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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Payroll Processing Clerk I in California is $50,190 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $24.
However, a Payroll Processing Clerk I's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Payroll Processing Clerk I Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $53,090 | $4,424 | $1,021 | $26 |
| Average | $50,190 | $4,183 | $965 | $24 |
| 25th Percentile | $45,390 | $3,783 | $873 | $22 |
Employnet Inc - Riverside, CA
Gill Automotive Group - Tracy, CA
Fairway Staffing Solutions - Montebello, CA
Fresh Express - Salinas, CA
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 | $50,118 |
| Accounting Clerk II - Payroll | 1-3 years | $56,028 |
| Accounting Clerk III - Payroll | 3-5 years | $62,839 |
| Accounting Clerk IV - Payroll | 5-7 years | $69,096 |
| Payroll Operations Assistant Supervisor | 7+ years | $98,122 |
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:
Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:
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 $56,185. While startup companies pay approximate $47,531.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $47,531 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $50,270 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $54,256 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $56,185 |
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 | $60,228 | $29.0 | 20% |
| Biotechnology | $57,718 | $28.0 | 15% |
| Healthcare | $56,213 | $27.0 | 12% |
| Business Services | $55,209 | $27.0 | 10% |
| Financial Services | $55,209 | $27.0 | 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.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $53,090 | $4,424 | $1,021 | $26 |
| Average | $50,190 | $4,183 | $965 | $24 |
| 25th Percentile | $45,390 | $3,783 | $873 | $22 |
For 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 $56,100 - a projected growth of 12% over your current level.
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Payroll Processing Clerk I job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
Confie
Midway City, CA
Confie | Midway City, CA
Payroll ClerkAccountable for collecting timekeeping information, incorporating a variety of deductions into a periodic payroll, and issuing pay and pay-rel... more
7 Days Ago
West Coast Arborists Inc
Anaheim, CA
West Coast Arborists Inc | Anaheim, CA
West Coast Arborists, Inc. a union company and industry leader in tree maintenance, is hiring Payroll Clerk to work at the corporate office in Anaheim. Pro... more
7 Days Ago
EVAPCO
Madera, CA
EVAPCO | Madera, CA
Payroll ClerkEvapco is currently hiring a Payroll Clerk at our facility in Madera, CA. The Payroll Clerk is responsible for supporting payroll operations b... more
7 Days Ago
Keolis America Inc
Pomona, CA
Keolis America Inc | Pomona, CA
Payroll ClerkJob Category:Human ResourcesRequisition Number:PAYRO004885Location:Pomona Foothills Office CA0005, Pomona, CA 91766, USAJob DetailsDescription... more
7 Days Ago
Child Development Associates
Bonita, CA
Child Development Associates | Bonita, CA
Employment Type:Full-Time, Regular Exemption Status:Non-Exempt. Hourly Rate:$28.00 (equivalent to $58,240.00 annually)About CDA:CDA is a community based, m... more
7 Days Ago
AEG
Torrance, CA
AEG | Torrance, CA
We are seeking a detail-oriented Payroll Data Entry Clerk/Customer Service Representative to join our payroll team. This role will support payroll operatio... more
7 Days Ago
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