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Average Payroll and Timekeeping Clerks Salary in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA

Payroll and Timekeeping Clerks in the San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA area earn an impressive average annual salary of $84,760. This figure significantly surpasses the national average of $56,360, reflecting the high demand and specialized skill set required in this economically vibrant region. The concentration of technology and business sectors in the Bay Area often necessitates robust payroll operations, driving higher compensation for these essential roles.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $84,760 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 37.3% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $119,190.
  • Outlook: With a local workforce of 990 Payroll and Timekeeping Clerks and a Location Quotient of 0.86, the job market in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA, indicates a slightly below-average concentration compared to the national landscape. However, the presence of nearly a thousand professionals suggests a stable and established demand for these roles within the region's diverse economic ecosystem. The number of jobs per 1,000 workers at 0.872 further supports the notion of consistent employment opportunities.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$84,760

The average Payroll and Timekeeping Clerks in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA earns+50.4%above the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$40.8

Weekly

$1,630

Monthly

$7,063

Payroll and Timekeeping Clerks Salary Distribution in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA

Career progression for Payroll and Timekeeping Clerks typically involves a significant salary increase from entry-level to senior positions. Junior clerks might start in the lower percentiles, earning closer to $60,000, while experienced professionals with advanced skills and responsibilities in areas like compliance or system management can command salaries in the upper percentiles, potentially exceeding $100,000. These percentile gaps highlight the substantial rewards for accumulating experience and expertise.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Associate / AnalystData entry, reporting, supporting senior staff.10% (Entry)$54,450$26.2
Senior AnalystIndependent analysis, forecasting, client interaction.25% (Junior)$63,570$30.6
ManagerOversees team, compliance, and project delivery.50% (Median)$80,150$38.5
Director / VPStrategic planning, budget ownership, risk management.75% (Senior)$105,950$50.9
Executive / PartnerC-level leadership. High-level strategy & relations.90% (Expert)$119,190$57.3

Detailed Payroll and Timekeeping Clerks Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$84,760

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$84,760

Adjusted for COL (100)

The average annual salary of $84,760 in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA, aligns perfectly with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the nominal salary is considerably higher than the national average, the purchasing power of that salary is effectively on par with the national average due to the local cost of living. Therefore, relocating here offers a high nominal income, but the real value of that income is moderated by local expenses.

Job Market Context

990

Total Jobs

0.872

Per 1K Jobs

0.86

Location Quotient

Below Average

San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA has 0.86x 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 0.86 suggests that Payroll and Timekeeping Clerk roles are slightly less concentrated in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA, than the national average. This implies that while the market is not oversaturated, there is a solid presence of these professionals supporting the region's businesses. The job market is likely competitive, with employers seeking qualified candidates, but not exceptionally scarce, offering a balanced environment for both job seekers and employers.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Payroll and Timekeeping Clerks

Comparing salaries near San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA

Hiring Payroll and Timekeeping Clerkss?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Payroll and Timekeeping Clerks make in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA?

The median annual salary for a Payroll and Timekeeping Clerks in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA is $84,760. This typically ranges from $54,450 for entry-level positions to $119,190 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA is 50.4% higher than the national median of $56,360.

Is San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA a lucrative place for Payroll and Timekeeping Clerks?

Yes, it offers a highly lucrative nominal salary.The average salary of $84,760 is substantially higher than the national average. However, this is balanced by a Cost of Living Index that is also at the national average, meaning the high salary's purchasing power is comparable to the national average.

Is San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA a good place to live for Payroll and Timekeeping Clerks?

The Cost of Living Index in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA?

Some top paying nearby cities include Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA ($62,030) and San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA.

How does the local workforce size impact job opportunities?

A local workforce of 990 indicates a substantial number of established positions, suggesting consistent demand and a stable job market for Payroll and Timekeeping Clerks in the area.

What does a Location Quotient of 0.86 signify?

A Location Quotient of 0.86 means that Payroll and Timekeeping Clerk jobs are slightly less common per capita in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA, compared to the national average, suggesting a moderately competitive job market.

How does experience affect salary for this role in San Jose?

Experience significantly impacts earnings, with entry-level positions offering lower salaries and senior roles commanding much higher compensation, reflecting increased responsibility and expertise.

Is the high salary in San Jose offset by the cost of living?

Yes, the Cost of Living Index of 100 means that while the nominal salary is high, the actual purchasing power is aligned with the national average, as local expenses match the national benchmark.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 990 employees in the San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA area with a job density of 0.872 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.