Payroll Clerk salary in United States

Average Yearly Salary of Payroll Clerk in United States is approximately 39,821 USD (39,786 USD). Data is for 2025 and indicates a pre-tax value. The salary itself depends on multiple factors such as seniority, job performance, certifications, experience or any other bonuses. The value indicated is an average amount based on records we have in database. Real values may vary. The data is for orientational purposes.

What does Payroll Clerk do?

A payroll clerk is responsible for the accurate and timely processing of employee salaries and wages within an organization. Their main duties include calculating and recording employees' work hours, overtime, bonuses, and deductions, ensuring compliance with labor laws and company policies. Payroll clerks also maintain employee records, prepare payroll reports, and handle any payroll-related queries or issues. They collaborate with HR departments to update employee information, such as new hires, terminations, and changes in salary or benefits. Attention to detail, strong numerical skills, and proficiency in using payroll software are essential for this role. Other key qualities include organizational skills, confidentiality, and the ability to work under strict deadlines.

Skills: Payroll processing, Salary calculation, Employee records, Compliance, Payroll reporting, Payroll software
Job industry: Human resources

How much does Payroll Clerk make?

Difference in salary year over year or average salary increase is approximately 3 %


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Salary comparison to National average

Is Payroll Clerk a well paid job?

No, our data shows that Payroll Clerk is typically not a well-paid job. The salary varies based on experience. Meaning that even though Payroll Clerk might be a low paying job, with experience the salary might increase to satisfactory levels.

What is considered a high salary for Payroll Clerk?

High salary for Payroll Clerk would be somewhere between 43,803 USD and 57,740 USD. However this is an estimation based on Gaussian Distribution.

How much can you save working as Payroll Clerk in United States?

Living in United States the approximate monthly expenses are: 2,280 USD. This amount covers basic needs such as food, housing, clothing, healthcare and education costs for a single person. No luxury expenses such as traveling, leisure, hobbies are included in the estimation.

Estimated Yearly Salary: 39,821 USD
Estimated Monthly Salary: 3,318 USD
Estimated Weekly Salary: 766 USD per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 19 USD per hour
By working as Payroll Clerk a person can save up to 1,036 USD per month or 12,426 USD yearly. Values are pre-tax.

NOTE: These values are estimates and are averaged for the whole country. Furthermore the value is likely exaggerated as no other expenses are taken into account in the projection. Unessential expenses are very subjective and are difficult to assess. Most likely the previously estimated number is significantly lower for majority of people. Expenses in different cities across the country may vary. Above values accuracy is low and is based on limited set of data obtained.

For more information regarding expenses in United States, see costs of living in United States.

Salary comparison to region and neighbouring coutries

Country's neighbours are: Canada, Mexico.
To make it easier for comparison a conversion from local currency to USD has been made (conversion rates may vary).

Estimated Yearly Salary for Payroll Clerk

Last revision of data: 2025-01-04

Salary increase per years of experience

Based on data available the salary increase per years of experience is as following

0 years (beginner) equals base salary

1 to 5 years of experience yields +12% salary increase

6 to 10 years of experience yields +25% salary increase

11 to 15 years of experience yields +16% salary increase

16 to 25 years of experience yields +9% salary increase

more than 25 years of experience yields +10% salary increase

NOTE: Details based on limited set of data. Percentages may vary. The salary increase over years of experience can vary widely based on factors such as job industry, job role, location, company size, and individual performance. To gain even larger increase in salary one is advised to switch jobs and / or employer.

Top 10 highest salaries in United States

Data as of 2025

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