadsheet applications

Tools & Equipment

Audio recording equipmentBallot marking devicesBallot marking systemsCash drawersComputer data input scannersComputer inkjet printersComputer laser printersComputer touch screens