Shigoto Zukan
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How to become payroll and timekeeping clerkseducation, training, experience and the steps to enter

United States Finance Confidence ★★★★★

Median annual pay
$58,260
25th–75th pct. $47,990–$69,600
Top pay (est.)
$105,800
Top 10% $81,350
Pay in 5 years
$62,000est.
2031
Pay in 10 years
$65,900est.
$56,700–$76,500
Outlook score
22/100
★☆☆☆☆ Weak
AI replacement risk
82%
Very high
Job growth (10 yr)
−15.9%
11K openings / yr

How to become payroll and timekeeping clerks

Typical education
High school diploma or equivalent
BLS
Related experience
None
On-the-job training
Moderate-term on-the-job training

A step-by-step guide for this occupation is being prepared. The education, training and experience data above show the typical path.

Skills, education and requirements for Payroll and Timekeeping Clerks

Key skills

Reading Comprehension
3.8
Active Listening
3.4
Mathematics
3.1
Speaking
3.1
Critical Thinking
3.1
Writing
3.1
Complex Problem Solving
3.0
Time Management
3.0

O*NET skill level ratings (0–7).

Key knowledge areas

Administrative
6.0
Economics and Accounting
5.3
Personnel and Human Resources
4.9
Mathematics
4.8
English Language
4.6
Administration and Management
4.6
Customer and Personal Service
4.1
Computers and Electronics
3.7

What the work involves

Processing InformationOrganizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkEstablishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsPerforming Administrative ActivitiesGetting InformationEvaluating Information to Determine Compliance with StandardsCommunicating with Supervisors, Peers, or SubordinatesUpdating and Using Relevant Knowledge

Important abilities

Oral ExpressionOral ComprehensionWritten ComprehensionNear VisionWritten ExpressionNumber Facility

Education of workers

Bachelor's degree
32%
High school diploma
21%
Associate's degree
17%

Training before entry

6–12 months
38%
Up to 1 month
36%
3–6 months
13%
1–3 months
5%
1–2 years
4%
None / short demo
4%

Related work experience

1–2 years
41%
6–12 months
8%

Job Zone 3 — medium preparation needed (O*NET)

Difficulty of entry: ★★☆☆☆ Fairly easy (from education, training, experience and Job Zone)

Career path and how to earn more as payroll and timekeeping clerks

Career-path guidance is being prepared. Pay by percentile is shown in the Pay section.

Pay and employment figures are national statistics. Projected pay, outlook scores and AI replacement risk are estimates from the Shigoto Zukan model, not guarantees. To request a correction, use the contact form. How to read the data
Sources: BLS OEWS May 2025; BLS Employment Projections 2025–35; O*NET 31.0 Database by USDOL/ETA (CC BY 4.0), modified by Shigoto Zukan. Pay ranges, projections and scores are Shigoto Zukan estimates.