How to Become a Payroll and Timekeeping Clerk in 2026
Median salary: $55,290 · -16.7% projected decline (2024–2034)
What does a Payroll and Timekeeping Clerk do?
Compile and record employee time and payroll data. May compute employees' time worked, production, and commission. May compute and post wages and deductions, or prepare paychecks.
Payroll and Timekeeping Clerk Salary in 2026
The median annual salary for Payroll and Timekeeping Clerks is $55,290. The bottom 10% earn around $36,670 while the top 10% earn over $78,830.
| Experience level | Annual salary |
|---|---|
| Entry-level (P10) | $36,670 |
| Early career (P25) | $45,440 |
| Median | $55,290 |
| Experienced (P75) | $65,750 |
| Top earners (P90) | $78,830 |
Highest-paying metros
Payroll and Timekeeping Clerk salary by state
| State | Median salary |
|---|---|
| District of Columbiatop | $69,210 |
| Washington | $62,310 |
| California | $61,670 |
| Minnesota | $60,780 |
| Connecticut | $60,720 |
| New Hampshire | $60,670 |
| New York | $60,600 |
| Massachusetts | $60,260 |
| Illinois | $60,060 |
| New Jersey | $59,920 |
| Rhode Island | $59,500 |
| Oregon | $59,430 |
| Alaska | $59,360 |
| Vermont | $59,210 |
| Colorado | $59,130 |
| North Dakota | $58,580 |
| Idaho | $58,200 |
| Hawaii | $58,010 |
| Delaware | $57,690 |
| Maryland | $57,590 |
| Nevada | $56,310 |
| Pennsylvania | $55,620 |
| Wisconsin | $55,430 |
| Virginia | $55,240 |
| Utah | $54,790 |
| Michigan | $54,690 |
| New Mexico | $54,170 |
| Wyoming | $53,650 |
| Maine | $53,110 |
| Nebraska | $52,660 |
| Georgia | $52,220 |
| North Carolina | $52,000 |
| Texas | $51,990 |
| Missouri | $51,940 |
| Ohio | $51,460 |
| South Carolina | $50,710 |
| Arizona | $50,600 |
| Montana | $50,270 |
| Kentucky | $50,190 |
| Tennessee | $50,140 |
| Kansas | $50,020 |
| Iowa | $49,990 |
| Louisiana | $49,840 |
| Indiana | $49,380 |
| Florida | $48,030 |
| South Dakota | $46,940 |
| Arkansas | $45,830 |
| Oklahoma | $45,670 |
| Alabama | $45,470 |
| Mississippi | $43,790 |
| West Virginia | $42,080 |
How to earn more as a Payroll and Timekeeping Clerk
The salary range for Payroll and Timekeeping Clerks spans $42,160 — from $36,670 at entry level to $78,830 for top earners. The highest-paying metro area is San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA at $80,150 — $24,860 above the national median. Earning an additional certification or completing a bachelor's degree can push your salary from the median toward the 75th percentile.
How to get there
Typical education: High school diploma or equivalent
On-the-job training: Moderate-term on-the-job training
Starting from high school
- Enroll in an associate degree or vocational program (community college or vocational program)
- Complete required coursework and hands-on labs (typically 2 years full-time)
- Earn professional certifications (Microsoft Office Specialist, Certified Administrative Professional)
- Complete moderate-term on-the-job training under supervision
- Build portfolio of work and pursue advancement after 1–2 years
Community colleges and vocational schools offer the most affordable path. Look for programs accredited by relevant industry bodies. Many schools offer evening and weekend schedules for working students. Financial aid, Pell Grants, and workforce development scholarships can significantly reduce costs. Some programs include co-op or internship components that provide paid work experience while you learn.
Community college is the most cost-effective. Workforce development grants and employer tuition reimbursement can reduce out-of-pocket costs.
Switching from a related field
- Evaluate transfer credits from your existing education — many general courses count
- Complete a bridge or accelerated certification program
- Earn industry certifications (Microsoft Office Specialist, Certified Administrative Professional)
- Apply for positions emphasizing your combined experience
If you already hold an associate degree or higher in a related field, you can often complete a bridge program in 6–12 months. Many community colleges evaluate prior learning and grant credit for relevant work experience. Professional certifications may have experience-based eligibility that your career history already satisfies.
Bridge programs are shorter and cheaper than full degree programs. Some professional associations offer member discounts on certification exams.
Career change from an unrelated field
- Enroll in a vocational program or associate degree
- Complete core technical coursework (often accelerated for adults)
- Complete moderate-term on-the-job training
- Leverage your previous career experience for faster advancement
Adult learners often complete programs faster than traditional students because of stronger study skills and motivation. Many community colleges and vocational schools offer accelerated evening/weekend tracks designed for working adults. Your prior professional experience — project management, communication, problem-solving — gives you an advantage even if the technical skills are new.
Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) grants may cover full tuition for qualifying career changers.
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SOC: 43-3051.00 · Data: O*NET 29.1, BLS OEWS 2024, BLS Employment Projections 2024–2034