FAQ
Payroll Clerk FAQ
Answers to the most common questions about working as a payroll clerk.
Straight answers to the questions people ask most about becoming a payroll clerk: pay, training time, degrees, certifications and whether it’s a good career.
9 questions about payroll clerks
Do payroll clerks need a degree?
No, a high school diploma is typical.
What is the FPC?
An entry payroll credential from PayrollOrg.
Is the job declining?
BLS projects decline as software automates payroll.
How much does a payroll clerk make?
The median annual wage for payroll clerks was $58,260 ($28.01 per hour) in May 2025, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The lowest 10% earned less than $39,500 and the highest 10% earned more than $81,350.
How long does it take to become a payroll clerk?
Most people need about A few months on the job of training. A high school diploma and moderate on-the-job training are typical.
Do you need a degree to be a payroll clerk?
No four-year degree is typically required. BLS lists “high school diploma or equivalent” as the typical entry-level education, plus moderate-term on-the-job training.
Is payroll clerk a good career?
It can be, depending on your goals. Employment is projected to change -15.9% from 2025–35 (a projected decline), with about 11,400 openings each year. Upsides include every employer needs payroll; a common challenge is that declining employment.
What skills does a payroll clerk need?
Key technical skills include payroll processing, wage and hour law, payroll taxes, and timekeeping systems. Employers also value accuracy, confidentiality, and reliability.
What certifications are available for payroll clerks?
Common credentials include FPC, CPP, Payroll software certifications, and Bookkeeping certificate. Requirements vary by state and employer.
Still deciding?
Try the Payroll Clerk fit quiz, compare with Bookkeeper, or explore Payroll Clerk training.
Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025, SOC 43-3051 (Payroll and timekeeping clerks).
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Employment Projections, Table 1.2 (2025–35).
- O*NET OnLine summary for Payroll and timekeeping clerks (U.S. Department of Labor).
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook.
Reviewed by the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team. Pay figures are national estimates; local pay varies. See our editorial policy.