A Research Clerk typically supports research-driven work with detailed records management — pulling references, verifying data, maintaining databases, and coordinating with researchers, librarians, or analysts.
Daily rhythm involves information retrieval, data entry, source verification, and coordination with research teams. You'll often work across catalogs, databases, and primary sources, with accuracy on citations and references being central. Pacing tends to follow project cycles and research priorities.
The detail discipline can surprise newcomers — small errors in citations or data entry can affect downstream research outputs. Coordination with researchers, analysts, and librarians is constant. The work often requires more independent judgment than the title suggests.
People who thrive here typically have strong attention to detail, comfort with structured records, and curiosity about subject matter. The temperament to handle careful, accurate work over long stretches usually matters more than any specific prior background.
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Roles like this one sit within a broader occupational category. The numbers below reflect that full landscape — helpful for context, but your specific experience will depend on level, specialty, and where you work.
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View all Admin & Office roles →A Research Clerk typically supports research-driven work with detailed records management — pulling references, verifying data, maintaining databases, and coordinating with researchers, librarians, or analysts.
Median pay for a Research Clerk is about $37K nationally, with the field ranging roughly from $28K to $49K depending on experience, employer, and metro (BLS).
Core skills for this role include Speaking, Active Listening, Service Orientation, Social Perceptiveness, and Critical Thinking.
Most people in this role hold a high school diploma.
Employment in this field is projected to grow about 0% through 2034, with roughly 964,530 people working in it today (BLS).
Closely related roles include Office Assistant, Member Services Representative (Member Services Rep), and Customer Care Representative (CCR).
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