Average Payroll and Timekeeping Clerks Salary in California
Payroll and Timekeeping Clerks in California earn an impressive average annual salary of $64,010, significantly outpacing the national average of $56,360. This elevated compensation is largely driven by California's robust economy and higher operational costs, necessitating higher wages to attract and retain skilled professionals in payroll and timekeeping functions.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $64,010 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 16.4% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $88,140.
- Outlook: With a substantial local workforce of 23,180 Payroll and Timekeeping Clerks, California demonstrates a strong concentration of these roles, indicated by a Location Quotient of 1.26. This suggests a demand that is 26% higher than the national average, pointing towards a stable and potentially growing job market for these essential administrative professionals within the state.
Salary Overview
The average Payroll and Timekeeping Clerks in California earns+13.6%above the national average.
$30.8
$1,231
$5,334
Payroll and Timekeeping Clerks Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Payroll and Timekeeping Clerks in California have experienced steady growth over the past four years, mirroring broader economic trends and inflation. Increased reliance on accurate payroll systems and evolving compliance regulations likely contribute to a consistent upward pressure on compensation.
Payroll and Timekeeping Clerks Salary Distribution in California
Career progression for Payroll and Timekeeping Clerks in California typically involves a significant salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while senior clerks with extensive experience and specialized knowledge can command salaries well above the average, with percentile gaps clearly signifying this career trajectory and earning potential.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Associate / AnalystData entry, reporting, supporting senior staff. | 10% (Entry) | $35,600 | $17.1 |
| Senior AnalystIndependent analysis, forecasting, client interaction. | 25% (Junior) | $48,008 | $23.1 |
| ManagerOversees team, compliance, and project delivery. | 50% (Median) | $61,670 | $29.6 |
| Director / VPStrategic planning, budget ownership, risk management. | 75% (Senior) | $80,013 | $38.5 |
| Executive / PartnerC-level leadership. High-level strategy & relations. | 90% (Expert) | $88,140 | $42.4 |
Detailed Payroll and Timekeeping Clerks Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$64,010
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$46,217
Adjusted for COL (138.5)
While the average annual salary of $64,010 in California appears attractive, it must be considered against the state's Cost of Living Index of 138.5, which is substantially higher than the national average. This means that while nominal earnings are higher, the purchasing power of that salary is diminished due to the increased expenses associated with living in California.
Job Market Context
23,180
Total Jobs
1.283
Per 1K Jobs
1.26
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.26, California has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Payroll and Timekeeping Clerks roles compared to the national norm.
The Location Quotient of 1.26 for Payroll and Timekeeping Clerks in California indicates a market where these roles are more concentrated than the national average. This suggests a healthy demand and a competitive landscape, where employers may need to offer competitive salaries and benefits to secure qualified candidates, while also presenting ample opportunities for job seekers.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Payroll and Timekeeping Clerks
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Hanford-Corcoran, CA Payroll and Timekeeping Clerks Salary | $58,940↓ 8% | 15 mi |
| Visalia, CA Payroll and Timekeeping Clerks Salary | $53,880↓ 16% | 25 mi |
| Fresno, CA Payroll and Timekeeping Clerks Salary | $57,670↓ 10% | 46 mi |
| Bakersfield-Delano, CA Payroll and Timekeeping Clerks Salary | $56,400↓ 12% | 64 mi |
| San Luis Obispo-Paso Robles, CA Payroll and Timekeeping Clerks Salary | $60,820↓ 5% | 81 mi |
Comparing salaries near California
Hiring Payroll and Timekeeping Clerkss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Payroll and Timekeeping Clerks make in California?
The median annual salary for a Payroll and Timekeeping Clerks in California is $64,010. This typically ranges from $35,600 for entry-level positions to $88,140 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in California is 13.6% higher than the national median of $56,360.
Is California a lucrative place for Payroll and Timekeeping Clerks?
Yes, with caveats.California offers a higher average salary for Payroll and Timekeeping Clerks compared to the national average. However, the significantly higher cost of living means that the real value of this salary should be carefully considered.
Is California a good place to live for Payroll and Timekeeping Clerks?
The Cost of Living Index in California is 138.5. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near California?
Some top paying nearby cities include Hanford-Corcoran, CA ($58,940) and Visalia, CA.
How does California's average salary compare to the national average for this role?
Payroll and Timekeeping Clerks in California earn an average of $64,010 annually, which is $7,650 more than the national average of $56,360.
What is the significance of the Location Quotient (LQ) in California for this job?
A Location Quotient of 1.26 means that Payroll and Timekeeping Clerk jobs are 26% more concentrated in California than the national average, indicating higher demand relative to the general workforce.
How does the cost of living affect the salary for Payroll and Timekeeping Clerks in California?
With a Cost of Living Index of 138.5, California is significantly more expensive than the national average. This means the higher nominal salary is partially offset by increased daily living expenses.
What is the total number of Payroll and Timekeeping Clerks employed in California?
There are approximately 23,180 Payroll and Timekeeping Clerks employed in California, reflecting a substantial presence in the state's labor market.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 23,180 employees in the California area with a job density of 1.283 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Payroll and Timekeeping Clerks • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in California