Payroll and Timekeeping Clerks
SOC Code: 43-3051 Job Zone 3: Medium Preparation Needed
Compile and record employee time and payroll data. May compute employees' time worked, production, and commission. May compute and post wages and deductions, or prepare paychecks.
Advertisement
Prevailing Wage Levels (National)
DOL/OFLC prevailing wage thresholds for Payroll and Timekeeping Clerks. Hourly rates x 2,080 = annual.
FY2027 Weighted Lottery Impact
| Level | Lottery Entries | Est. Selection Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Level I (Entry) | 1 entry | ~16% |
| Level II (Qualified) | 2 entries | ~31% |
| Level III (Experienced) | 3 entries | ~45% |
| Level IV (Expert) | 4 entries | ~61% |
Prevailing Wages by Metro Area
| Metro Area | Level I | Level II | Level III | Level IV |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | $59,072 | $71,843 | $84,635 | $97,406 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA | $55,806 | $67,829 | $79,872 | $91,894 |
| Napa, CA | $49,254 | $58,864 | $68,494 | $78,104 |
| Boulder, CO | $46,218 | $56,701 | $67,163 | $77,646 |
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA | $52,042 | $60,174 | $68,286 | $76,419 |
| Bremerton-Silverdale-Port Orchard, WA | $49,899 | $58,677 | $67,475 | $76,253 |
| Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater, WA | $48,027 | $57,325 | $66,643 | $75,941 |
| San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA | $50,128 | $58,677 | $67,205 | $75,754 |
| New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ | $47,029 | $56,347 | $65,666 | $74,984 |
| Eastern Sierra-Mother Lode Region of California nonmetropolitan area | $48,714 | $57,034 | $65,333 | $73,653 |
Key Skills
| Skill | Importance | Level |
|---|---|---|
| Reading Comprehension | 3.9 | |
| Active Listening | 3.8 | |
| Mathematics | 3.2 | |
| Writing | 3.1 | |
| Critical Thinking | 3.1 | |
| Speaking | 3.1 | |
| Complex Problem Solving | 3.0 | |
| Service Orientation | 3.0 | |
| Monitoring | 3.0 | |
| Social Perceptiveness | 2.9 |
Knowledge Areas
| Knowledge | Importance |
|---|---|
| Administrative | 4.5 |
| Mathematics | 4.2 |
| English Language | 4.2 |
| Economics and Accounting | 4.1 |
| Personnel and Human Resources | 3.9 |
| Administration and Management | 3.8 |
| Customer and Personal Service | 3.2 |
| Computers and Electronics | 3.1 |
Education Requirements
| Education Level | % of Workers |
|---|---|
| Bachelor's degree | 31.8% |
| Post-secondary certificate | 30.4% |
| High school diploma | 20.6% |
| Associate's degree | 17.3% |
Typical Tasks
- Process and issue employee paychecks and statements of earnings and deductions.
- Compute wages and deductions, and enter data into computers.
- Compile employee time, production, and payroll data from time sheets and other records.
- Review time sheets, work charts, wage computation, and other information to detect and reconcile payroll discrepancies.
- Verify attendance, hours worked, and pay adjustments, and post information onto designated records.
- Record employee information, such as exemptions, transfers, and resignations, to maintain and update payroll records.
- Issue and record adjustments to pay related to previous errors or retroactive increases.
- Keep informed about changes in tax and deduction laws that apply to the payroll process.
Technology Skills
Green = Hot Technology in demand
Intuit QuickBooks Kronos Workforce Timekeeper Microsoft Access Microsoft Excel Microsoft Office software Microsoft Outlook Microsoft PowerPoint Microsoft Word Oracle PeopleSoft SAP software Workday software ADP Enterprise HR ADP PC/Payroll ADP Workforce Now ADP eTIME
Calculate your wage level for Payroll and Timekeeping Clerks →
Advertisement
H-1B Guides & Resources
Looking for an H-1B immigration attorney?
Find experienced immigration lawyers in our attorney directory.