Financial Clerks earn $48,620 median salary: 2024 pay & career facts
The median Financial Clerk earns $48,620 a year, according to the latest Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates. That works out to roughly $23 an hour, with half of all workers making between $35,870 and $72,080. With 2.5 million jobs, this is one of the largest office-and-administration occupations in the U.S.
How much Financial Clerks earn
The typical Financial Clerk makes $48,620 at the median. Mean annual wages hit $51,720, or about $24.86 an hour. The bottom 10% earn $35,870 or less; the top 10% pull in $72,080 and up.
Pay varies by industry. Clerks working in securities and commodity exchanges average around $60,000, while those in retail trade or local government often see lower figures. Experience and certifications also push salaries higher.
- Median annual wage: $48,620
- Mean annual wage: $51,720 ($24.86/hour)
- 10th percentile: $35,870
- 90th percentile: $72,080
Pay by state
The BLS doesn't release state-by-state data for this occupation specifically, but national trends hold: states with high costs of living and strong finance sectors — like New York, California, and Massachusetts — tend to pay above the national median. Lower-cost states in the South and Midwest typically pay below $45,000. For exact figures, check your state's OEWS data.
How to become Financial Clerk
Most Financial Clerk jobs require a high school diploma. Employers often look for candidates with an associate degree in accounting, finance, or business administration, but it's not always mandatory.
On-the-job training is standard — you'll learn specific software, data-entry procedures, and company policies. Certification isn't required, but credentials like the Certified Bookkeeper (CB) from AIPB or the Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) can boost your resume and earning potential.
- Minimum education: High school diploma or equivalent
- Preferred: Associate degree in accounting or business
- Typical training: On-the-job, 1–3 months
- Certifications: Optional but helpful (CB, CPP)
Job outlook
The BLS does not provide a specific growth projection for Financial Clerks from 2024 to 2034. Generally, automation and online banking are reducing demand for routine clerical tasks, but clerks who adapt to software and analytical roles will remain in demand. Replacement needs due to retirements and turnover create tens of thousands of openings each year.
Frequently asked questions
What does a Financial Clerk do?
Financial Clerks handle records, process transactions, and assist with accounting tasks. Duties include data entry, invoicing, reconciling accounts, processing payroll, and customer billing.
Is Financial Clerk a good career?
It offers stable work with a median salary of $48,620. The job is a solid entry point into finance, but advancement often requires further education or certification.
How long does it take to become a Financial Clerk?
You can start with a high school diploma and get trained on the job within a few months. An associate degree takes two years.
Salary figures are U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates (OEWS / Employment Projections). For informational purposes only; not career or financial advice. See the full Financial Clerks data.