Not Very Resilient
Last Update: 11/4/2026
AI Resilience Score for Payroll & Timekeeping Clerks:
29.4%
Median Score
Meaningful human contribution
Measures the parts of the occupation that still require a human touch. This score averages data from up to four AI exposure datasets, focusing on the role’s resilience against automation.
Low
Long-term employer demand
Predicts the health of the job market for this role through 2034. Using Bureau of Labor Statistics data, it balances projected annual job openings (60%) with overall employment growth (40%).
Med
Sustained economic opportunity
Measures future earning potential and career flexibility. This score is a blend of total projected labor income (67%) and the role’s inherent ability to adapt to economic and technological shifts (33%).
Low
This reflects the reliability of your score based on the number of data sources available for this career and how closely those sources agree on the outlook. A higher confidence means more consistent evidence from labor experts and AI models.
Most data sources align, with only minor variation. This is a well-supported result.
AI Resilience Report forPayroll and Timekeeping Clerks
$58,260 median salary•11,400 annual openings•SOC Code: 43-3051.00
Payroll and Timekeeping Clerks are less resilient to AI impacts than most occupations, according to our analysis of 8 sources.
Payroll and timekeeping clerk work is labeled "Not Very Resilient" because so much of the core work, like data entry, error detection, and pulling information from HR systems, is exactly the kind of repetitive, rule-based task that AI handles well and is already being built into the software companies use every day. On top of that, 72% of organizations are actively looking at ways to manage payroll with fewer staff, and the broader field of financial clerks is projected to shrink about 4% from 2025 to 2035, meaning fewer entry-level positions will be available over time.
Learn more about how you can thrive in this position
This role is not very resilient
Payroll and timekeeping clerk work is labeled "Not Very Resilient" because so much of the core work, like data entry, error detection, and pulling information from HR systems, is exactly the kind of repetitive, rule-based task that AI handles well and is already being built into the software companies use every day. On top of that, 72% of organizations are actively looking at ways to manage payroll with fewer staff, and the broader field of financial clerks is projected to shrink about 4% from 2025 to 2035, meaning fewer entry-level positions will be available over time.
Read full analysisAnalysis of current AI resilience
Payroll & Timekeeping Clerks
Updated quarterly
How can Payroll & Timekeeping Clerks prepare for AI?
Latest AI news for Payroll & Timekeeping Clerks
The recommended articles highlight significant risks for Payroll and Timekeeping Clerks due to AI advancements. For instance, one study shows that clerical roles, including payroll, are highly susceptible to automation, with risk scores as high as 94/100. Another article emphasizes that jobs dominated by repetitive tasks are particularly vulnerable. However, these challenges can be met with adaptability. By developing skills in areas like data analysis and interpersonal communication, students can enhance their resilience against AI impacts in their future careers.
Will AI Replace Payroll Clerks? 82/100 Risk - AI Job Checker
aijobchecker.com • 10/20/2026
Payroll & Timekeeping Clerks score 82/100 AI replacement risk. Key tasks are already automated. See the full breakdown and how to protect your career.
Will AI Replace Payroll and Timekeeping Clerks? AI Risk Score
www.replacedbai.com • 10/20/2026
Based on our analysis, Payroll and Timekeeping Clerks have a critical risk of AI replacement with a score of 94/100. Many routine tasks in this role can be ... Read more
AI job risk expands beyond coders to back-office workers
betanews.com • 7/13/2026
New research finds AI exposure extends beyond coders to clerical, payroll, HR, bookkeeping and customer service roles across the U.S..
AI poses bigger threat in jobs with more women, study finds
www.cbsnews.com • 1/29/2026
Workers in clerical and administrative roles could have the most trouble adapting to the impact of AI on jobs, new research shows.
Which Jobs Face the Highest Risk of Automation, and Which Ones Are Likely Safe?
www.digitalinformationworld.com • 7/20/2025
Manual, repetitive jobs with low judgment risk full automation; AI-resistant roles rely on empathy and complexity.
More Career Info
Career: Payroll and Timekeeping Clerks
They make sure employees get paid correctly by tracking hours worked and preparing paychecks on time.
Parent Careers
Alternate Titles
Payroll Assistant · Payroll Clerk · Payroll Coordinator · Payroll Specialist · Payroll Representative · Payroll Technician · Personnel Assistant · Personnel Technician · Timekeeper
Employment & Wage Data
Median Wage
$58,260
Jobs (2025)
159,600
Growth (2025-35)
-15.9%
Annual Openings
11,400
Education
High school diploma or equivalent
Experience
None
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections 2025-2035
Task-Level AI Resilience Scores
AI-generated estimates of task resilience over the next 3 years
1
Coordinate special programs, such as United Way campaigns, that involve payroll deductions.
2
Distribute and collect timecards each pay period.
3
Train employees on organizations' timekeeping systems.
4
Provide information to employees and managers on payroll matters, tax issues, benefit plans, and collective agreement provisions.
5
Complete time sheets showing employees' arrival and departure times.
6
Conduct verifications of employment.
7
Keep informed about changes in tax and deduction laws that apply to the payroll process.
Tasks are ranked by their AI resilience, with the most resilient tasks shown first. Core tasks are essential functions of this occupation, while supplemental tasks provide additional context.
