As of May 01, 2026, the average salary for a Payroll Processing Clerk II in the United States is $50,813 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $24.
However, a Payroll Processing Clerk II's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
Compensation Planning
Develop a Job Description
Pay Equity
2025 Compensation Trend
Smart Recruiting
Recruit with AI
A Payroll Processing Clerk II'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 a Payroll Processing Clerk II'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 | $45,445 |
| Payroll Processing Clerk II | 1-3 years | $50,793 |
| Accounting Clerk III - Payroll | 3-5 years | $56,960 |
| Accounting Clerk IV - Payroll | 5-7 years | $62,638 |
| Payroll Operations Assistant Supervisor | 7+ years | $88,925 |
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 IIs. 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
|
$54,878 |
8%
|
|
ADP Workforce Now
|
$54,370 |
7%
|
|
Business Administration
|
$53,354 |
5%
|
|
Workday
|
$52,846 |
4%
|
|
Analytical Skills
|
$52,846 |
4%
|
|
Collaboration
|
$52,846 |
4%
|
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Payroll Processing Clerk IIs 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 a Payroll Processing Clerk II with a High School Diploma or Technical Certificate is between $51,864 and $55,456).
Payroll Processing Clerk II 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 a Payroll Processing Clerk II'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 May 01, 2026For a Payroll Processing Clerk II, 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 a Payroll Processing Clerk II 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 Payroll Processing Clerk II salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $43,820 |
| 2024 | $43,997 |
| 2025 | $43,657 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
If your compensation planning software is too rigid to deploy winning incentive strategies, it’s time to find an adaptable solution.
Compensation PlanningHere are companies hiring for Payroll Processing Clerk II and their salaries, click below for more details.
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Payroll Processing Clerk II job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
Get a Salary Increase
Analyze the market and your qualifications to negotiate your salary with confidence.
Search Job Openings
Search thousands of open positions to find your next opportunity.
Adjust Employee Salary
Individualize employee pay based on unique job requirements and personal qualifications.
Price My Industry Jobs
Get the latest market price for benchmark jobs and jobs in your industry.
As of January 26, 2025, the average hourly pay for a Payroll Processing Clerk in the United States ranges from approximately $23.66 (MinSalary: $49,313 annually) to $30.00 (MidSalary: $55,583 annually) and up to $30.24 (MaxSalary: $62,943 annually). This reflects a competitive wage within the profession.
Position 2 Salary FAQs How much does Position 2 pay per year? The salary for a Payroll Processing Clerk ranges from approximately $49,313 to $62,943 annually, with a midpoint of $55,583. This reflects the varying levels of experience and responsibilities associated with the role.
A Payroll Processing Clerk II is responsible for managing payroll and tax services for clients, ensuring accurate payment and billing. This role involves detecting and preventing fraud while maintaining compliance with regulations. The salary for this position ranges from $49,313 to $62,943, with a midpoint of $55,583.
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 $49,313 and $62,943, with a median salary of $55,583.
A good salary in the USA varies by role and location. For a Payroll Processing Clerk, the salary ranges from a minimum of $49,313 to a maximum of $62,943, with a midpoint of $55,583. This range reflects the average compensation for this position, which can differ significantly across states and industries.
The role of a Payroll Processing Clerk can indeed be stressful due to the need to meet strict deadlines and ensure accurate payments. With a salary range from $49,313 to $62,943, the pressure to perform well is significant. Balancing these demands while maintaining accuracy is a key challenge in this profession.
Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)
With the most extensive online, real-time compensation data available, Salary.com helps you pinpoint your exact pay target.
Salary.com's CompAnalyst platform offers:
