Federal Court Clerks are essential to the smooth operation of the U.S. federal judicial system. They manage court records, handle case filings, support judges, and ensure the efficient administration of federal courts across the country. Clerks act as the backbone of judicial administration, balancing organizational responsibilities with legal procedural compliance.
In 2025, federal clerk salaries were adjusted to account for inflation, cost-of-living variations, and the need to retain skilled administrative personnel. This update ensures that federal courts remain competitive in attracting qualified candidates compared to state and local courts or private legal administrative positions.
This guide will cover federal court clerk salaries by grade and location, provide detailed salary tables, explain benefits and allowances, and include a comprehensive FAQ section.
Federal Court Clerk Salary Overview (2025)
The salary of a federal court clerk depends on:
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Grade level under the federal General Schedule (GS) system
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Step increases based on years of service
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Location and associated locality pay
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Specialized duties or supervisory responsibilities
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Overtime or temporary assignment pay (rare for clerks)
Summary Table: Federal Court Clerk Salary by Grade (2025)
| GS Grade | Base Salary (USD) | Locality Pay (%) | Estimated Total Pay |
|---|---|---|---|
| GS-5 | $35,000 – $45,000 | 15 – 33% | $40,250 – $59,850 |
| GS-7 | $42,000 – $55,000 | 15 – 33% | $48,300 – $73,150 |
| GS-9 | $50,000 – $65,000 | 15 – 33% | $57,500 – $86,450 |
| GS-11 | $60,000 – $75,000 | 15 – 33% | $69,000 – $99,750 |
| GS-12 | $72,000 – $90,000 | 15 – 33% | $82,800 – $119,700 |
| GS-13 | $85,000 – $110,000 | 15 – 33% | $97,750 – $146,300 |
Figures based on 2025 General Schedule base pay with projected locality adjustments.
How Federal Court Clerk Salary Structure Works (2025)
1. Federal General Schedule (GS) System
Federal court clerks are federal employees, and their salaries follow the GS pay scale, which includes 15 grades (GS-1 to GS-15) with 10 steps each. Entry-level clerks usually start at GS-5 or GS-7, while experienced senior clerks or supervisory clerks may reach GS-12 or GS-13.
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Each step increase adds a small, incremental raise, typically awarded annually based on performance.
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Clerks are evaluated on accuracy, timeliness, legal knowledge, and administrative skill.
2. Locality Pay Adjustments
Salaries are increased for high-cost regions such as New York, Washington D.C., and San Francisco. Locality pay ranges from 15% to 33% of base salary, ensuring compensation reflects regional living costs.
3. Overtime and Special Assignment Pay
While overtime is uncommon for court clerks, clerks in heavy caseload courts or during emergency filings may receive temporary pay adjustments. Supervisory clerks may receive temporary promotions for covering higher-grade duties.
4. Promotions and Step Increases
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Step increases occur automatically every 1–3 years depending on grade.
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Promotions to higher GS levels typically require additional responsibility, supervisory duties, or specialized expertise in federal procedures.
Federal Court Clerk Salary by Location (2025)
High-Cost Metropolitan Areas
| Location | Base Salary (GS-9) | Locality Pay | Total Pay |
|---|---|---|---|
| Washington, D.C. | $55,000 | 33.26% | $73,293 |
| New York City, NY | $55,000 | 33.00% | $73,150 |
| San Francisco, CA | $55,000 | 42.74% | $78,507 |
Mid-Cost Areas
| Location | Base Salary (GS-9) | Locality Pay | Total Pay |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chicago, IL | $55,000 | 26.25% | $69,438 |
| Dallas, TX | $55,000 | 18.85% | $65,368 |
| Miami, FL | $55,000 | 21.79% | $66,985 |
Low-Cost Areas
| Location | Base Salary (GS-9) | Locality Pay | Total Pay |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kansas City, MO | $50,000 | 15% | $57,500 |
| Des Moines, IA | $50,000 | 15% | $57,500 |
| Little Rock, AR | $50,000 | 15% | $57,500 |
Benefits and Allowances for Federal Court Clerks (2025)
Federal court clerks receive a comprehensive benefits package that enhances total compensation:
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Federal Employee Health Benefits (FEHB): Medical, dental, vision
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Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) pension
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Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) with government contributions
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Life insurance through FEGLI
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Paid leave: 13–26 days annual leave, plus 13 days sick leave
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Paid federal holidays: 11 days
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Relocation and travel allowances (for clerks assigned to new districts)
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Professional development funding: For certifications and legal training
Comparison with State and Private Court Clerks (2025)
| Position | Average Annual Pay | Comments |
|---|---|---|
| Federal Court Clerk (GS-9/11) | $57,500 – $99,750 | Strong benefits, steady advancement, nationwide mobility |
| State Court Clerk | $40,000 – $65,000 | Benefits vary by state, less federal oversight |
| Private Law Firm Clerk | $45,000 – $70,000 | Potential bonuses, less job security, fewer benefits |
Key Factors Influencing Salary in 2025
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Grade Level (GS-5 to GS-13)
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Step increases for years of service
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Location and locality pay adjustments
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Additional supervisory or specialized responsibilities
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Performance evaluations
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Court caseload and complexity
Career Progression for Federal Court Clerks
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Entry-level clerk (GS-5 to GS-7)
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Experienced clerk / Specialist (GS-9 to GS-11)
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Supervisory Clerk / Lead Clerk (GS-12 to GS-13)
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Court Administrator or Deputy Clerk (Senior GS-13 or above)
FAQs — Federal Court Clerk Salary (2025)
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What is the starting salary?
$35,000 – $45,000 depending on GS grade and location. -
Do clerks get locality pay?
Yes, locality pay adjusts salary for high-cost areas. -
Are benefits included?
Yes, including health insurance, pension, and paid leave. -
Can federal clerks earn overtime?
Rarely; they are salaried and work standard federal hours. -
How long does it take to reach GS-13?
Typically 10–15 years, depending on performance and vacancies. -
Do clerks transfer between districts?
Yes, subject to approval and position availability. -
Are there bonuses?
Usually performance-based or temporary assignment pay. -
Can clerks work part-time?
Yes, federal part-time positions are available but may reduce benefits. -
Do federal clerks retire with a pension?
Yes, under FERS with Social Security and TSP contributions. -
Is experience in state courts valued?
Yes, prior court experience may allow higher initial placement.
Conclusion
In 2025, Federal Court Clerk salaries in the USA offer competitive compensation with robust benefits, locality adjustments, and career growth opportunities. The combination of base pay, federal benefits, and long-term retirement options makes the role highly attractive for those seeking stable and meaningful careers in federal judicial administration.
Federal court clerks not only play a vital role in the justice system but also enjoy a well-structured career path, with opportunities to advance into supervisory and administrative leadership positions.