Payroll Clerk

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Work Tasks

• Make sure that workers are paid on time and that their paychecks are correct
• Make sure time cards are filled out correctly and that vacation and sick days are accurate
• Take out retirement, federal and state taxes, insurance, and other deductions from gross earnings
• Make tax withholding statements which people use to file their income tax returns
• Work in payroll offices for businesses, healthcare facilities, schools, social services, manufacturers, wholesale and retail stores, the government, etc.
• Work with computers, calculators, typewriters, payroll records, time cards, employee earnings reports, payroll checks, and tax withholding statements

Salary, Size & Growth

• $39,500 average per year ($19.00 per hour)
• A large occupation (180,300 workers in 2010)
• Expected to decline (0.5% per year)

Education/Training

• Minimum for Entry: A high school diploma and training in office practices and software
• Employers Prefer: A 2-year degree in office practices
• Skills/Courses: On-the-job training covers procedures and specific duties.
• Certification/Licensing: Certification is available after courses, work experience, and passing a test.