Payroll and timekeeping clerks
SOC Code: 43-3051
Payroll and timekeeping clerks carries a 79% AI exposure score (Very High automation risk), with a median annual wage of $55,290 and -16.7% projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034 (BLS), affecting approximately 161,100 workers. Full task breakdown, skills, and employer data are below.
Proportion of tasks susceptible to AI automation (O*NET analysis)
AI Exposure vs Industry Growth
Total occupations tracked
832
Covering all SOC major groups
Data currency
2024
BLS Employment Projections
AI exposure avg
40%
Fleet-wide median across all roles
Composite score weighing O*NET task data completeness, BLS projection methodology, and cross-validation with employer risk grades.
Employment Projections
Occupation Insight
Payroll and timekeeping clerks (SOC 43-3051) carries an AI exposure score of 79%, placing it in the Very High automation-risk tier. This score is computed from O*NET Database 30.0 task-level analysis, where each task an occupation performs is evaluated against current generative AI, robotic process automation, and machine-learning capabilities. A score above 70% signals that the majority of core duties are already technically automatable — workers in these roles face the steepest near-term displacement pressure.
The economic context matters alongside the risk score. BLS counted approximately 161,100 workers in this occupation in 2024, and projects a -16.7% change through 2034 — a decline that often compounds with high AI exposure to create displacement headwinds. Median annual compensation stands at $55,290, reflecting both skill scarcity and the value employers place on the tasks that remain difficult to automate. Entry typically requires High school diploma or equivalent, plus None of related experience.
For career planners, this profile should be read alongside the task, skill, and knowledge breakdowns below and the list of employers whose workforce composition includes Payroll and timekeeping clerks. Adjacent occupations shown further down offer lateral moves that preserve industry knowledge while potentially reducing exposure. Pair the AI exposure score with the BLS employment projection and wage percentiles above for a complete career assessment.
Education & Entry Requirements
Top Tasks (O*NET)
- 1. Verify attendance, hours worked, and pay adjustments, and post information onto designated records.
- 2. Process and issue employee paychecks and statements of earnings and deductions.
- 3. Compute wages and deductions, and enter data into computers.
- 4. Prepare and file payroll tax returns.
- 5. Process paperwork for new employees and enter employee information into the payroll system.
- 6. Prepare and balance period-end reports, and reconcile issued payrolls to bank statements.
- 7. Review time sheets, work charts, wage computation, and other information to detect and reconcile payroll discrepancies.
- 8. Distribute and collect timecards each pay period.
- 9. Record employee information, such as exemptions, transfers, and resignations, to maintain and update payroll records.
- 10. Issue and record adjustments to pay related to previous errors or retroactive increases.
Key Skills Required
- Reading Comprehension
- Active Listening
- Mathematics
- Writing
- Speaking
- Critical Thinking
- Monitoring
- Service Orientation
- Complex Problem Solving
- Social Perceptiveness
Knowledge Areas
- Administrative
- Mathematics
- English Language
- Economics and Accounting
- Personnel and Human Resources
- Administration and Management
- Customer and Personal Service
- Computers and Electronics
- Communications and Media
- Education and Training
Frequently Asked Questions
Will AI replace Payroll and timekeeping clerks?
Payroll and timekeeping clerks has an AI exposure score of 79%, indicating a very high level of automation risk. Many tasks in this role involve routine data processing and pattern recognition that current AI systems can perform.
What is the job outlook for Payroll and timekeeping clerks?
According to BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034, Payroll and timekeeping clerks is projected to decline by 16.7% over the decade. Current employment stands at approximately 161,100 workers.
What skills are needed for Payroll and timekeeping clerks?
Key skills for Payroll and timekeeping clerks include Reading Comprehension, Active Listening, Mathematics, and others. Typical entry-level education is High school diploma or equivalent.
How much do Payroll and timekeeping clerks earn?
The median annual wage for Payroll and timekeeping clerks is $55,290, according to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2024). Actual earnings vary by location, experience, industry, and employer. The BLS publishes detailed wage percentiles by region in its Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics program.
What education is required for Payroll and timekeeping clerks?
The typical entry-level education for Payroll and timekeeping clerks is High school diploma or equivalent. Employers generally expect None of related work experience. On-the-job training typically involves Moderate-term on-the-job training. Requirements can vary by employer and specialization.
Which companies employ Payroll and timekeeping clerks?
Payroll and timekeeping clerks roles exist across many industries and employers. Workforce composition is estimated from BLS industry-occupation employment distributions matched to SEC-registered public companies.
AI Exposure Rating
Very High automation risk based on 10 analyzed tasks. A majority of tasks in this occupation are susceptible to AI automation.
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Data sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics Employment Projections 2024–2034 and O*NET Database 30.0. Employment figures are rounded. Wage data from BLS Occupational Employment Statistics (OES).