As of November 01, 2025, the average salary for a Payroll Clerk I in the United States is $45,457 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $22.
However, a Payroll Clerk I's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Payroll 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 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:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level Payroll Clerk I | $45,146 |
| Intermediate Level Payroll Clerk I | $45,766 |
| Senior Level Payroll Clerk I | $46,197 |
| Specialist Level Payroll Clerk I | $46,326 |
| Expert Level Payroll Clerk I | $46,413 |
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 Clerk Is. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Understanding how a Payroll 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 November 01, 2025Salaries for a Payroll 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 Clerk I salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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|
| 2023 | $39,792 |
| 2024 | $39,461 |
| 2025 | $39,203 |
| 2026 |
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|
| Median | % of Total | |
|---|---|---|
| Base Salary | $45,457 | 58.7% |
| Bonus | $7,048 | 9.1% |
| Median | % of Total | |
|---|---|---|
| Social Security | $4,017 | 5.2% |
| 401K/403B | $2,205 | 2.8% |
| Disability | $1,050 | 1.4% |
| Healthcare | $8,352 | 10.8% |
| Pension | $2,835 | 3.7% |
| Time Off | $6,462 | 8.3% |
| Total Compensation | $77,427 | 100% |
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Compensation PlanningHere are companies hiring for Payroll Clerk I and their salaries, click below for more details.
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Payroll Clerk I job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
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A Payroll Clerk I's earning potential can vary widely depending on several factors, including location, industry, experience, education, and the specific employer. According to the latest salary data by Salary.com, a Payroll Clerk I earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Payroll Clerk I is $57,335.
The highest pay for Payroll Clerk I is $50,367.
The lowest pay for Payroll Clerk I is $37,185.
Prepares and processes payroll and associated information. Collates and verifies data and inputs into the payroll system. Updates payroll records and processes routine changes to employee records. Performs basic reconciliation and auditing processes during each pay cycle. Responds to pay-related inquiries from staff. Researches and resolves errors or omissions. May prepare and submit reports and forms required by IRS or other regulatory bodies. Follows all processing procedures, adheres to policies, and maintains confidentiality. Typically requires a high school diploma or equivalent. Typically reports to a supervisor. Works under the close direction of senior personnel in the functional area. Possesses a moderate understanding of general aspects of the job. May require 0-1 year of general work experience.
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.
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