Payroll and timekeeping clerks
SOC Code: 43-3051Also known as:
Accounting Assistant, Attendance Clerk, Bonus Clerk, Checkman, Commissions Clerk
Median Annual Salary
$55,290
-16.7% growth (2024-2034)
13K
Openings/Year
161K
Current Jobs
What Payroll and timekeeping clerks 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.
💰 Salary
$55,290
Median annual wage (2024)
📈 Job Growth
-16.7%
Decline
🎓 Education
High school diploma or equivalent
Typical entry-level requirement
🚀 Annual Openings
13K
Projected average per year
📚 On-the-Job Training
Moderate-term on-the-job training
Expected training period
Employment Projections (2024-2034)
Current Employment (2024)
161,100
Projected Employment (2034)
134,200
Related Careers
First-line supervisors of office and administrative support workers
$66,140 •
-0.3% growth
Billing and posting clerks
$47,170 •
-0.4% growth
Bookkeeping, accounting, and auditing clerks
$49,210 •
-5.8% growth
Human resources assistants, except payroll and timekeeping
$49,440 •
-7.1% growth
Office clerks, general
$43,630 •
-6.7% growth
Top Skills Required
Reading Comprehension
Active Listening
Mathematics
Writing
Speaking
Daily Tasks & Responsibilities
- Verify attendance, hours worked, and pay adjustments, and post information onto designated records.
- Process and issue employee paychecks and statements of earnings and deductions.
- Compute wages and deductions, and enter data into computers.
- Process paperwork for new employees and enter employee information into the payroll system.
- Prepare and balance period-end reports, and reconcile issued payrolls to bank statements.
- Review time sheets, work charts, wage computation, and other information to detect and reconcile payroll discrepancies.
- Distribute and collect timecards each pay period.
- Record employee information, such as exemptions, transfers, and resignations, to maintain and update payroll records.
- Issue and record adjustments to pay related to previous errors or retroactive increases.
- Keep track of leave time, such as vacation, personal, and sick leave, for employees.
Technology & Tools
📚 Entry-Level Education
High school diploma or equivalent
Most common requirement
🎯 Recommended Education
Bachelor's Degree
O*NET recommended level
Degree Programs for Payroll and timekeeping clerks
These degree programs can prepare you for a career as a payroll and timekeeping clerks:
Accounting Technology/Technician and Bookkeeping
17,375 degrees awarded •
632 colleges offer this program
Best Colleges for Becoming a Payroll and timekeeping clerks
Ranked by Repit grade, then by degrees in related programs. These are the top-rated colleges that prepare students to become payroll and timekeeping clerks.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much do payroll and timekeeping clerks make?
The median annual salary for payroll and timekeeping clerks is $55,290.
What education do payroll and timekeeping clerks need?
Most payroll and timekeeping clerks positions require a high school diploma or equivalent.
Common degree programs include Accounting Technology/Technician and Bookkeeping.
Is becoming payroll and timekeeping clerks a good career choice?
Payroll and timekeeping clerks is projected to see -16.7% job growth from 2024 to 2034,
which reflects some decline in the field. With approximately 13,000 job openings expected annually,
there are good opportunities for those entering the field.
What are the best colleges for payroll and timekeeping clerks?
Top colleges for aspiring payroll and timekeeping clerks include
Rowan University, Eastern Florida State College, Seminole State College of Florida, College of the Canyons, Valencia College.
These schools are ranked based on their Repit grade and the number of graduates in related programs.
What other job titles are similar to payroll and timekeeping clerks?
Payroll and timekeeping clerks may also be known as: Accounting Assistant, Attendance Clerk, Bonus Clerk, Checkman, Commissions Clerk, Finance Specialist, Flight Crew Scheduler, Flight Crew Time Clerk, Human Resources Administrative Assistant (HR Administrative Assistant), Payroll Administrator (Payroll Admin), Payroll Analyst, Payroll and Benefits Specialist, Payroll Assistant, Payroll Associate, Payroll Bookkeeper, Payroll Clerk, Payroll Coordinator, Payroll Officer, Payroll Processor, Payroll Representative.
These titles often refer to similar roles with varying responsibilities or specializations.