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.
SOC: 43-3051.00
Common Job Titles
Payroll Assistant
Payroll Clerk
Payroll Coordinator
Payroll Specialist
What You'll Need to Succeed
AI-generated
Key competencies for this occupation at a glance
KnowledgeEvaluate employee time records, production data, and commission calculations for accuracy and compliance using payroll software systems (ADP, Kronos, Workday) and following regulatory requirements.
Proficient
Hands-onOperate payroll and timekeeping software systems including ADP Workforce Now, Oracle PeopleSoft, Microsoft Excel, and 10-key calculators for data entry and processing.
Proficient
KnowledgeApply federal and state payroll tax regulations and labor laws when processing employee compensation and maintaining compliance records.
Proficient
Hands-onExecute end-to-end payroll processing cycles from data compilation through paycheck preparation and distribution, meeting strict deadlines.
Proficient
KnowledgeOrganize payroll documentation, employee records, and reporting schedules in compliance with organizational policies and audit requirements.
Proficient
KnowledgeCompute employee wages, deductions, and net pay amounts applying knowledge of mathematics, accounting principles, and tax regulations.
Developing
KnowledgeAnalyze payroll data discrepancies and processing errors by comparing records across multiple systems and identifying patterns requiring correction.
Developing
MindsetRespond to employee inquiries regarding pay, deductions, and time records demonstrating service orientation and maintaining confidentiality of sensitive personnel information.
Developing
MindsetEngage with HR staff, supervisors, and finance personnel to resolve payroll issues and coordinate information flow across departments.
Developing
KnowledgeExplain payroll policies, deduction calculations, and time reporting procedures to employees and supervisors through written and verbal communication.
Developing
Wage Data According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics
Annual wage data for Payroll and Timekeeping Clerks (2024)
Estimated Total Employment (U.S.)
156,950
Wage Distribution by Percentile
Line chart of annual wages by percentile. U.S. is the solid line. 10th percentile: U.S. $36,670. 25th percentile: U.S. $45,440. 50th percentile: U.S. $55,290. 75th percentile: U.S. $65,750. 90th percentile: U.S. $78,830. Use the left and right arrow keys to move between percentiles.
U.S.
Metric
U.S.
10% of workers earn the following or less
$36,670
10% of workers earn the following or more
$78,830
Workers on average earn
$56,870
+ indicates wage is at or above the BLS reporting cap ($239,200/year)
Skills & Requirements
Key competencies for this occupation, ranked by importance
Administrative4.5/5
Mathematics4.2/5
English Language4.2/5
Economics and Accounting4.1/5
Personnel and Human Resources3.9/5
Skills & Requirements: Knowledge
Tools & Technology
Equipment and software commonly used in this occupation
