What does a City Clerk do?

City Clerks are critical members of local governments, as they conduct, oversee or support much of the day-to-day work that ensures city agencies run well. They often act as liaisons between elected officials and the people they serve as well as between agencies and departments within the local government. As hired employees of the city, these clerks often work closely with city council members, mayors and the leadership of various local agencies. 

City Clerk skills and qualifications

A City Clerk candidate able to successfully step into the role in a local government of any size typically has some specific skills and qualifications. Some skills commonly required in City Clerk job descriptions include:

• Organization and administrative skills

• Computer and data management skills that are necessary in creating, submitting and managing records and reports

• Communication skills, including negotiation and de-escalation skills

• Time management skills, including resource management

• Knowledge and understanding of local laws, government agencies and public processes

• Accounting knowledge or skills for helping manage taxes and budgets

City Clerk experience requirements

Local governments should consider looking for City Clerk candidates with experience working in the public sector or in relevant departments and environments. Public agency project managers or accounting, HR or business leaders in the public or nonprofit sectors may have the type of experience relevant to City Clerk jobs, for example. 

Experience requirements listed in your government clerk job description should align with the specific role. For example, a town that wants a City Clerk to primarily oversee budgeting and taxes might look for candidates with previous accounting and economic experience, even if it’s not in the public sector. 

City Clerk education and training requirements

Most local governments may want city clerk candidates with bachelor’s degrees, though larger cities or those seeking specialists might call for applicants with higher degrees. Consider specifying the type of degree that is relevant to a City Clerk position, such as one in public administration, accounting, project management or business management. 

Stating that certifications are preferred or required can also help ensure candidates demonstrate their skills and knowledge for a City Clerk position. Some job descriptions might cite specific certifications, such as the Certified Municipal Clerk or Master Municipal Clerk credentials. Others may simply list preferences for certifications or education in topics such as urban planning or public policy.

City Clerk salary expectations

According to Indeed Salaries, the average salary for a City Clerk is $66,016 per year. City Clerk salaries can vary based on a variety of factors, especially the size and location of the city in question. Local governments are also structured in different ways, so the title of City Clerk may refer to different types of work in each location, and this can also have an impact on expected pay.

Job description samples for similar positions

We have plenty of other job description samples and related articles. If you’re looking for something other than a City Clerk job description, try some of these other links:

• City Manager

• Account Clerk

• Administrative Clerk

Job description FAQs

What makes a good City Clerk?

A strong candidate for a City Clerk position has excellent organizational, time management and communication skills. They have experience working in government offices or equivalent and relevant experience from the private sector. In many cases, a City Clerk has a degree in public administration or in a field that’s highly relevant to the work they will be doing.

Who does a City Clerk report to?

The City Clerk may report directly to the Mayor or someone in the Mayor’s office. They might also report to a director or other leader within the local government or an individual agency within the government. In some cases, the City Clerk reports to the council.

What’s the difference between a City Clerk and a Clerk of Court?

Both are administrative positions. However, a City Clerk generally works for and within the executive branch of the local government, while the Clerk of Court works within the court system.