As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for an Accounting Clerk II - Payroll in the United States is $50,800 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $24.
However, an Accounting Clerk II - Payroll's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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An Accounting Clerk II - Payroll's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location, education, and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of an Accounting Clerk II - Payroll's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:
| Job Role | Years of Experience | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Accounting Clerk I - Payroll | 0-1 years | $45,438 |
| Accounting Clerk II - Payroll | 1-3 years | $50,796 |
| Accounting Clerk III - Payroll | 3-5 years | $56,971 |
| Accounting Clerk IV - Payroll | 5-7 years | $62,644 |
| Payroll Operations Assistant Supervisor | 7+ years | $88,959 |
What Am I Worth?
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Accounting Clerk II - Payrolls. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Customer Service | 5.77% |
| HRIS | 2.15% |
| Workday | 1.32% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Process Improvement
|
$54,864 |
8%
|
|
ADP Workforce Now
|
$54,356 |
7%
|
|
Business Administration
|
$53,340 |
5%
|
|
Workday
|
$52,832 |
4%
|
|
Analytical Skills
|
$52,832 |
4%
|
|
Collaboration
|
$52,832 |
4%
|
Accounting Clerk II - Payroll salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $56,868. While startup companies pay approximate $48,109.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $48,109 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $50,881 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $54,916 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $56,868 |
For Accounting Clerk II - Payroll roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 60% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Energy & Utilities and Financial Services sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 30% above the average. In contrast, Accounting Clerk II - Payroll positions in Transportation or Retail & Wholesale typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Accounting Clerk II - Payroll as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Energy & Utilities | $66,040 | $32.0 | 30% |
| Financial Services | $66,040 | $32.0 | 30% |
| Internet | $66,040 | $32.0 | 30% |
| Pharmaceuticals | $66,040 | $32.0 | 30% |
| Software & Networking | $66,040 | $32.0 | 30% |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Accounting Clerk II - Payrolls enter the field with a High School Diploma or Technical Certificate degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.
According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for an Accounting Clerk II - Payroll with a High School Diploma or Technical Certificate is between $51,896 and $55,445).
Accounting Clerk II - Payroll Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 1.8% |
| High School | 43.6% |
| Associates | 24.1% |
| Bachelors | 27.9% |
| Masters | 2.5% |
| Doctorate | 0.1% |
Understanding how an Accounting Clerk II - Payroll's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
Last Updated on August 01, 2026For an Accounting Clerk II - Payroll, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Accounting Clerk III - Payroll role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $57,000 - a projected growth of 12% over your current level.
Salaries for an Accounting Clerk II - Payroll can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $43,820 in 2023 to around $43,657 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Accounting Clerk II - Payroll salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $43,820 |
| 2024 | $43,997 |
| 2025 | $43,657 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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The Energy & Utilities industry offers the highest average compensation for Accounting Clerk II - Payroll roles, with salaries approximately 30% above the market median.
Clerk I typically earns a salary ranging from $49,300 to $55,600, while Clerk II, being the full journey level, generally has a higher salary range of $55,600 to $63,000. Therefore, Clerk II is higher than Clerk I in terms of salary and responsibilities.
A Payroll Clerk II is responsible for processing payroll, ensuring accurate employee compensation, and managing tax services. They play a crucial role in detecting and preventing fraud while facilitating payment and billing for services. The salary for this position ranges from $49,300 to $63,000, with a midpoint of $55,600.
The work of an accounting clerk, particularly in payroll, can be stressful. Stress levels vary based on the work environment and specific job responsibilities, as well as individual personality traits. With salaries ranging from $49,300 to $63,000, the pressure to manage financial accuracy and deadlines can contribute to the overall stress experienced in this role.
An accounting clerk focuses on recording financial transactions, preparing statements, and analyzing data, while a payroll clerk specializes in calculating wages, deducting taxes, and managing employee benefits. The salary for an accounting clerk ranges from $49,300 to $63,000, with a midpoint of $55,600, reflecting the specialized nature of payroll tasks within the broader accounting field.
A payroll clerk typically starts at an entry-level position, requiring a high school diploma or GED. While advanced qualifications like a certificate or associate degree in accounting or finance can be beneficial, they are not always necessary. Salaries for payroll clerks range from $49,300 to $63,000, with a median salary of $55,600.
Next Steps: Certified Public Accountant. For many aspiring accounting professionals, becoming a CPA is the ultimate goal. The experience gained as an accounting clerk, earning a salary ranging from $49,300 to $63,000, can be invaluable in this role, helping you advance your career in the accounting field.
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