Book-keepers, payroll managers and wages clerks Pay Data UK — 2025

Book-keepers, payroll managers and wages clerks roles in the UK earn a median of £31,531 per year, equivalent to £16.53 per hour as of 2025. This represents a 5.1% increase in annual pay compared to the previous year. Pay varies across the UK, ranging from £26,828 to £47,039 per year.

How Pay Varies Across the UK

Each bar shows how many areas of the UK have a median annual pay in that range for Book-keepers, payroll managers and wages clerks roles. The dashed line marks the national median.

Based on sub-regional area data. Want a precise figure for your area?

About Book-keepers, payroll managers and wages clerks

Book-keepers, payroll managers and wages clerks maintain and balance records of financial transactions, oversee the operation of payroll functions and calculate hours worked, wages due and other relevant contributions and deductions.

Typical Tasks and Duties

• records and checks accuracy of daily financial transactions
• prepares provisional balances and reconciles these with appropriate accounts
• supervises payroll team and develops payroll systems and procedures
• calculates and records hours worked, wages due, deductions and voluntary contributions
• processes holiday, sick and maternity pay and travel and subsistence expenses
• compiles schedules and distributes or arranges distribution of wages and salaries
• calculates costs and overheads and prepares analyses for management

Entry Routes and Qualifications

There are no minimum academic requirements, although entrants typically possess GCSEs/S grades or equivalent qualifications, and maths may be required. Training is typically provided on-the-job. NVQs/SVQs in relevant areas are available, and apprenticeships may be available in some areas.

Related Occupations

Salary data is sourced from official UK pay datasets and updated periodically.