Payroll and Timekeeping Clerks vs. Customer Service Representatives: Who Earns More?
Payroll and Timekeeping Clerks out-earn Customer Service Representatives by $13K a year at the national median, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Payroll and Timekeeping Clerks land at $58,260 and Customer Service Representatives at $44,770. The education gap is real: payroll and timekeeping clerk programs typically require high school diploma or equivalent, while customer service representatif programs require high school diploma or equivalent. Top-paying state for Payroll and Timekeeping Clerks is District of Columbia ($74,670); for Customer Service Representatives it's Washington ($50,330).
Pay by state
States where both occupations have BLS data, sorted by Payroll and Timekeeping Clerks median pay.
Source: BLS OEWS May 2025. Highlighted value is higher in each row.
Common questions
Who earns more, Payroll and Timekeeping Clerks or Customer Service Representatives?
Payroll and Timekeeping Clerks earn more nationally. The median is $58,260 for Payroll and Timekeeping Clerks versus $44,770 for Customer Service Representatives, a difference of $13K. Per BLS OEWS May 2025.
Which has better job growth, Payroll and Timekeeping Clerks or Customer Service Representatives?
Customer Service Representatives has the better 10-year outlook at -5.5% projected growth, compared to -16.7% for the other field. Both are from BLS Employment Projections.
Which requires more education, Payroll and Timekeeping Clerks or Customer Service Representatives?
Payroll and Timekeeping Clerks typically requires high school diploma or equivalent. Customer Service Representatives requires high school diploma or equivalent. Education requirements vary by employer and state licensing board.
Where do Payroll and Timekeeping Clerks get paid the most?
District of Columbia is the top-paying state for Payroll and Timekeeping Clerks at $74,670/year, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Major metro areas within that state typically pay even more than the state average.
How does Payroll and Timekeeping Clerks vs. Customer Service Representatives pay differ by state?
The gap varies significantly by state. In District of Columbia, Payroll and Timekeeping Clerks earn $74,670 vs. $48,250 for Customer Service Representatives. See the state comparison table on this page for the full picture.