Court, Municipal, and License Clerks: Salary, Education, and Career Path (2026)
The U.S. has 170,010 court, municipal, and license clerks, and they earn a median of $47,700/year. The range runs from $35K to $72K. Washington pays the most.
What it takes
The BLS lists the typical education for this role as varies by employer.
Entry-level court, municipal, and license clerks start around $35K. The gap between that and the median ($48K) is where experience, certifications, and location make the difference.
Top earners clear $72K, but that's the 90th percentile. Getting there usually takes a decade or more of experience, the right credentials, and being in a high-paying market.
Salary progression
Highest paying states
| State | Median salary | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| Washington | $62K | 3,370 |
| California | $62K | 13,630 |
| Connecticut | $61K | 1,390 |
| Massachusetts | $60K | 2,470 |
| Oregon | $59K | 1,790 |
| Rhode Island | $59K | 770 |
| Maryland | $56K | 2,000 |
| Alaska | $56K | 470 |
| Nevada | $55K | 1,180 |
| Minnesota | $55K | 6,030 |
Frequently asked questions
How much does a court, municipal, and license clerks make?▼
The median court, municipal, and license clerks salary in the United States is $47,700 per year ($23/hour). Entry-level positions start around $34,860, while experienced professionals earn up to $72,370.
What education do you need to become a court, municipal, and license clerks?▼
The BLS lists the typical entry-level education as varies by employer. State licensing or certification requirements vary, so check your state's board for specifics.
What is the job outlook for court, municipal, and license clerks?▼
Check the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook for the latest employment projections for court, municipal, and license clerks.
What are the highest paying states for court, municipal, and license clerks?▼
The highest paying states for court, municipal, and license clerks are Washington ($62,460), California ($62,390), Connecticut ($60,610), Massachusetts ($59,950), Oregon ($58,790). Salaries vary significantly by location due to cost of living and local demand.