Average Payroll and Timekeeping Clerks Salary in Charleston-North Charleston, SC
In Charleston-North Charleston, SC, Payroll and Timekeeping Clerks earn an average annual salary of $55,340. This figure is slightly below the national average of $56,360, indicating a localized pay scale influenced by regional economic factors and the specific demand within the Charleston-North Charleston metropolitan area. While close to the national benchmark, this difference suggests a nuanced compensation landscape.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $55,340 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 31.4% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $76,860.
- Outlook: The Charleston-North Charleston area supports a local workforce of 240 Payroll and Timekeeping Clerks. With a Location Quotient of 0.61, the concentration of these roles is below the national average, suggesting a moderately developed but not oversaturated job market. The rate of 0.617 jobs per 1,000 workers further reinforces that while opportunities exist, the demand is not exceptionally high compared to national trends.
Salary Overview
The average Payroll and Timekeeping Clerks in Charleston-North Charleston, SC earns-1.8%below the national average.
$26.6
$1,064
$4,612
Payroll and Timekeeping Clerks Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Charleston-North Charleston's Payroll and Timekeeping Clerk salaries over the last four years isn't provided, it's reasonable to assume a general upward trend mirroring national patterns. Economic growth, inflation, and evolving payroll complexities typically drive salary increases for these essential administrative roles over time, suggesting that current earnings may represent an increase from previous years.
Payroll and Timekeeping Clerks Salary Distribution in Charleston-North Charleston, SC
Salary progression for Payroll and Timekeeping Clerks in Charleston-North Charleston, as elsewhere, is strongly tied to experience and skill development. Entry-level positions typically command lower salaries, while senior clerks with extensive experience in complex payroll systems, compliance, and management can expect significantly higher compensation. The percentile gaps in salary distribution highlight clear opportunities for career advancement and increased earning potential.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Associate / AnalystData entry, reporting, supporting senior staff. | 10% (Entry) | $39,010 | $18.8 |
| Senior AnalystIndependent analysis, forecasting, client interaction. | 25% (Junior) | $41,505 | $20 |
| ManagerOversees team, compliance, and project delivery. | 50% (Median) | $53,060 | $25.5 |
| Director / VPStrategic planning, budget ownership, risk management. | 75% (Senior) | $69,175 | $33.3 |
| Executive / PartnerC-level leadership. High-level strategy & relations. | 90% (Expert) | $76,860 | $37 |
Detailed Payroll and Timekeeping Clerks Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$55,340
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$55,340
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $55,340 in Charleston-North Charleston aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means that the nominal salary offers purchasing power equivalent to the national average, suggesting that relocating here without a salary adjustment would maintain a similar standard of living from a cost perspective.
Job Market Context
240
Total Jobs
0.617
Per 1K Jobs
0.61
Location Quotient
Charleston-North Charleston, SC has 0.61x the national average concentration of Payroll and Timekeeping Clerks jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.
A Location Quotient of 0.61 for Payroll and Timekeeping Clerks in Charleston-North Charleston indicates that this profession is less concentrated than the national average. This suggests that while the job market is stable, it may not be as robust or competitive as in areas with a higher concentration of these roles, potentially offering a less saturated environment for job seekers.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Payroll and Timekeeping Clerks
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Hilton Head Island-Bluffton-Port Royal, SC Payroll and Timekeeping Clerks Salary | $55,560↑ 0% | 63 mi |
| Sumter, SC Payroll and Timekeeping Clerks Salary | $48,120↓ 13% | 81 mi |
| Myrtle Beach-Conway-North Myrtle Beach, SC Payroll and Timekeeping Clerks Salary | $46,150↓ 17% | 88 mi |
| Savannah, GA Payroll and Timekeeping Clerks Salary | $60,040↑ 8% | 89 mi |
| Northwestern South Carolina nonmetropolitan area Payroll and Timekeeping Clerks Salary | $49,290↓ 11% | 91 mi |
Comparing salaries near Charleston-North Charleston, SC
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Payroll and Timekeeping Clerks make in Charleston-North Charleston, SC?
The median annual salary for a Payroll and Timekeeping Clerks in Charleston-North Charleston, SC is $55,340. This typically ranges from $39,010 for entry-level positions to $76,860 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Charleston-North Charleston, SC is 1.8% lower than the national median of $56,360.
Is Charleston-North Charleston, SC a lucrative place for Payroll and Timekeeping Clerks?
No, not significantly more lucrative than the national average.The average salary of $55,340 is slightly below the national average, and the Cost of Living is exactly at the national average, offering no distinct financial advantage.
Is Charleston-North Charleston, SC a good place to live for Payroll and Timekeeping Clerks?
The Cost of Living Index in Charleston-North Charleston, SC is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Charleston-North Charleston, SC?
Some top paying nearby cities include Hilton Head Island-Bluffton-Port Royal, SC ($55,560) and Sumter, SC.
How does the Charleston-North Charleston salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Payroll and Timekeeping Clerks in Charleston-North Charleston is $55,340, which is slightly lower than the national average of $56,360.
What is the concentration of Payroll and Timekeeping Clerks in Charleston-North Charleston?
The concentration, measured by the Location Quotient, is 0.61, indicating that this profession is less common in Charleston-North Charleston compared to the national average.
Does the Cost of Living affect the salary competitiveness?
The Cost of Living Index in Charleston-North Charleston is 100, matching the national average. Therefore, the slightly lower salary effectively provides purchasing power equivalent to the national average.
What does a Location Quotient of 0.61 imply for job opportunities?
A Location Quotient below 1.0 suggests that the demand for Payroll and Timekeeping Clerks in Charleston-North Charleston is less intense than the national average, potentially leading to a less competitive job market.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 240 employees in the Charleston-North Charleston, SC area with a job density of 0.617 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 Charleston-North Charleston, SC