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Average Payroll and Timekeeping Clerks Salary in Chattanooga, TN-GA

In Chattanooga, TN-GA, Payroll and Timekeeping Clerks earn an average annual salary of $50,180. This figure is notably below the national average of $56,360, suggesting that local economic factors and market demand play a significant role in compensation within this region. The specific economic landscape and industry concentration in Chattanooga influence the prevailing wage rates for these essential administrative roles.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $50,180 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 25.9% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $67,970.
  • Outlook: The local job market for Payroll and Timekeeping Clerks in Chattanooga, TN-GA, shows a moderate presence, with a total workforce of 220 individuals in this role. The Location Quotient of 0.79 indicates that this profession is slightly less concentrated than the national average, suggesting a stable but not exceptionally high demand relative to other occupations in the area. The rate of 0.806 jobs per 1,000 workers further supports this assessment of a steady employment landscape.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$50,180

The average Payroll and Timekeeping Clerks in Chattanooga, TN-GA earns-11.0%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$24.1

Weekly

$965

Monthly

$4,182

Payroll and Timekeeping Clerks Salary Distribution in Chattanooga, TN-GA

Career progression for Payroll and Timekeeping Clerks typically involves a salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while senior clerks with extensive knowledge of complex payroll systems, tax laws, and compliance can command significantly higher salaries. The percentile gaps in salary distribution reflect these opportunities for advancement and increased earning potential as professionals gain expertise and take on more responsibility.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Associate / AnalystData entry, reporting, supporting senior staff.10% (Entry)$36,100$17.4
Senior AnalystIndependent analysis, forecasting, client interaction.25% (Junior)$37,635$18.1
ManagerOversees team, compliance, and project delivery.50% (Median)$49,250$23.7
Director / VPStrategic planning, budget ownership, risk management.75% (Senior)$62,725$30.2
Executive / PartnerC-level leadership. High-level strategy & relations.90% (Expert)$67,970$32.7

Detailed Payroll and Timekeeping Clerks Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$50,180

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$50,180

Adjusted for COL (100)

The nominal average annual salary of $50,180 in Chattanooga, TN-GA, aligns precisely with the national average cost of living index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of a Payroll and Timekeeping Clerk's salary in Chattanooga is equivalent to that of someone earning the national average salary in a location with a national average cost of living. Therefore, the salary is neither significantly enhanced nor diminished by local living expenses.

Job Market Context

220

Total Jobs

0.806

Per 1K Jobs

0.79

Location Quotient

Below Average

Chattanooga, TN-GA has 0.79x 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.

With a Location Quotient of 0.79, the market for Payroll and Timekeeping Clerks in Chattanooga, TN-GA, is less concentrated than the national average. This suggests that while the role is present and necessary, it is not a dominant industry or a particularly high-demand specialization compared to national trends. The job market is likely stable, offering opportunities but perhaps with less intense competition or a smaller pool of specialized roles compared to more concentrated areas.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Payroll and Timekeeping Clerks

Comparing salaries near Chattanooga, TN-GA

Hiring Payroll and Timekeeping Clerkss?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Payroll and Timekeeping Clerks make in Chattanooga, TN-GA?

The median annual salary for a Payroll and Timekeeping Clerks in Chattanooga, TN-GA is $50,180. This typically ranges from $36,100 for entry-level positions to $67,970 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Chattanooga, TN-GA is 11.0% lower than the national median of $56,360.

Is Chattanooga, TN-GA a lucrative place for Payroll and Timekeeping Clerks?

No, it is not exceptionally lucrative compared to the national average.The average salary of $50,180 is below the national average of $56,360, although the cost of living is at the national average. This indicates that while purchasing power is maintained, the nominal earnings are lower.

Is Chattanooga, TN-GA a good place to live for Payroll and Timekeeping Clerks?

The Cost of Living Index in Chattanooga, TN-GA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near Chattanooga, TN-GA?

Some top paying nearby cities include Cleveland, TN ($49,120) and Dalton, GA.

How does Chattanooga's cost of living compare to the national average?

Chattanooga, TN-GA has a cost of living index of 100, which is exactly the national average. This means that the general expenses for housing, utilities, groceries, and transportation are comparable to the typical U.S. city.

What is the concentration of Payroll and Timekeeping Clerks in Chattanooga?

The concentration, measured by the Location Quotient, is 0.79. This indicates that Payroll and Timekeeping Clerks are slightly less prevalent in Chattanooga's workforce compared to the national average.

How many Payroll and Timekeeping Clerk jobs are there per 1,000 workers in Chattanooga?

There are approximately 0.806 jobs for Payroll and Timekeeping Clerks per 1,000 workers in Chattanooga, TN-GA, reflecting the overall employment density of this role in the local economy.

Does experience significantly impact a Payroll and Timekeeping Clerk's salary in Chattanooga?

Yes, as in most fields, experience plays a crucial role. Senior Payroll and Timekeeping Clerks with specialized skills and a proven track record typically earn higher salaries than entry-level professionals.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 220 employees in the Chattanooga, TN-GA area with a job density of 0.806 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.