How much does a Payroll Clerk make?
A Payroll Clerk plays a key role in ensuring employees get paid on time. This job involves managing payroll, handling tax filings, and ensuring compliance with labor laws. The salary for a Payroll Clerk can vary based on experience, location, and the size of the company. On average, a Payroll Clerk earns about $60,601 per year. This figure can change as professionals gain more experience and take on more responsibilities.
Payroll Clerks in the top 10% of earners make over $156,000 per year. These top earners often have several years of experience and may have additional certifications. Entry-level positions typically start around $32,780. As professionals gain more experience, they can see their salaries increase. For example, those with 5-10 years of experience may earn between $82,000 and $100,000 annually. This growth potential makes it a rewarding career for those who are detail-oriented and enjoy working with numbers.
What are the highest paying cities for a Payroll Clerk?

-
Stamford, CT
Average Salary: $110,346
In Stamford, working as a payroll professional offers a stable environment with many companies. Major firms like United Technologies and Charter Communications provide excellent opportunities. The city's business-friendly atmosphere supports career growth.
Find Payroll Clerk jobs in Stamford, CT
-
San Francisco, CA
Average Salary: $97,491
San Francisco presents a dynamic setting for payroll roles. Tech giants like Google and Salesforce dominate the job market. Professionals here enjoy a vibrant community and competitive salaries.
Find Payroll Clerk jobs in San Francisco, CA
-
Baltimore, MD
Average Salary: $93,554
Baltimore offers a mix of traditional and modern payroll jobs. Companies like Johns Hopkins and Legg Mason provide diverse opportunities. The city's rich history adds to its unique work culture.
Find Payroll Clerk jobs in Baltimore, MD
-
Boston, MA
Average Salary: $89,408
Boston's payroll scene is vibrant and diverse. Financial institutions like State Street and Fidelity Investments are prominent employers. The city's educational institutions also create steady demand for payroll expertise.
Find Payroll Clerk jobs in Boston, MA
-
Hartford, CT
Average Salary: $87,883
Hartford provides a stable job market for payroll specialists. Insurance companies like Aetna and Travelers offer numerous positions. The city's central location makes it easy to commute and explore nearby opportunities.
Find Payroll Clerk jobs in Hartford, CT
-
San Jose, CA
Average Salary: $83,427
San Jose, a tech hub, offers many payroll jobs. Companies like Intel and Cisco are major employers. The fast-paced environment suits those seeking dynamic career growth.
Find Payroll Clerk jobs in San Jose, CA
-
Minneapolis, MN
Average Salary: $82,536
Minneapolis has a strong payroll job market. Firms like Target and U.S. Bank provide excellent opportunities. The city's friendly atmosphere and outdoor activities enhance the quality of life.
Find Payroll Clerk jobs in Minneapolis, MN
-
New Orleans, LA
Average Salary: $81,578
New Orleans offers a unique blend of culture and business. Companies like Entergy and Ochsner Health are key employers. The city's vibrant lifestyle makes it an attractive place to work.
Find Payroll Clerk jobs in New Orleans, LA
-
Charlotte, NC
Average Salary: $81,438
Charlotte, a financial center, offers many payroll positions. Banks like Bank of America and Wells Fargo dominate the job market. The city's growing economy supports career advancement.
Find Payroll Clerk jobs in Charlotte, NC
-
Detroit, MI
Average Salary: $80,554
Detroit provides a mix of traditional and modern payroll jobs. Companies like General Motors and Ford offer numerous positions. The city's rich automotive history adds to its unique work culture.
Find Payroll Clerk jobs in Detroit, MI
What are the best companies a Payroll Clerk can work for?

-
Deloitte
Average Salary: $217,766
Deloitte offers competitive salaries for Payroll Clerks. They provide opportunities in various locations, including major cities across the U.S. Deloitte values accuracy and efficiency in payroll management, making it a great place for those who thrive in a dynamic environment.
-
PwC
Average Salary: $193,000
PwC is known for its high-paying roles for Payroll Clerks. They operate in many cities worldwide, offering diverse experiences. At PwC, Payroll Clerks are crucial in ensuring timely and accurate payroll processing.
-
KPMG
Average Salary: $131,732
KPMG provides a solid salary for Payroll Clerks. They have offices in numerous locations, offering a chance to work in different environments. KPMG emphasizes teamwork and accuracy in payroll management.
-
Intuit
Average Salary: $118,571
Intuit offers a good salary for Payroll Clerks. They have offices in various locations, providing opportunities for growth. Intuit focuses on innovation and efficiency in payroll processing.
-
High Country Search Group
Average Salary: $80,250
High Country Search Group offers a competitive salary for Payroll Clerks. They operate in several locations, offering a chance to work in different settings. They value accuracy and efficiency in payroll management.
-
Kforce
Average Salary: $80,136
Kforce provides a good salary for Payroll Clerks. They have offices in various locations, offering diverse opportunities. Kforce emphasizes accuracy and efficiency in payroll management.
-
Vaco
Average Salary: $79,593
Vaco offers a solid salary for Payroll Clerks. They operate in many locations, offering a chance to work in different environments. Vaco values accuracy and efficiency in payroll processing.
-
LHH Recruitment Solutions
Average Salary: $78,450
LHH Recruitment Solutions provides a good salary for Payroll Clerks. They have offices in various locations, offering diverse opportunities. They emphasize accuracy and efficiency in payroll management.
-
Leeds Professional Resources
Average Salary: $74,442
Leeds Professional Resources offers a competitive salary for Payroll Clerks. They operate in several locations, providing opportunities for growth. They value accuracy and efficiency in payroll processing.
-
firstPRO Inc.
Average Salary: $72,105
firstPRO Inc. provides a good salary for Payroll Clerks. They have offices in various locations, offering diverse opportunities. They emphasize accuracy and efficiency in payroll management.
How to earn more as a Payroll Clerk?
A Payroll Clerk can increase their earnings by focusing on several key areas. Gaining experience and expertise in payroll management can lead to higher-paying positions. Specializing in areas like tax compliance, payroll software, or international payroll can make a Payroll Clerk more valuable. Networking with other professionals in the field can open up opportunities for higher-paying jobs or promotions.
Pursuing additional certifications can also boost a Payroll Clerk's salary. Certifications from recognized organizations like the American Payroll Association (APA) or the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) can enhance credibility and earning potential. Continuing education in areas such as advanced payroll software or tax laws can also make a Payroll Clerk more attractive to employers. Seeking out roles that offer bonuses or commissions can provide additional income opportunities. Finally, negotiating salary increases based on performance and experience can lead to higher earnings over time.
Here are five factors that can help a Payroll Clerk earn more:
- Gain experience and expertise in payroll management.
- Specialize in areas like tax compliance, payroll software, or international payroll.
- Pursue additional certifications from recognized organizations.
- Seek roles that offer bonuses or commissions.
- Negotiate salary increases based on performance and experience.