Payroll and Timekeeping Clerks vs. Office Clerks, General: Who Earns More?
Payroll and Timekeeping Clerkss out-earn Office Clerks, Generals by $13K a year at the national median, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Payroll and Timekeeping Clerkss land at $58,260 and Office Clerks, Generals at $45,010. The education gap is real: payroll and timekeeping clerk programs typically require high school diploma or equivalent, while office clerks, general programs require high school diploma or equivalent. Top-paying state for Payroll and Timekeeping Clerkss is District of Columbia ($74,670); for Office Clerks, Generals it's District of Columbia ($55,040).
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 Clerkss or Office Clerks, Generals?
Payroll and Timekeeping Clerkss earn more nationally. The median is $58,260 for Payroll and Timekeeping Clerkss versus $45,010 for Office Clerks, Generals, a difference of $13K. Per BLS OEWS May 2025.
Which has better job growth, Payroll and Timekeeping Clerks or Office Clerks, General?
BLS Employment Projections data is not available for one or both occupations. Check the individual career pages for current outlook figures.
Which requires more education, Payroll and Timekeeping Clerks or Office Clerks, General?
Payroll and Timekeeping Clerks typically requires high school diploma or equivalent. Office Clerks, General requires high school diploma or equivalent. Education requirements vary by employer and state licensing board.
Where do Payroll and Timekeeping Clerkss get paid the most?
District of Columbia is the top-paying state for Payroll and Timekeeping Clerkss 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. Office Clerks, General pay differ by state?
The gap varies significantly by state. In District of Columbia, Payroll and Timekeeping Clerkss earn $74,670 vs. $55,040 for Office Clerks, Generals. See the state comparison table on this page for the full picture.