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Administrative Assistant/Payroll Clerk Salary in California

How much does an Administrative Assistant/Payroll Clerk make in California? As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for an Administrative Assistant/Payroll Clerk in California is $56,849 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $27.

However, an Administrative Assistant/Payroll Clerk's salary can vary significantly. Here's a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $69,865
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $51,838 to $63,662
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $47,275
Salary Factors Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Check out Administrative Assistant/Payroll Clerk Job Openings in California

Key Factors That Influence Administrative Assistant/Payroll Clerk Salaries

An Administrative Assistant/Payroll Clerk's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location and company size can directly affect your earning potential.

How Experience Level Affects Administrative Assistant/Payroll Clerk Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of an Administrative Assistant/Payroll Clerk's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:

  • Entry-Level (less than 1 year): $49,579
  • Early Career (1-2 years): $55,430
  • Mid-Level (2-4 years): $62,170
  • Senior-Level (5-8 years): $68,359
  • Expert (over 8 years): $97,085
Job RoleYears of ExperienceAverage Salary
Payroll Clerk I less than 1 year $49,579
Administrative Assistant/Payroll Clerk 1-2 years $55,430
Payroll Clerk III 2-4 years $62,170
Payroll Clerk IV 5-8 years $68,359
Payroll Team Lead over 8 years $97,085

How Do Administrative Assistant/Payroll Clerk Salaries Vary from State to State?

Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Administrative Assistant/Payroll Clerks. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:

  • District of Columbia: $57,065.
  • California: $56,849.
  • Massachusetts: $56,091.

Top Paying Cities for Administrative Assistant/Payroll Clerk

Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:

  • Los Angeles: $56,947
  • West Hollywood: $56,906
  • Dodgertown: $56,946

Administrative Assistant/Payroll Clerk Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Administrative Assistant/Payroll Clerk roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 60% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Energy & Utilities and Financial Services sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 30% above the average. In contrast, Administrative Assistant/Payroll Clerk positions in Transportation or Retail & Wholesale typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Administrative Assistant/Payroll Clerk as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for an Administrative Assistant/Payroll Clerk

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Energy & Utilities $73,904 $36.0 30%
Financial Services $73,904 $36.0 30%
Internet $73,904 $36.0 30%
Pharmaceuticals $73,904 $36.0 30%
Software & Networking $73,904 $36.0 30%

Administrative Assistant/Payroll Clerk Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how an Administrative Assistant/Payroll Clerk's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.

  • Yearly
  • Monthly
  • Weekly
  • Hourly
  • Table View
Last Updated on September 01, 2026
$51,838
Average $56,849/year
$63,662
$4,320
Average $4,737/month
$5,305
$997
Average $1,093/week
$1,224
$25
Average $27/hour
$31
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $63,662 $5,305 $1,224 $31
Average $56,849 $4,737 $1,093 $27
25th Percentile $51,838 $4,320 $997 $25

Find Your Next Administrative Assistant/Payroll Clerk Job

Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Administrative Assistant/Payroll Clerk job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.

  • Partners Personnel Management | Paso Robles, CA

    Administrative Clerk

    Partners Personnel Management | Paso Robles, CA

    Local Company Hiring Administrative Assistants. Location: Nipomo, CA. Pay Rate: $18.00-$20.00/hr (Depending on Experience). Schedule: Monday-Sunday, Part-T... more

    10 Days Ago

  • Sciolex | San Francisco, CA

    Administrative Clerk

    Sciolex | San Francisco, CA

    Sciolex Corporation Job Opportunity. What do you get when you bring together a team of bright individuals and place them into an environment where "work" m... more

    15 Days Ago

  • Glendale Community College (California) | Glendale, CA

    Administrative Clerk

    Glendale Community College (California) | Glendale, CA

    Salary: $23.26 HourlyLocation : Glendale, CAJob Type: TemporaryJob Number: 0807-2024Department: Student Financial AidOpening Date: 10/08/2024Closing Date: ... more

    7 Days Ago

  • PrideStaff | Los Angeles, CA

    Administrative Clerk

    PrideStaff | Los Angeles, CA

    PrideStaff - - Responsibilities:Execute administrative tasks to Administration department to drive team productivity. Provide administrative assistance to ... more

    7 Days Ago

  • McAlister Institute | Chula Vista, CA

    Administrative Clerk

    McAlister Institute | Chula Vista, CA

    Join McAlister Institute, a 48-year beacon in San Diego's Recovery Community.We are seeking a highly organized and detail-oriented Administrative Clerk to ... more

    7 Days Ago

  • Taber Company | Irvine, CA

    Administrative Clerk

    Taber Company | Irvine, CA

    Administrative Clerk Intern. The Administrative Clerk Intern assists with general office activities as determined and directed by the Director of Administr... more

    8 Days Ago

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Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

Salary.com salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons are derived from both employer job postings and third-party data sources. We also provide multiple percentiles of salary information for your reference, click here to know Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial to Getting Pay Equity Right. With more online, real-time compensation data than any other website, Salary.com helps you determine your exact pay target.

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