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Payroll and Timekeeping Clerks

Median Salary
52,240
Job Outlook
-4%

Overview

What are the responsibilities of this role?

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.

What sectors do they work in?

Private for profit

67%

State and local government

19%

Private not for profit

8%

Federal Government

3%

Self-employed

3%

What is the job outlook?

Overall employment of financial clerks is projected to decline 4 percent from 2023 to 2033. About 112,500 openings for financial clerks are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.

Compensation

What is the typical salary range?

$27,270

10%

$52,240

Median

$69,730

90%

How does location impact how much salary?

Education

What level of education do professionals in this role have?

Education Level

  • Bachelor's degree

    31%

  • Some college

    30%

  • High school

    20%

  • Associate's degree

    17%

Which college majors best prepare you for this role?

  • Accounting Technology/Technician and Bookkeeping

Skills and Interest

Which skill sets are the most valuable to possess?

Skills

  • Verbal Skills

    Mid

  • Leadership

    Low

  • Math and Science Skills

    Mid

  • Technology Design and Control

    Low

  • Equipment Operation and Maintenance

    Low

  • Critical Thinking and Problem Solving

    Low

What knowledge should you bring to the table?

  • Administrative
  • Economics and Accounting
  • Personnel and Human Resources
  • Mathematics
  • English Language

What challenges will you likely face in the workplace?

Workplace

  • Time Pressure

    High

  • Repetitiveness

    High

  • Decision Making

    Mid

  • Exposure to Job Hazards

    Low

  • Responsibility

    Low

  • Physical Activity

    Low

  • Level Of Competition

    Low

What personality traits help people thrive in this role?

Conventional

You like structure, staying organized, and working with systems to get things done efficiently.

Enterprising

You love taking risks in business or personal projects — and have the leadership skills to back it up.

RIASEC represents six broad interest areas—Realistic, Investigative, Artistic, Social, Enterprising, and Conventional—helping individuals identify careers that match their skills and preferences.

Take the RIASEC Test

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Data supplied by Bureau of Labor Statistics, National Center of Education Statistics, Defense Manpower Data Center (View our update schedule). Contact any business, college or military service branch to answer additional questions.