Correspondence Clerks

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Typical Tasks for Correspondence Clerks

The day-to-day work of a correspondence clerks typically centers on maintain files and control records to show correspondence activities. 7 of these 8 tasks are Core O*NET duties; the remainder are common supplemental work. Task descriptions below are quoted from the U.S. Department of Labor's O*NET 29.0 occupation profile.

1. Maintain files and control records to show correspondence activities.Core
2. Read incoming correspondence to ascertain nature of writers' concerns and to determine disposition of correspondence.Core
3. Gather records pertinent to specific problems, review them for completeness and accuracy, and attach records to correspondence as necessary.Core
4. Prepare documents and correspondence, such as damage claims, credit and billing inquiries, invoices, and service complaints.Core
5. Compile data from records to prepare periodic reports.Core
6. Compose letters in reply to correspondence concerning such items as requests for merchandise, damage claims, credit information requests, delinquent accounts, incorrect billing, or unsatisfactory service.Core
7. Route correspondence to other departments for reply.Core
8. Ensure that money collected is properly recorded and secured.Supplemental

Top Skills for Correspondence Clerks

Workers in this occupation rely most on Writing, Reading Comprehension, and Active Listening. Across the top 9 skills, the average O*NET importance score is 3.42 out of 5 — moderately weighted for this role. Importance reflects how essential each skill is for adequate job performance.

Education & Entry Qualifications

Among working correspondence clerks, the most common entry qualification is a High School Diploma (42.9%). Bachelor's-degree-or-higher credentials are reported by 12% of incumbents. Most workers enter without a four-year degree, making this a relatively accessible career path.

Salary by State — Correspondence Clerks

Median annual pay is highest in Connecticut at $55,580 and lowest in New Hampshire at $37,700 — a 1.5× spread. The top five states (Connecticut, Minnesota, California, Oregon, Ohio) average $52,576. Figures reflect BLS OEWS May 2024 state-level wage estimates; percentiles shown are for full-time wage-earners in each state.

Also Known As

Recruiters and job boards use several alternate titles for correspondence clerks. Knowing these variants widens your job search — listings for Authorization and Referral Coordinator or Authorization Coordinator frequently describe the same role. The list below is a sample of the most common industry variants.