As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Payroll Processing Clerk I in the United States is $45,490 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $22.
However, a Payroll Processing Clerk I's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Payroll Processing Clerk I'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, and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Payroll Processing Clerk I'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 |
|---|---|---|
| Payroll Processing Clerk I | 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 Payroll Processing Clerk Is. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Customer Service | 5.98% |
| HRIS | 2.21% |
| Workday | 1.4% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Innovation
|
$53,223 |
17%
|
|
Business Administration
|
$52,768 |
16%
|
|
Leadership
|
$51,859 |
14%
|
|
Consulting
|
$51,404 |
13%
|
|
Analytical Skills
|
$51,404 |
13%
|
|
General Ledger
|
$50,949 |
12%
|
Payroll Processing Clerk I salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $50,923. While startup companies pay approximate $43,080.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $43,080 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $45,562 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $49,176 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $50,923 |
For Payroll Processing Clerk I roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 35% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Aerospace & Defense and Biotechnology sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 20% above the average. In contrast, Payroll Processing Clerk positions in MFG Durable or MFG Nondurable typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Payroll Processing Clerk I as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aerospace & Defense | $54,588 | $26.0 | 20% |
| Biotechnology | $52,313 | $25.0 | 15% |
| Healthcare | $50,949 | $24.0 | 12% |
| Business Services | $50,039 | $24.0 | 10% |
| Financial Services | $50,039 | $24.0 | 10% |
Understanding how a Payroll Processing Clerk I'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 a Payroll Processing Clerk I, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Accounting Clerk II - Payroll role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $50,800 - a projected growth of 12% over your current level.
Salaries for a Payroll Processing Clerk I can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $39,792 in 2023 to around $39,203 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Payroll Processing Clerk I salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $39,792 |
| 2024 | $39,461 |
| 2025 | $39,203 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
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|
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The Aerospace & Defense industry offers the highest average compensation for Payroll Processing Clerk I roles, with salaries approximately 20% above the market median.
Among office jobs, the Payroll Processing Clerk offers a competitive salary range, with a minimum of $46,090, a mid-level salary of $50,890, and a maximum of $57,490. While there are higher-paying roles like air traffic controllers and marketing managers, the Payroll Processing Clerk position provides a solid income within the office job sector.
The role of a Payroll Processing Clerk can indeed be stressful, primarily due to the need to meet strict deadlines while ensuring accurate and timely payments for all employees. With a salary range from $46,090 to $57,490, the pressure to perform well is significant, as balancing these demands is crucial in maintaining payroll accuracy and compliance.
A Payroll Processing 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 mandatory. Salaries for this role range from $46,090 to $57,490, with a mid-salary of $50,890.
The estimated total pay for a Payroll Processing Clerk ranges from $46,090 to $57,490 annually, with a mid-salary of $50,890. This reflects the typical salary range based on collected data, providing a clear picture of compensation for this role.
The highest salary for a Payroll Processing Clerk is $57,490 annually. The salary range typically falls between $46,090 (minimum) and $50,890 (midpoint), reflecting the varying levels of experience and responsibility within the role.
ADP is the largest payroll company in the US, serving one million customers and employing over 70,000 people. They lead the market in payroll service software, competing with over 50 other companies. Payroll Processing Clerks at ADP earn between $46,090 and $57,490, with a median salary of $50,890.
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