Skip to content
AffordMap
Office & Admin · Washington

How to Become a Payroll and Timekeeping Clerks in Washington

Payroll and Timekeeping Clerks in Washington earn a median salary of $62,310/year, which is 13% above the national average. Washington has no state income tax. After taxes and rent, a payroll and timekeeping clerks takes home approximately $2,930/month. Most positions require High school diploma or equivalent.

$62K
Median salary in Washington
+13%
vs. national average
None
State income tax
3,880
Employed in Washington

What a payroll and timekeeping clerks can afford in Washington

Gross annual salary$62,310
Est. monthly take-home (no state tax)$4,342/mo
Median 2BR rent (Washington)-$1,412/mo
Rent as % of take-home32.5% (above 30% guideline)
Cost-of-living adjusted salary$62,310/yr (RPP: 100)
Monthly remaining after rent$2,930/mo

Becoming a payroll and timekeeping clerks in Washington

1

Meet education requirements

Payroll and Timekeeping Clerks positions in Washington typically require High school diploma or equivalent. Programs are available at colleges and training institutions across Washington. Research accredited programs in your area.

2

Gain required experience

Many payroll and timekeeping clerks positions in Washington require hands-on experience through internships, apprenticeships, or entry-level roles. Look for training programs and mentorship opportunities in your metro area.

3

Obtain Washington licensure or certification

Washington may require specific licensing or professional certification for payroll and timekeeping clerkss. Requirements vary by state — contact the Washington Department of Labor or relevant licensing board for current requirements, exam schedules, and application procedures.

4

Find positions in Washington

Washington employs 3,880 payroll and timekeeping clerks. The highest concentrations are in Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater and Mount Vernon-Anacortes.

Payroll and Timekeeping Clerks salary by metro area in Washington

Metro areaMedianHourlyEmployment
Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater$64K$31/hr100
Mount Vernon-Anacortes$64K$30.87/hr50
Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue$64K$30.6/hr2,440
Yakima$62K$29.9/hr120
Bremerton-Silverdale-Port Orchard$62K$29.75/hr50
Longview-Kelso$60K$29.07/hr50
Bellingham$58K$27.94/hr80
Spokane-Spokane Valley$58K$27.9/hr230
Kennewick-Richland$57K$27.48/hr120
Wenatchee-East Wenatchee$56K$27.13/hr50

Payroll and Timekeeping Clerks salary range in Washington

10th percentile (entry)
$46K
25th percentile
$54K
Median (50th)
$62K
75th percentile
$75K
90th percentile (senior)
$86K
View jobs for Payroll and Timekeeping Clerks
Currently hiring in Washington
View →
More openings for Payroll and Timekeeping Clerks
Currently hiring in Washington
View →
Prepare for the CPA exam
Online prep courses
View →
Full payroll and timekeeping clerks salary breakdown in Washington
Percentiles, trends, and comparisons
View →
Calculate take-home pay in Washington
No state income tax!
Calculate →
Compare Washington cost of living to other states
See where your salary goes further
Compare →

Payroll and Timekeeping Clerks careers in other states

Frequently asked questions

How much does a payroll and timekeeping clerks make in Washington?

The median payroll and timekeeping clerks salary in Washington is $62,310 per year ($29.96/hr). This is 13% above the national median of $55,290. Salaries range from $46,210 to $86,320.

What are the requirements to become a payroll and timekeeping clerks in Washington?

Payroll and Timekeeping Clerks positions in Washington typically require High school diploma or equivalent. Washington may have specific licensing or certification requirements. Check with the Washington licensing board or department of labor for current requirements.

Can a payroll and timekeeping clerks afford to live in Washington?

At the median salary of $62,310, a payroll and timekeeping clerks in Washington would take home approximately $4,342/month after taxes. With median 2-bedroom rent at $1,412/month, that's 32.5% of take-home pay going to housing. This exceeds the recommended 30% guideline.

What are the best cities for payroll and timekeeping clerks in Washington?

The highest paying metro areas for payroll and timekeeping clerks in Washington are Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater ($64,480), Mount Vernon-Anacortes ($64,210), Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue ($63,640). However, cost of living varies significantly between metros — a higher salary may not mean more purchasing power.

Does Washington have state income tax for payroll and timekeeping clerks?

No, Washington does not have a state income tax. This means payroll and timekeeping clerks keep more of their gross salary compared to states with income tax — a significant advantage for affordability.