📊 BLS Official Data · May 2025 Release

Payroll and Timekeeping Clerk Salary in California (2026)

California · 42.0% above national average · Medium Demand

Average
$72,818
per year
Median
$68,558
per year
Hourly
$35.01
per hour
🏛️ Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
📅 Dataset: OES May 2025
🔄 Published: May 2026
📍 Coverage: All 50 States + DC
📊
Salary Range & Percentiles
Pay distribution across experience levels
10th Percentile — Entry Level$48,820
25th Percentile — Junior$60,748
50th Percentile — Median$68,558
75th Percentile — Senior$87,586
90th Percentile — Top Earners$97,040
💡 Top-earning Payroll and Timekeeping Clerks in California make up to $97,040 per year. The job market in California is rated very strong, with key industries including Technology, Entertainment, Agriculture.
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Salary Growth Trend (2021–2026)
Six-year compensation trajectory
$67.6k
2021
$68.6k
2022
$69.6k
2023
$70.7k
2024
$71.7k
2025
$72.8k
2026
📈 Payroll and Timekeeping Clerk salaries in California have followed the national trend with 1.5% annual growth. The strong presence in California's job market supports continued salary increases.
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Payroll and Timekeeping Clerk Salary by City in California
Geographic salary comparison
CityAvg Salaryvs NationalDemand
Los Angeles $112,868 +55.0% Medium
San Diego $107,771 +48.0% Medium
San Jose $125,247 +72.0% Medium
San Francisco $134,713 +85.0% Medium
Fresno $78,643 +8.0% Medium
Sacramento $88,838 +22.0% Medium
Long Beach $105,586 +45.0% Medium
Bakersfield $78,643 +8.0% Medium
Anaheim $103,402 +42.0% Medium
Santa Ana $101,945 +40.0% Medium
Riverside $93,207 +28.0% Medium
Stockton $85,925 +18.0% Medium
Irvine $112,868 +55.0% Medium
San Bernardino $85,925 +18.0% Medium
Modesto $81,556 +12.0% Medium
Fontana $88,838 +22.0% Medium
Moreno Valley $83,741 +15.0% Medium
Glendale $107,771 +48.0% Medium
Fremont $116,509 +60.0% Medium
🔍
Payroll and Timekeeping Clerk Job Market in California
Key factors affecting compensation

California is home to a very strong job market for Payroll and Timekeeping Clerks. The state's key industries — Technology, Entertainment, Agriculture — generate significant demand for skilled professionals. At $72,818 per year, California's Payroll and Timekeeping Clerk salaries are 42.0% higher than the national average.

The cost of living in California (index: 1.42) justifies the higher pay scale. Entry-level professionals in California can expect to earn $48,820–$60,748, while experienced Payroll and Timekeeping Clerks can command $87,586–$97,040.

Looking ahead, the Payroll and Timekeeping Clerk profession in California is projected to grow at 1.5% annually. Major employers are actively hiring, and the state's investment in Technology continues to drive new opportunities for qualified candidates.

🏛️ U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OES) · May 2025
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Compare with Similar Jobs
Related career salary benchmarks
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this salary
  • The average Payroll and Timekeeping Clerk salary in California is $72,818 per year in 2026, which is 42.0% above the national average of $51,280.
  • San Francisco and San Jose typically pay Payroll and Timekeeping Clerks the highest wages in California due to higher costs of living and competitive job markets.
  • California has a very strong job market with major industries in Technology, Entertainment, Agriculture. This makes it one of the better states for Payroll and Timekeeping Clerk employment.
  • At $72,818/year, California Payroll and Timekeeping Clerk salaries are 42.0% higher than the national average of $51,280/year.