Payroll and Timekeeping Clerks Salary in Tennessee
The median pay for a payroll and timekeeping clerks in Tennessee is $50,140/year ($24.11/hour), per BLS data. The range runs from $37K at the entry level to $69K for experienced workers.
Statewide average. Salary and cost of living vary significantly across Tennessee. Jump to a metro for precise data:
So what does $50K get you in Tennessee?
About payroll and timekeeping clerks
Sponsored links — AffordMap may earn a commission at no cost to you. Learn more
Compensation breakdown
Annual earnings by percentile, Tennessee
Entry-level payroll and timekeeping clerks (10th percentile) start around $37K. Mid-career wages sit at $50K. Top earners bring in $69K or more, a $32K spread from bottom to top.
Payroll and Timekeeping Clerks salary by metro in Tennessee
10 metro areas with BLS data, ranked by median pay
| Metro area | Median salary | vs. state | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin | $54K | +7% | 1,280 |
| Memphis | $50K | -0% | 470 |
| Chattanooga | $49K | -2% | 220 |
| Knoxville | $49K | -2% | 400 |
| Clarksville | $49K | -2% | 90 |
| Cleveland | $48K | -5% | 30 |
| Jackson | $47K | -6% | 60 |
| Kingsport-Bristol | $46K | -8% | 100 |
| Morristown | $43K | -14% | 50 |
| Johnson City | $42K | -16% | 70 |
Compare to other states
Track payroll and timekeeping clerks salary changes
BLS updates this data quarterly. We'll email you when Tennessee numbers change.
Related careers in Office & Admin
Frequently asked questions
How much do payroll and timekeeping clerks make in Tennessee?
The median is $50,140 a year, that works out to about $24 an hour. But the range is wide: entry-level workers start around $36,970, and experienced payroll and timekeeping clerks can clear $69,130. These are BLS numbers, based on employer-reported data, not self-reported surveys.
Is $50K enough to live in Tennessee?
On that salary, you'd take home roughly $3,527/month after taxes. A 2-bedroom here rents for about $1,215/month, which eats 34.4% of your paycheck. That's above the 30% rule of thumb, housing will be a stretch at the median salary, though you can manage with roommates or a smaller place.
How far does a payroll and timekeeping clerks salary go in Tennessee?
Tennessee has a Regional Price Parity of 100 (100 is the national average). That's right at the national average. After cost-of-living adjustment, the median payroll and timekeeping clerks salary is worth about $55,848 in national-average purchasing power.
Where do payroll and timekeeping clerks get paid the most?
The table above ranks every state by median pay for this role. Keep in mind that the highest-paying states tend to have the highest costs of living, so the top salary doesn't always mean the most money in your pocket.