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2024 Data

Court Clerk Salary in Houston, TX: $46,113 (2024)

Official 2024 BLS Data | $22.17/hour | $29,949 - $68,904 range

Median Annual Salary

$46,113

0.6% vs national

Hourly Rate

$22.17

/hour

Jobs in Area

150

employed

Salary Range$29,949 - $68,904
10th %Median90th %
Data from Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) | Editorial guidelines

Compare to Other Cities

See All →

Houston, TX

$46,113

San Jose, CA

$64,420

$18,307 more (+39.7%)

in San Jose, CA

Court Clerk Salary Range in Houston, TX

Annual Salary Range

$46k

$30k

10th percentile

$37k

25th

$55k

75th

$69k

90th percentile

Salary Breakdown by Percentile

PercentileAnnual SalaryHourly Rate
10th Percentile (Entry Level)$29,949$14.40
25th Percentile$36,682$17.64
Median (50th Percentile)$46,113$22.17
75th Percentile$55,141$26.51
90th Percentile (Top Earners)$68,904$33.13
Average (Mean)$50,226$24.15

Court Clerk Market Insights for Houston, TX

Compensation Overview

Court Clerk compensation in Houston, TX aligns with regional expectations. The salary range from $29,949 to $68,904 provides a clear picture of earning potential at different career stages.

Local Market Context

Houston, TX offers competitive compensation that aligns closely with national benchmarks. The Texas economy supports a diverse range of industries, providing stable employment opportunities across multiple sectors.

Career Outlook

Legal professionals including Court Clerks operate in a field where expertise and specialization directly correlate with earning potential. Geographic market and practice area significantly influence compensation levels. With a 130% salary range from entry-level to top earners, there is substantial room for financial growth as you advance in your career.

Tips for Increasing Your Salary

  • Develop specialized expertise to command higher compensation—top earners make 49% more than median salaries
  • Build a professional network through industry associations and local business groups
  • Pursue relevant certifications or advanced education to demonstrate expertise

+1%

vs National Avg

-1%

vs State Avg

130%

Salary Range

150

Jobs in Area

Career Path & Salary Progression

Typical Court Clerk salary growth in Houston, TX based on experience level.

🎓

Entry Level

0-2 years

10th percentile

$29,949

/year

📈

Early Career

2-5 years

25th percentile

$36,682

/year

💼

Mid Career

5-10 years

50th percentile

$46,113

/year

🎯

Senior

10-15 years

75th percentile

$55,141

/year

Expert

15+ years

90th percentile

$68,904

/year

Note: Career progression and salary growth vary based on company size, industry, skills, and performance. These estimates use percentile data from the BLS as a general guide for typical career paths.

Court Clerk Job Market in Houston, TX

Where Court Clerks Work

Court Clerks find employment across sectors including Law firms, Corporate legal departments, Government agencies, Nonprofit organizations, and more. Legal technology and alternative legal service providers are changing how legal work is delivered, creating both challenges and opportunities.

Local Employment Landscape

Employment in this occupation is more limited in Houston, TX compared to larger metros. Professionals may find opportunities concentrated among fewer employers, making employer research and networking particularly valuable.

Types of Employers Hiring

Professional Services Firms

Provide client exposure, rapid skill development, and often above-market compensation for top performers

Large Corporations

Typically offer comprehensive benefits, structured advancement, and competitive base salaries with bonus potential

Government Agencies

Known for job security, excellent benefits packages, pension plans, and work-life balance

Skills That Increase Earning Potential

Complex litigation experienceM&A transaction expertiseRegulatory specializationLegal technology proficiencyIndustry-specific knowledge

Job Search Strategy for Houston, TX

  • Research major employers in the Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land area and follow them on LinkedIn for job alerts
  • Join local professional associations for networking and job leads specific to Texas
  • Tailor your salary expectations based on the Houston, TX market rate of $46,113
  • Consider roles at varying experience levels—entry positions start at $29,949 in this market

Court Clerk Career Overview in Houston, TX

Local Employment
150
positions
Median Salary
$46,113
per year
vs National
+1%
difference
COL Index
96.5
100 = average

The job market for Court Clerks in Houston, TX is emerging, with approximately 150 professionals employed across the metropolitan area. This represents a growing presence of Court Clerk positions, reflecting the region's legal services industry and regulatory compliance needs in Houston, TX. Compensation aligns closely with national benchmarks, indicating a balanced supply-demand dynamic in this market.

Houston, TX's diverse economy supports legal roles across multiple sectors including healthcare, education, government, technology, manufacturing, and professional services. Major employers in Texas range from large corporations and hospital systems to mid-size regional firms and growing startups. This employer diversity provides career stability and mobility, as professionals can advance their careers without necessarily relocating. The mix of public and private sector opportunities also creates varied compensation structures, with some employers offering lower base salaries but stronger benefits and job security.

The growth outlook for Court Clerk positions in Houston, TX is stable, with growth concentrated in areas like regulatory compliance, intellectual property, and technology law. With 150 current positions and a median salary of $46,113, the market provides a solid foundation for career development. Professionals who invest in continuing education and stay current with industry developments position themselves for both job security and upward salary mobility. The combination of Houston, TX's economic trajectory and broader industry trends suggests that qualified Court Clerks will continue to find opportunities in this market over the coming years.

Houston, TX offers a balanced proposition for Court Clerks. The cost of living index of 96.5 sits near the national average, meaning the median salary of $46,113 translates to real purchasing power that closely matches the nominal figure. This makes salary comparisons with other similarly-priced metros straightforward. Court Clerks evaluating Houston, TX against peer cities should focus on factors beyond raw salary numbers, including career growth opportunities, industry specialization, commute quality, and lifestyle fit.

The Legal field in Houston, TX benefits from the region's broader economic ecosystem. Local industry associations, professional networking groups, and continuing education opportunities through area universities and community colleges help Court Clerks stay connected and advance their careers. Texas's business incentive programs and workforce development initiatives also play a role in attracting employers and creating positions. For Court Clerks early in their career, Houston, TX offers the chance to build a professional network in a market where individual contributions are often more visible than in the largest metros, potentially accelerating career progression.

Court Clerk Compensation Deep Dive in Houston, TX

Entry LevelMedianTop Earners
$29,949$46,113$68,904

The salary range for Court Clerks in Houston, TX spans from $29,949 at the entry level (10th percentile) to $68,904 for top earners (90th percentile), a spread of $38,955. This 130% differential reflects the significant impact that experience, specialization, credentials, and employer type have on compensation in this field. The median salary of $46,113 sits at the midpoint of the market, representing what a Court Clerk with moderate experience and standard qualifications can expect. The 25th percentile ($36,682) typically corresponds to early-career professionals with 1-3 years of experience, while the 75th percentile ($55,141) reflects seasoned professionals with specialized skills or management responsibilities.

Base salary tells only part of the compensation story for Court Clerks in Houston, TX. Total compensation packages commonly include health insurance (valued at $6,000-$15,000 annually for employer contributions), retirement plan matching (typically 3-6% of salary, worth $1,845 per year at the median), paid time off (averaging 15-20 days), and in some cases performance bonuses, stock options, or professional development allowances. When evaluating job offers, Court Clerks should request a total compensation breakdown. A position paying $36,682 with strong benefits may deliver more value than one paying $46,113 with minimal perks.

Cost of living directly impacts how far a Court Clerk's salary goes in Houston, TX. With a local cost-of-living index of 96.5 (where 100 equals the national average), the median salary of $46,113 provides purchasing power equivalent to approximately $47,785 in an average-cost U.S. city. This balanced cost environment means the salary figure closely reflects actual purchasing power, simplifying financial planning and comparisons with other mid-range markets.

Negotiating Court Clerk compensation in Houston, TX requires market awareness. The gap between the 25th and 75th percentiles ($36,682 to $55,141) represents the most common negotiation range. Candidates with in-demand certifications, niche expertise, or competing offers have the strongest leverage. In this market, salaries track national norms, and well-prepared candidates can typically move offers 5-10% above the initial number. Asking for a salary review after 6-12 months, signing bonuses, or additional PTO are effective alternatives when base salary flexibility is limited. On an hourly basis, Court Clerks in this market earn between $14 and $33 per hour, with the median at $22.

Court Clerk Career Path & Growth in Houston, TX

Entry
$29,949
Early Career
$36,682
Mid Career
$46,113
Experienced
$55,141
Senior
$68,904

The career trajectory for Court Clerks in Houston, TX shows significant earning potential over time. Entry-level professionals start around $29,949, while top earners reach $68,904, representing a 2.3x increase from start to peak. This progression typically unfolds over 10-20 years and is driven by accumulating expertise, taking on leadership responsibilities, developing specializations, and building a professional reputation. In Houston, TX's legal market, professionals who demonstrate consistent performance improvements and take on increasingly complex projects advance most quickly. Mid-career transitions into management, consulting, or entrepreneurship can also accelerate earnings beyond the standard progression curve.

Court Clerks in Houston, TX who are exploring career pivots or complementary roles should consider positions such as compliance officers, contract managers, legal analysts, regulatory affairs specialists, and corporate counsel. These adjacent occupations often share transferable skills and can offer different compensation structures, work environments, or growth trajectories. In Houston, TX's job market, professionals who develop cross-functional capabilities spanning multiple related roles tend to be more resilient to market shifts and better positioned for leadership opportunities. Lateral moves can also provide valuable perspective that strengthens a professional's long-term career trajectory.

The skills most in demand for Court Clerks in Houston, TX include industry-specific technical competencies, communication and collaboration skills, analytical thinking, and adaptability to new tools and processes. Employers in Houston, TX value professionals who combine deep subject-matter expertise with the ability to work effectively across teams and adapt to evolving industry requirements. Pursuing relevant professional certifications can provide a measurable salary boost of 5-15% and signal commitment to the field. Continuous learning through industry conferences, online courses, and professional associations helps Court Clerks stay competitive in Houston, TX's evolving job market.

More Questions About Court Clerk Salaries in Houston, TX

What is the starting salary for a Court Clerk in Houston, TX?

Entry-level Court Clerks in Houston, TX (10th percentile) earn approximately $29,949 per year, or about $2,496 per month. The 25th percentile, representing early-career professionals with some experience, earns $36,682. These figures reflect base salary only; new hires may also receive benefits worth an additional 20-30% of base pay. Building specialized skills and pursuing relevant certifications are the fastest paths to moving beyond entry-level compensation.

How much do experienced Court Clerks make in Houston, TX?

Experienced Court Clerks at the 75th percentile earn $55,141 annually in Houston, TX, while top earners at the 90th percentile make $68,904. The jump from median ($46,113) to 75th percentile represents a 20% increase, typically achieved through 5-10 years of experience, management responsibilities, or specialized expertise. Senior professionals who combine technical depth with leadership skills are best positioned for top-tier compensation.

Is Houston, TX a good city for Court Clerks?

Houston, TX offers competitive compensation that closely tracks national averages. With 150 Court Clerk positions in the metro area, the market is smaller but can offer less competition and more personal career development. Quality of life, industry presence, and long-term career trajectory should all factor into your evaluation alongside salary data.

How does Court Clerk pay in Houston, TX compare to the national average?

The median Court Clerk salary in Houston, TX is $46,113, which is 1% higher than the national median of $45,840. After adjusting for cost of living, the effective purchasing power is $47,785, which provides a more accurate comparison. Within Texas, Houston, TX ranks at a competitive level for this occupation.

What benefits do Court Clerks typically receive in Houston, TX?

Beyond base salary, Court Clerks in Houston, TX typically receive health insurance (medical, dental, vision), retirement contributions (401k matching of 3-6%), paid time off (15-25 days annually), and sometimes performance bonuses or profit sharing. The total value of benefits often adds 25-35% on top of base salary, meaning a Court Clerk earning the median of $46,113 may receive total compensation of $59,947 or more. Some employers also offer tuition reimbursement, professional development budgets, flexible work arrangements, and wellness programs.

What skills are most in demand for Court Clerks in Houston, TX?

Court Clerks in Houston, TX who command the highest salaries typically combine core technical competencies with research depth, persuasive writing, client relationship management, and legal technology proficiency. Employers in this market particularly value professionals who can demonstrate measurable impact, whether through revenue generation, cost savings, process improvements, or team leadership. Certifications relevant to the Legal field can increase earning potential by 5-15%. Staying current with industry trends and emerging technologies is essential for career advancement and salary growth.

Frequently Asked Questions

The median court clerk salary in Houston, TX is $46,113 per year ($22.17/hour) as of 2026. This is based on official U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data. Salaries range from $29,949 for entry-level positions to $68,904 for experienced professionals in the top 10%.

Entry-level court clerks in Houston, TX typically start at around $29,949 per year ($14.40/hour), representing the 10th percentile. New graduates and those with less than 2 years of experience fall into this range. With experience and skill development, salaries can progress to the median of $46,113 within 3-5 years.

Court Clerks in Houston, TX earn a median hourly wage of $22.17 per hour. Hourly rates range from $14.40/hour at entry-level (10th percentile) to $33.13/hour for top earners (90th percentile). Based on a standard 2,080-hour work year, this translates to annual salaries between $29,949 and $68,904.

The median court clerk salary of $46,113 in Houston, TX is above the national median of $45,840 (0.6% higher). The cost of living is also 4% below average. This salary places you at the 50th percentile, meaning half of court clerks in the area earn more and half earn less.

Court Clerks in Houston, TX earn above the national average. The local median salary of $46,113 is 0.6% higher than the national median of $45,840. The cost of living is also 4% below average. When adjusted for cost of living, the effective salary is approximately $47,785.

The top 10% of court clerks in Houston, TX earn $68,904 or more per year ($33.13/hour). These top earners typically have 10+ years of experience, advanced certifications, specialized expertise, or hold senior/management positions. The 75th percentile earns $55,141, which is a realistic goal for mid-career professionals.

Key skills that can boost court clerk salary in Houston, TX include: Strong communication and interpersonal abilities, Problem-solving and critical thinking, Technical proficiency relevant to the field, Attention to detail and organizational skills. Professionals with these skills often earn above the median of $46,113, potentially reaching the 75th percentile ($55,141) or higher. Years of relevant experience

Houston, TX has a specialized job market for court clerks, with approximately 150 professionals employed in the area. The median salary of $46,113 is above the national average. The cost of living is also 4% below average. Job seekers should consider both salary and local industry demand when evaluating opportunities.

Compare your court clerk salary to these Houston, TX benchmarks: 10th percentile (entry-level): $29,949, 25th percentile: $36,682, 50th percentile (median): $46,113, 75th percentile: $55,141, 90th percentile (top earners): $68,904. If you earn more than $46,113, you're above average for the area.

Beyond the $46,113 median base salary, court clerks in Houston, TX typically receive comprehensive benefits including health insurance (medical, dental, vision), retirement plans (401k with employer matching), paid time off (15-25 days), and potentially bonuses or profit-sharing. Total compensation including benefits typically adds 25-40% to base salary value.

Experienced court clerks with 5-10 years in Houston, TX typically earn $55,141 (75th percentile) to $68,904 (90th percentile) per year. Senior professionals with 10+ years, certifications, or management roles can reach the top 10% at $68,904. Mid-career professionals (3-5 years) usually earn around the median of $46,113.

Court Clerks in Houston, TX can see significant salary growth over their careers. Entry-level ($29,949) to median ($46,113) typically takes 3-5 years. Reaching the 90th percentile ($68,904) may take 10+ years and often requires specialized skills, certifications, or leadership experience. That's a potential growth of $38,955 over a career.

Data Source & Methodology

Official government statistics you can trust

Primary Source

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) Program

Visit Official BLS Website

Data Year

2024

2 Years Old

Geographic Area

Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land

Metropolitan Statistical Area

Occupation Code

43-4031

SOC Classification

Sample Size

150

Employees Surveyed

How This Data Is Collected

The OEWS program produces employment and wage estimates annually for over 800 occupations across all metropolitan and nonmetropolitan areas. Approximately 1.1 million establishments are surveyed over a three-year period, representing the most comprehensive wage data available for the U.S. labor market.

Note: Percentile wages represent actual reported wages and may differ from individual compensation packages that include benefits, bonuses, and equity.

Last updated: January 23, 2026

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Court Clerk in Houston, TX

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Median: $46,113/yr

How Houston, TX Compares

vs National Average

$45,840

+0.6%

vs Texas Average

$46,737

-1.3%

Cost-of-Living Adjusted

$47,785

+3.6%

Cost of living in Houston, TX is 3.5% below the national average.

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