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Payroll Clerk Job Description: Top Duties and Qualifications

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A 12203642payroll7.71accounting6.2costco5.68accounts payable3.06payroll specialist2.162580692785679.6021.4437.85HOURLY389121622025-10-012025-10-312025-09-012025-09-302025-11-05Payroll Clerk, or Payroll Administrator, process employees’ paychecks by collecting their payroll data and timesheets. Their duties include verifying employees’ work hours and payment through the payroll system, issuing deductions, earnings and other statements to employees and updating payroll records regularly.

Payroll Clerk duties and responsibilities

Although a Payroll Clerk has a variety of duties and responsibilities, their principle role includes the following:

  • Maintaining payroll information by collating, calculating and entering data
  • Updating payroll records by entering any changes to employee information or benefits such as job title changes, exemptions and saving deductions
  • Preparing reports that include summaries of earnings, tax deductions, leave, compassionate leave and non-taxable wages
  • Calculating payroll liabilities by determining employee taxes, including federal and state income and social security tax, and calculating employer’s payments for social security, unemployment and worker’s compensation
  • Resolving payroll discrepancies and answering any employee payroll queries
  • Maintaining all payroll operations according to company policies and procedures
  • Processing and issuing W-2 forms to employees

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Payroll Clerk Job Description Examples

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Indeed’s Employer Resource Library helps businesses grow and manage their workforce. With over 15,000 articles in 6 languages, we offer tactical advice, how-tos and best practices to help businesses hire and retain great employees.

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Job Description Best Practices
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What does a Payroll Clerk do?

Payroll Clerks work within a company’s payroll or accounting department collecting employees’ payroll information to process and deliver paychecks. They’ll gather employees’ time sheets after each pay period and will verify that their payroll information and work hours are correct. Payroll Clerks use a software system to input basic data into the payroll system.

They’ll collaborate closely with employees to gather any important payment information or to answer any of their questions regarding their paychecks. Payroll Clerks will work carefully to calculate payroll information like taxes, deductions, bonuses, commissions and other payable hours. If any payroll issues or discrepancies occur, the Payroll Clerk must investigate and resolve them.

Payroll Clerk skills and qualifications

A proficient Payroll Clerk should have these skills to do their job well:

  • Strong computer skills such as typing, system and software knowledge
  • Knowledge of wage withholding orders
  • Accurate data entry skills with great attention to detail
  • Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, to communicate with employees regarding their issues and concerns
  • Good client service skills
  • Being an effective team player
  • Sound decision-making skills
  • Ability to multitask in a stressful environment with specific deadlines
  • Ability to work independently in a time-sensitive environment
  • Confidentiality and respect for the privacy of employee records

Payroll Clerk salary expectations

A Payroll Clerk makes an average salary of $16.92 per hour. Pay rate may depend on level of experience, education and the geographical location.

Payroll Clerk salary expectations

2025-10-019.6021.4437.85HOURLY
  • Common salary: 21.44 HOURLY
  • Typical salaries range from 9.60 - 37.85 HOURLY
  • Find more information on Indeed Salaries

*Indeed data – 2025-10-01

12203642payroll7.71accounting6.2costco5.68accounts payable3.06payroll specialist2.162580692785679.6021.4437.85HOURLY389121622025-10-012025-10-312025-09-012025-09-302025-11-05Payroll Clerk education and training requirements

Payroll Clerks aren’t subject to formal education requirements besides a high school diploma or GED, but certificate programs in bookkeeping and payroll administration are available. They can become certified through the American Payroll Association (APA) or get an official designation as a Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) or a Fundamental Payroll Certification (PFC) by taking an examination. Some companies favor candidates with an associate or bachelor’s degree in accounting or a similar field.

Payroll Clerk experience requirements

Entry-level Payroll Clerks generally start with little or no experience, while a mid-level Payroll Clerk usually has three to five years of relevant experience. The amount of experience you should require in your job listing depends on the seniority of the position and your organization’s needs.

Job description samples for similar positions

If a 12203642payroll7.71accounting6.2costco5.68accounts payable3.06payroll specialist2.162580692785679.6021.4437.85HOURLY389121622025-10-012025-10-312025-09-012025-09-302025-11-05Payroll Clerk listing isn’t what you need, check out these related job description samples:

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Frequently asked questions about Payroll Clerks

Three individuals are sitting at a table with a laptop, a disposable coffee cup, notebooks, and a phone visible. Two are facing each other, while the third’s back is to the camera. The setting appears to be a bright room with large windows.

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Job Description Examples

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