How much does a payroll clerk make?

In the United States, experience, payroll skills, and a valued certification can affect pay, as can handling more complex tasks. Pay also differs by employer and industry, location, and hours worked.

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. Excludes “Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing Clerks” (43-3031).

What's a typical day like?

They check digital time records for hours and corrections, enter wages and deductions, and prepare pay statements. They also fix mismatches, update employee records, and answer questions about pay or leave.

In the U.S., finish high school or an equivalent diploma and apply for an entry-level payroll job, often around age 18. Employers teach the work on the job; beginners can also take PayrollOrg’s FPC exam to show basic payroll knowledge.

Vocational school or a few years' experience (preparation level 3 of 5)

Good for people who like keeping things organized and leading and selling.

Some payroll clerks also prepare and file payroll-tax returns, so their work can include sending tax paperwork—not just preparing paychecks.