Payroll and Timekeeping Clerks
Payroll and timekeeping clerks compile and record employee work hours, production data, and compensation information. They compute wages, deductions, and commissions, then prepare paychecks or process payroll systems. These workers are employed across all industries wherever employees need to be paid—from small businesses to large corporations, government agencies, and nonprofit organizations.
Four short assessments and your background, scored against payroll and timekeeping clerks and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
A day in the work
A typical week involves reviewing timesheets, verifying employee hours worked, and inputting data into payroll systems. Clerks calculate gross pay, withholdings, taxes, and deductions according to company policy and legal requirements. They may reconcile discrepancies, respond to employee pay questions, coordinate with managers about time-off requests, and ensure payroll deadlines are met. During payroll processing periods, the pace intensifies with final reviews and check or direct deposit preparation.
Who this work suits
Holland code CES. Conventional work is organized, detail-oriented work with clear procedures. Aptly’s interest assessment scores you on the same six scales.
You tend to be detail-oriented and methodical, with a strong grasp of numbers and procedures. If you like following established systems, enjoy solving problems analytically, and have a practical interest in how organizations operate, this work suits you well. Both the conventional focus on accuracy and the enterprising interest in business efficiency are central to success here.
What it takes
Preparation: Medium preparation (vocational training, an associate degree, or related experience). Most people in this occupation hold a certificate or training program.
Skills that matter most
Knowledge areas
Pay by state
| State | 25th pct | Median | 75th pct | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| District of Columbia | $61,840 | $74,670 | $90,270 | 270 |
| California | $56,230 | $65,340 | $78,870 | 20,590 |
| Washington | $58,310 | $64,560 | $76,390 | 3,560 |
| Colorado | $51,650 | $64,140 | $76,040 | 2,580 |
| Massachusetts | $54,890 | $63,670 | $77,960 | 3,280 |
| New Hampshire | $52,710 | $63,090 | $74,630 | 800 |
| Alaska | $56,430 | $62,210 | $68,650 | 360 |
| Connecticut | $55,010 | $62,200 | $74,480 | 1,540 |
| Hawaii | $54,590 | $62,070 | $76,780 | 700 |
| Illinois | $48,560 | $61,390 | $74,820 | 5,580 |
| Minnesota | $53,450 | $61,320 | $71,190 | 2,790 |
| New York | $50,700 | $61,040 | $73,220 | 8,400 |
All 50 states, D.C. and Puerto Rico
Certifications people in this field hold
- Fundamental Payroll Certification (FPC) — American Payroll Association
- Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) — American Payroll Association
- Payroll Certification — National Association of Certified Public Bookkeepers
- SAP Certified Associate - SAP HCM Payroll for SAP S/4HANA (C_HCMP_2311) — SAP America, Inc.
- SAP Certified - Implementation Consultant - SAP SuccessFactors Employee Central Payroll (C_HRHPC) — SAP America, Inc.
Training
Aptly members see WIOA-approved programs, colleges and certificates near them, with completion and earnings data, on every Path plan.
Job titles in this occupation
Related occupations
Four short assessments and your background, scored against payroll and timekeeping clerks and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
O*NET-SOC 43-3051.00 · O*NET OnLine. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025, annual, U.S. Employment counts are national.