As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Payroll Processing Clerk IV in the United States is $62,690 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $30.
However, a Payroll Processing Clerk IV's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Payroll Processing Clerk IV'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 IV'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 II - Payroll | 1-3 years | $50,796 |
| Accounting Clerk III - Payroll | 3-5 years | $56,971 |
| Payroll Processing Clerk IV | 5-7 years | $62,644 |
| Payroll Operations Assistant Supervisor | 7+ years | $88,959 |
| Payroll Operations Supervisor | 7+ years | $95,474 |
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 IVs. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Customer Service | 6.06% |
| HRIS | 2.37% |
| Workday | 1.3% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Auditing
|
$72,720 |
16%
|
|
Workday
|
$69,586 |
11%
|
|
Child Support
|
$69,586 |
11%
|
|
Collaboration
|
$68,959 |
10%
|
|
Verbal Communication
|
$68,332 |
9%
|
|
HRIS
|
$67,078 |
7%
|
Payroll Processing Clerk IV salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $70,178. While startup companies pay approximate $59,369.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $59,369 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $62,790 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $67,769 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $70,178 |
For Payroll Processing Clerk IV roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 100% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Software & Networking and Pharmaceuticals sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 50% above the average. In contrast, Payroll Processing Clerk positions in Retail & Wholesale or Hospitality & Leisure typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Payroll Processing Clerk IV as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Software & Networking | $94,035 | $45.0 | 50% |
| Pharmaceuticals | $87,766 | $42.0 | 40% |
| Biotechnology | $81,497 | $39.0 | 30% |
| Aerospace & Defense | $75,228 | $36.0 | 20% |
Understanding how a Payroll Processing Clerk IV'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 IV, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Payroll Operations Assistant Supervisor role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $89,000 - a projected growth of 42% over your current level.
Salaries for a Payroll Processing Clerk IV can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $58,604 in 2023 to around $58,460 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Payroll Processing Clerk IV salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $58,604 |
| 2024 | $58,827 |
| 2025 | $58,460 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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The Software & Networking industry offers the highest average compensation for Payroll Processing Clerk IV roles, with salaries approximately 50% above the market median.
The highest salary for a Payroll Processing Clerk is $78,490 annually. The salary range typically falls between $62,790 (minimum) and $70,490 (midpoint), reflecting the varying levels of experience and responsibility within the role.
The pay rate for Payroll Processing Clerks ranges from $62,790 to $78,490 annually, with a mid-salary of $70,490. This reflects the compensation structure for this role, which is distinct from the Executive Level IV positions that have a significantly higher pay scale.
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 $62,790 and $78,490, with a median salary of $70,490.
Payroll Clerks are responsible for maintaining payroll information by collating, calculating, and entering data. They also update records with changes in employee details or benefits like job titles that might occur over time. The salary for this position ranges from $62,790 to $78,490, with a mid-range salary of $70,490.
A payroll processor is responsible for managing payroll for a company's employees. Their duties include validating work hours, calculating wages, and issuing payments. They ensure accurate attendance records and follow up to guarantee employees are paid correctly. The salary for this role ranges from $62,790 to $78,490, with a midpoint of $70,490.
The highest paying job in payroll is typically the Payroll Consultant, with salaries ranging from $69,000 to $148,000 per year. Other roles include Payroll Advisor ($50,000-$95,000), Payroll Officer ($48,000-$80,500), and Senior Payroll Specialist. For a Payroll Processing Clerk, the salary ranges from $62,790 to $78,490, with a mid-salary of $70,490.
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.)
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