Payroll and Timekeeping Clerks Salary in South Carolina (2026)

Official state-level BLS pay data for Payroll and Timekeeping Clerks in South Carolina, plus how it compares with the rest of the country.

Official BLS state wage data · Unknown vintage
South Carolina Median
$52,240
per year
Hourly Rate
$25.12
based on 2,080 hrs/yr
vs National
-10% vs US median
US median $58,260
State Rank
#39 of 51
1,550 employed here

How much do Payroll and Timekeeping Clerks make in South Carolina?

Payroll and Timekeeping Clerks working in South Carolina earn a median salary of $52,240 per year, or about $25.12 per hour. That is 10% below the national median of $58,260 for this occupation.

Within South Carolina, entry-level pay starts around $38,180 while the top 10% make $77,660 or more. The middle 50% of earners fall between $45,500 and $62,400 a year.

Payroll and Timekeeping Clerks salary range in South Carolina

Pay levelAnnual salaryHourly rate
10th percentile (entry level)$38,180$18.36
25th percentile (early career)$45,500$21.88
50th percentile (median)$52,240$25.12
75th percentile (experienced)$62,400$30.00
90th percentile (top earners)$77,660$37.34

How South Carolina compares

South Carolina ranks 39th out of 51 states and territories for Payroll and Timekeeping Clerks pay. The top 5 best-paying states:

RankStateMedian salary
1District of Columbia$74,670
2California$65,340
3Washington$64,560
4Colorado$64,140
5Massachusetts$63,670

Working as Payroll and Timekeeping Clerks in South Carolina

Nationally, about 153,000 people work as Payroll and Timekeeping Clerks in the United States. A high school diploma is typically enough, with most skills learned on the job.

Considering a move? Compare South Carolina pay ($52,240) against the highest-paying state above, and weigh the difference against housing and everyday costs — a smaller paycheck in a cheaper state can stretch further.

Frequently asked questions

How much do Payroll and Timekeeping Clerks make in South Carolina?
The median Payroll and Timekeeping Clerks salary in South Carolina is $52,240 per year, or about $25.12 per hour, per official BLS state wage estimates. Salaries typically range from $38,180 at the entry level to $77,660 for the top 10% of earners.
How does South Carolina pay compare to the national average?
South Carolina pays Payroll and Timekeeping Clerks about 10% less than the national median of $58,260. South Carolina ranks 39th out of 51 states and territories reporting this occupation.
Is South Carolina a good state for Payroll and Timekeeping Clerks?
Pay runs below the national median here, at $52,240 a year. About 1,550 Payroll and Timekeeping Clerks are employed in South Carolina. A lower cost of living can offset the smaller paycheck, so compare take-home value, not just salary.
What are the highest-paying jobs in South Carolina?
The highest-paying occupations in South Carolina include General Internal Medicine Physician ($359,500), Neurologist ($352,680), Emergency Medicine Physician ($341,960), based on median annual pay in official BLS state estimates.

← See the national Payroll and Timekeeping Clerks salary report

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Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), Unknown vintage. Education requirements: O*NET (U.S. Department of Labor). State figures are official BLS state-level wage estimates. Where BLS suppresses a state percentile, it is scaled from the official national distribution. Individual pay varies by employer, metro area, and experience.