What does a payroll clerk do? – Tasks and work environment
A payroll clerk is responsible for managing and administering salaries within companies and organizations. Tasks include registering personnel data, checking absences, calculating vacation pay, overtime, and other allowances. It also involves ensuring that salary payments are correct and timely, and complying with current laws and agreements. Payroll clerks often work in teams within finance or HR departments and use advanced payroll systems and digital tools to streamline their work. The work environment is typically office-based with clear deadlines, requiring accuracy and integrity.
Salary development over time
The salary of a payroll clerk has shown a clear upward trend over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 35,800 SEK, increasing to 37 900 SEK in 2023, which represents an increase of approximately 5.8%. In 2024, the average salary has continued to rise to 39 000 SEK, a further increase of 2.9% compared to the previous year. This positive development can largely be explained by increased digitization, higher demands for competence in payroll management, and a growing need for qualified personnel administration as regulations around salaries become more complex. Competition for qualified payroll clerks has also contributed to raising salary levels, especially in the private sector and for those with post-secondary education. There is also some variation in salaries depending on educational background and employer sector, reflecting the demand for specialized skills within the profession.
Payroll clerk salary – complete overview
- Average salary: 39 000 SEK/month
- Minimum salary: 32,500 SEK/month (men), 33,000 SEK/month (women)
- Maximum salary: 46,000 SEK/month (men), 42,800 SEK/month (women)
- Hourly wage: 234 SEK
- Gender differences: Women earn 38 900 SEK, men 40 200 SEK (women 97% of men's salary)
- Regional differences: Salary levels may vary depending on location and sector, with metropolitan areas often offering higher levels.
Education and qualifications
To work as a payroll clerk, a high school education with a focus on economics or administration is usually required, but post-secondary studies in payroll or personnel administration are increasingly sought after. Practical experience and knowledge of collective agreements, labor law, and various payroll systems are highly meritorious. Certifications and specialized courses in payroll systems or personnel administration can provide advantages on the job market and increase opportunities for higher salaries or more qualified tasks.
- Formal education: High school diploma (economics/administration), 1–2 years of post-secondary education recommended
- Certifications: Courses in payroll systems and labor law
- Internships: Practical tasks or trainee positions are common
- Prerequisites: Good knowledge of mathematics and Swedish, experience with administrative systems
- Tips: Combine education with internships to increase employability
Many payroll clerks quickly take on a key role in the organization because they handle sensitive information and have insight into the entire personnel structure. This makes the profession particularly interesting for those who want to understand how companies operate at a deep level and develop a broad understanding of both finance and personnel issues.
Common benefits and compensations
Payroll clerks are often offered benefits such as wellness allowances, occupational pension, flexible working hours, and the possibility of remote work. Other common compensations include subsidized lunches, professional development, and extra vacation days. Some employers also offer bonuses or other incentives linked to results and performance.
Competition and challenges
The competition for positions as a payroll clerk varies depending on region and employer. Despite a relatively large number of available jobs, recruitment difficulties are reported, as many employers seek experience and specific system knowledge. At the same time, there is a high proportion of part-time workers and some turnover within the profession, which requires continuous skills development. Digitalization and automation are changing the nature of the work, making knowledge of new tools and processes increasingly important. The ability to adapt quickly to changes and new regulations is crucial for success in the role.
Tips for aspiring payroll clerks
To succeed as a payroll clerk, it is good to combine accuracy with a structured working approach, as payroll management requires precision and systematics. Being service-oriented and communicative facilitates collaboration with colleagues and handling questions from managers and employees. Strong analytical skills help to identify errors and improve routines, which is especially valuable in a role where details matter. Flexibility and a willingness to learn new systems make it easier to keep up with technological developments in the profession. Discretion and reliability are also central, as the work involves handling sensitive information. Engagement in professional development, such as courses and certifications, increases the chances of advancing and taking on more qualified tasks.
Key facts about payroll clerks
- Education level: High school diploma, often supplemented with post-secondary studies
- Work environment: Office-based, often in teams at larger companies or organizations
- Job market: Great opportunities, 758 available positions within the profession
- Special skills: Handling payroll systems and knowledge of labor law
- Future prospects: Demand is expected to remain unchanged over the next five years
Career paths and future outlook
After three to five years in the profession, a payroll clerk can advance to more senior roles such as payroll administrator, payroll manager, or HR officer. There are also opportunities to specialize in areas like pension administration, labor law, or system management. According to the Employment Service's forecasts, job opportunities within the profession are large, and demand is expected to remain stable over five years. At the same time, a paradoxical recruitment situation exists, with both available positions and recruitment difficulties, meaning that those with the right skills have good chances for employment and career development. Digitalization and increased complexity in payroll management make ongoing skills development essential for future success.
Frequently asked questions about payroll clerks
- What does a payroll clerk earn?
- A payroll clerk has an average salary of 39 000 SEK per month, but the salary ranges between 32,500 SEK and 46,000 SEK depending on experience, education, and employer.
- What education is required to become a payroll clerk?
- Usually, high school education with a focus on economics or administration is required, but post-secondary studies in payroll or personnel administration provide advantages.
- Are there gender differences in salaries for payroll clerks?
- Yes, women earn an average of 38 900 SEK, which is 97% of men's average salary of 40 200 SEK.
- What are the future prospects for payroll clerks?
- The Employment Service assesses that job opportunities are plentiful and demand will remain unchanged over the next five years.
- What are the job responsibilities of a payroll clerk?
- Tasks include payroll processing, personnel administration, reporting, and managing absence, vacation, and overtime.
- How much does a part-time payroll clerk earn?
- A part-time payroll clerk has an average hourly wage of 234 SEK.
- What career development opportunities are available?
- After a few years, there are opportunities to advance to payroll manager, HR officer, or specialize in system management or labor law.
