Average Payroll and Timekeeping Clerks Salary in District of Columbia
Payroll and Timekeeping Clerks in the District of Columbia earn an impressive average annual salary of $72,140, significantly exceeding the national average of $56,360. This elevated compensation is likely driven by the unique economic landscape of the nation's capital, characterized by a high concentration of government agencies, non-profits, and corporate headquarters, all requiring robust payroll operations.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $72,140 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 12.6% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $103,800.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 350 Payroll and Timekeeping Clerks and a Location Quotient of 0.48, the job market in the District of Columbia indicates a specialized, though not overwhelmingly concentrated, demand for these professionals. The presence of 0.49 jobs per 1,000 workers suggests a steady, albeit not booming, need for skilled individuals in this sector within the local economy.
Salary Overview
The average Payroll and Timekeeping Clerks in District of Columbia earns+28.0%above the national average.
$34.7
$1,387
$6,012
Payroll and Timekeeping Clerks Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data isn't provided, it's reasonable to assume that salaries for Payroll and Timekeeping Clerks in the District of Columbia have experienced steady growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Factors such as increasing complexity in payroll regulations, the adoption of new technologies, and a persistent demand for accurate financial administration likely contribute to upward salary pressure in this role.
Payroll and Timekeeping Clerks Salary Distribution in District of Columbia
Career progression for Payroll and Timekeeping Clerks in the District of Columbia typically involves a significant salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions might start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while senior clerks or those with specialized skills in complex payroll systems and compliance can command salaries well above the average. The percentile gaps in earnings clearly signify the value placed on accumulated knowledge and responsibility.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Associate / AnalystData entry, reporting, supporting senior staff. | 10% (Entry) | $47,840 | $23 |
| Senior AnalystIndependent analysis, forecasting, client interaction. | 25% (Junior) | $54,105 | $26 |
| ManagerOversees team, compliance, and project delivery. | 50% (Median) | $69,210 | $33.3 |
| Director / VPStrategic planning, budget ownership, risk management. | 75% (Senior) | $90,175 | $43.4 |
| Executive / PartnerC-level leadership. High-level strategy & relations. | 90% (Expert) | $103,800 | $49.9 |
Detailed Payroll and Timekeeping Clerks Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$72,140
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$48,514
Adjusted for COL (148.7)
The nominal average salary of $72,140 in the District of Columbia presents a complex picture when viewed against the local Cost of Living Index of 148.7. While the salary is substantially higher than the national average, the cost of living is also nearly 50% above the national benchmark, meaning the purchasing power of this salary may be less than initially perceived. Careful budgeting is essential for residents.
Job Market Context
350
Total Jobs
0.49
Per 1K Jobs
0.48
Location Quotient
At 0.48x, District of Columbia has a notably lower concentration of Payroll and Timekeeping Clerks jobs than the national average. Opportunities in this area are relatively scarce for this profession.
A Location Quotient of 0.48 suggests that Payroll and Timekeeping Clerks are less concentrated in the District of Columbia compared to the national average. This could imply a more competitive job market where employers may have a wider pool of candidates to choose from, or it could indicate that the demand is met by a slightly smaller, but perhaps more specialized, workforce relative to other professions.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Payroll and Timekeeping Clerks
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Maryland nonmetropolitan area Payroll and Timekeeping Clerks Salary | $55,310↓ 23% | 17 mi |
| Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD Payroll and Timekeeping Clerks Salary | $59,580↓ 17% | 35 mi |
| Hagerstown-Martinsburg, MD-WV Payroll and Timekeeping Clerks Salary | $52,760↓ 27% | 63 mi |
Comparing salaries near District of Columbia
Hiring Payroll and Timekeeping Clerkss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Payroll and Timekeeping Clerks make in District of Columbia?
The median annual salary for a Payroll and Timekeeping Clerks in District of Columbia is $72,140. This typically ranges from $47,840 for entry-level positions to $103,800 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in District of Columbia is 28.0% higher than the national median of $56,360.
Is District of Columbia a lucrative place for Payroll and Timekeeping Clerks?
Yes, but with caveats.The average salary of $72,140 is significantly higher than the national average, indicating lucrative potential. However, the high cost of living (148.7) means that the actual purchasing power requires careful financial management.
Is District of Columbia a good place to live for Payroll and Timekeeping Clerks?
The Cost of Living Index in District of Columbia is 148.7. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near District of Columbia?
Some top paying nearby cities include Maryland nonmetropolitan area ($55,310) and Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD.
How does the District of Columbia's payroll clerk salary compare to the national average?
Payroll and Timekeeping Clerks in the District of Columbia earn an average of $72,140 annually, which is substantially higher than the national average of $56,360.
What is the concentration of Payroll and Timekeeping Clerks in the District of Columbia?
The concentration, measured by the Location Quotient, is 0.48, indicating that this profession is less common in the District of Columbia compared to the national average.
How does the cost of living affect the salary of a Payroll and Timekeeping Clerk in DC?
The District of Columbia has a Cost of Living Index of 148.7, meaning it is significantly more expensive to live there than the national average. This higher cost of living offsets some of the benefit of the higher nominal salary.
What does the number of jobs per 1,000 workers indicate for this role in DC?
With 0.49 jobs per 1,000 workers, the data suggests a moderate presence of Payroll and Timekeeping Clerk positions within the District of Columbia's overall employment landscape.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 350 employees in the District of Columbia area with a job density of 0.49 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 District of Columbia