As of November 01, 2025, the average salary for a Payroll Clerk II in the United States is $50,784 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $24.
However, a Payroll Clerk II's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Payroll 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 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:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level Payroll Clerk II | $49,884 |
| Intermediate Level Payroll Clerk II | $50,623 |
| Senior Level Payroll Clerk II | $52,150 |
| Specialist Level Payroll Clerk II | $53,448 |
| Expert Level Payroll Clerk II | $53,610 |
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 IIs. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Payroll 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 Clerk II with a High School Diploma or Technical Certificate is between $52,098 and $55,707.
Payroll 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 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 November 01, 2025Salaries for a Payroll 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 Clerk II salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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|
| 2023 | $43,820 |
| 2024 | $43,997 |
| 2025 | $43,657 |
| 2026 |
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|
| Median | % of Total | |
|---|---|---|
| Base Salary | $50,784 | 59.9% |
| Bonus | $7,314 | 8.6% |
| Median | % of Total | |
|---|---|---|
| Social Security | $4,445 | 5.2% |
| 401K/403B | $2,440 | 2.9% |
| Disability | $1,162 | 1.4% |
| Healthcare | $8,352 | 9.9% |
| Pension | $3,137 | 3.7% |
| Time Off | $7,151 | 8.4% |
| Total Compensation | $84,785 | 100% |
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A Payroll Clerk II'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 II earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Payroll Clerk II is $64,054.
The highest pay for Payroll Clerk II is $61,905.
The lowest pay for Payroll Clerk II is $42,093.
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 moderate supervision. Gaining or has attained full proficiency in a specific area of discipline. Typically requires 1-3 years of related 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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