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Salary

How much does a Payroll Clerk make?

The average salary for a Payroll Clerk is $65,771 per year in the US.

Payroll Clerks earn a steady salary, with many finding jobs that pay a fair wage. The average yearly salary for a Payroll Clerk stands at $65,771. This figure provides a good foundation for those entering or considering this career path. Companies across various sectors value the role of Payroll Clerks, offering competitive salaries that reflect the importance of their duties.

Salary can vary based on experience, location, and the size of the company. Entry-level Payroll Clerks might start at around $33,000 per year, while those with more experience can earn upwards of $120,000 annually. Top earners in this field can reach salaries of $193,000 per year. This range highlights the potential for growth and advancement in the field. As Payroll Clerks gain more expertise and take on additional responsibilities, they often see their salary increase.

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What are the highest paying cities for a Payroll Clerk?

Cities like Stamford, Connecticut, and Hartford, Connecticut, lead the way for Payroll Clerks, offering top salaries. San Francisco, California, also stands out with its high average salary. These locations provide strong opportunities for those seeking well-paying payroll jobs.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Payroll Clerk jobs, highlighting Stamford, CT with the highest at $128,171 and Cincinnati, OH with the lowest at $91,966.
  1. Stamford, CT
    Average Salary: $128,171
    In Stamford, handling payroll brings an opportunity to work with large companies like Charter Communications and United Technologies. The area's business environment offers robust career growth. Professionals here enjoy a mix of urban convenience and suburban charm.
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  2. Hartford, CT
    Average Salary: $107,969
    Hartford provides a dynamic setting for payroll professionals, with prominent companies like Travelers and Aetna. The city's historic charm and growing economy make it a great place to build a career. Employees can enjoy a balanced lifestyle with plenty of cultural activities.
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  3. San Francisco, CA
    Average Salary: $105,355
    Working in San Francisco means collaborating with tech giants like Google and Salesforce. The city's vibrant culture and high living standards make it an exciting place to advance in payroll. Professionals here often find opportunities for professional development.
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  4. Baltimore, MD
    Average Salary: $100,850
    Baltimore offers a unique blend of history and modernity for payroll workers. Companies like Johns Hopkins and Black & Decker provide diverse roles. The city's rich cultural scene and affordable living make it an attractive option.
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  5. Tallahassee, FL
    Average Salary: $99,660
    In Tallahassee, payroll roles often involve working with state government and educational institutions. The city's family-friendly environment and low cost of living are significant advantages. It's a great place for those seeking stability and community.
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  6. Detroit, MI
    Average Salary: $97,284
    Detroit is a city of reinvention, offering opportunities with companies like General Motors. The city's resurgence provides a dynamic backdrop for payroll careers. Professionals here benefit from a rich cultural heritage and a growing job market.
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  7. Boston, MA
    Average Salary: $95,572
    Boston's historic and educational roots provide a unique environment for payroll experts. Working with firms like Fidelity Investments and State Street, professionals enjoy a mix of tradition and innovation. The city's vibrant arts scene adds to the appeal.
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  8. New Orleans, LA
    Average Salary: $94,256
    New Orleans offers a vibrant setting for payroll roles, with companies like Entergy and Ochsner Health. The city's unique culture and festivals provide a lively atmosphere. Professionals enjoy a laid-back lifestyle with plenty of entertainment options.
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  9. Minneapolis, MN
    Average Salary: $93,196
    Minneapolis offers a blend of urban sophistication and natural beauty for payroll professionals. Companies like 3M and Target provide diverse opportunities. The city's strong sense of community and outdoor activities make it an attractive place to work.
    Find Payroll Clerk jobs in Minneapolis, MN


  10. Cincinnati, OH
    Average Salary: $91,966
    Cincinnati provides a stable environment for payroll roles, with companies like Procter & Gamble. The city's affordable living and strong economy make it a great place to build a career. Professionals here enjoy a rich cultural life and easy access to nature.
    Find Payroll Clerk jobs in Cincinnati, OH

What are the best companies a Payroll Clerk can work for?

Accenture pays the highest average salary for payroll clerk positions, reaching up to $210,979 per year. Other top-paying companies include PwC, Deloitte, and KPMG, with salaries around $175,000 or more. Intuit, Shake Shack, and High Country Search Group also offer competitive pay, making these companies great options for job seekers.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Payroll Clerk jobs, highlighting Accenture with the highest at $210,979 and Addison Group with the lowest at $79,700.
  1. Accenture
    Average Salary: $210,979
    Accenture offers rewarding Payroll Clerk jobs across the globe. They focus on innovative solutions, offering a competitive salary. Opportunities exist in various locations, including the U.S., India, and the Philippines.


  2. PwC
    Average Salary: $196,375
    PwC provides high-paying Payroll Clerk positions. They offer a supportive environment and diverse projects. Locations include major cities in the U.S., U.K., and Canada.


  3. Deloitte
    Average Salary: $174,907
    Deloitte is known for its strong Payroll Clerk roles. They provide excellent benefits and professional growth. Opportunities are available in many countries, including the U.S., U.K., and Australia.


  4. KPMG
    Average Salary: $133,293
    KPMG offers competitive salaries for Payroll Clerks. They emphasize work-life balance and offer various locations. Opportunities span the U.S., U.K., and many other countries.


  5. Intuit
    Average Salary: $123,692
    Intuit provides good compensation for Payroll Clerks. They focus on technology solutions and offer jobs in the U.S. and India. Employees enjoy a dynamic and innovative work environment.


  6. Shake Shack
    Average Salary: $110,149
    Shake Shack offers rewarding Payroll Clerk positions. They focus on a family-friendly atmosphere with competitive pay. Locations include the U.S. and international markets.


  7. High Country Search Group
    Average Salary: $81,929
    High Country Search Group offers Payroll Clerk jobs with good pay. They focus on providing a collaborative work environment. Opportunities are in the U.S. and Canada.


  8. Vaco
    Average Salary: $81,426
    Vaco provides Payroll Clerk jobs with competitive salaries. They offer a supportive work environment and career growth opportunities. Locations include the U.S. and Canada.


  9. Angi
    Average Salary: $80,000
    Angi offers good Payroll Clerk positions. They focus on home services and offer a balanced work environment. Opportunities are in the U.S.


  10. Addison Group
    Average Salary: $79,700
    Addison Group offers Payroll Clerk jobs with a solid salary. They focus on professional development and career advancement. Opportunities are in the U.S.

How to earn more as a Payroll Clerk?

Payroll clerks play a vital role in any organization. They handle the payment of employees, which is a critical and often complex task. If you work as a payroll clerk, there are several strategies you can use to earn more in your role.

First, gaining more experience is important. Those who work in payroll for several years will likely earn more than those who are just starting out. This experience can lead to more responsibilities and opportunities for advancement. Additionally, staying current with payroll laws and regulations is essential. This knowledge ensures accuracy and compliance, which can increase your value to an employer. Networking with other payroll professionals can also help. These connections can lead to job opportunities and industry insights that can boost your career. Certification from recognized payroll organizations adds another layer of credibility. It demonstrates a commitment to professional development and can make you more attractive to potential employers. Lastly, expanding your skill set to include areas like HR software or accounting can make you more versatile. Employers often value these additional skills and are willing to pay a premium for them.

Consider these factors when looking to increase your earnings as a payroll clerk. Each step can help you advance in your career and achieve higher pay.

  1. Gain more experience in payroll.
  2. Stay updated with payroll laws and regulations.
  3. Network with other payroll professionals.
  4. Obtain certification from recognized payroll organizations.
  5. Expand your skill set to include HR software or accounting.

Currently 853 Payroll Clerk job openings, nationwide.

How's the job market for a Payroll Clerk in the US?

Learn what a Payroll Clerk does, how to become one, and understand the job outlook. Get simple steps to start your career as a Payroll Clerk today.
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Payroll Clerk
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