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Emergency Medical Services Careers and Jobs

Select, Find and Prepare for Emergency Medical Services Careers and Jobs - all on one page

For people who want fast-paced, hands-on emergency medical work without a multi-year nursing or medical degree. Use the tools below to see which emergency medical services roles fit your background and goals.

This field has a clear, tiered licensure ladder (EMT to Paramedic) that directly determines scope of practice and pay. Use the tools below to explore Emergency Medical Services-related job titles sorted by growth rate, salary, or required education. You can start with entry points like EMT-Basic, or look ahead to advanced roles such as Paramedic or Flight Paramedic. Along the way, you will see specific certifications, such as National Registry EMT (NREMT) / Paramedic License, that can help you move up the career ladder.



4 Steps to Use This Page: 1-Explore Careers of Intrerest 2-See Job Listings Matched to Career 3-Prepare for the Career 4-See External Career Resources

Here is a short Helper Video External Link

This page will take you through 4 steps to (1) Select from Emergency Medical Services careers/jobs, (2) Find Emergency Medical Services job listings, (3) Prepare for Emergency Medical Services careers, and (4) Provide Emergency Medical Services career-specific resources.

Step 1: Select a Career/Job: This page starts with 4 ways for you to identify and select from listings of Emergency Medical Services careers/jobs:
A) Fastest Growing Emergency Medical Services Careers - 2025 to 2035 (est.)
These listings are based on job growth estimates and helps you to identify the fastest growing and evolving Emergency Medical Services careers. Some careers may not initially seem related to Emergency Medical Services, so relevant Emergency Medical Services jobs are listed alongside each listing. This can also help us to identify which careers (bottom of the listing) may have negative growth - perhaps due to automation or planned obsolescence.
B) Median Annual Salary U.S. Emergency Medical Services Careers
These listings are sorted (descending) by median annual salary in the U.S. This may help us to identify our ideal career. We may not qualify at this time for the desired career, but this listing and the results provided can help us to explore job details, as well as learn how to appropriately prepare for the career.
C) Emergency Medical Services Career Ladders (Educational Requirements)
These listings will help us to identify Emergency Medical Services careers sorted by educational requirements (with the most difficult to obtain listed first). This may help us to identify career ladders (as we scroll down the list), and help us to get jobs that we qualify for now.
D) Select From a Listing of 33 Emergency Medical Services Jobs.
The list may be quite long. There are two ways you might like to use this list:
1) Filter - As you enter a word, you will filter (limit) the list of job titles
2) Browse the list (Don't Filter) - You can simply explore the list of job titles. There may be many that you might never have considered to be of interest.
Once you have identified a job title of interest, simply click on it.

Step 2: Find a Job: After you have selected a career/job title above, you will see a form asking for your location. You will see several radio selection choices to utilize the job search site of your choice.

Step 3: Prepare For a Career: In this section you will gain access to detailed information to help you prepare for the chosen career. Information may include (not every career choice includes all of the elements below - updates occur quarterly):
Core Duties: Lists the primary worker-related tasks performed in this occupation
Supplemental Duties: Lists additional tasks that are performed but are secondary to the core duties
Work Activities: Summarizes the broad types of behaviors and actions related to this career
Specific Work Activities: Provides more granular day-to-day activities tied to the work performed
Essential Skills: Provides foundational skills that are core to performing this specific occupation
Transferable Skills: Provides career-portable skills that can be applied across multiple occupations and industries
Day-in-the-Life Summaries: Provides a snapshot of the key activities performed on a typical workday in this career
Knowledge Required: Provides the requirements regarding the acquisition of facts and principles
Software Skills: Lists software tools commonly used in this occupation, organized by category and priority
Preparation Required: Provides a summary of the required experience and education
Education Required: Detailed breakdown of the education required
Training and Experience Required: Detailed breakdown of the training and Training and Experience Required
Local Salary Information: Provides national and local salary ranges
Certifications: Provides appropriate government and private-sector certifications and/or credentials that may be required
Professional Associations: Provides professional associations that are related to the career selected
Job Listings: Provides links to active current job listings for the selected career, along with multiple similar job titles to explore. All information appears on this page without navigating away.
Related Careers to Consider: Lists up to 20 careers that might be of interest to you (related to your initial choice - what they do, what they know, and what they're called), ranked by best fit.

** If you clicked on a link from section D (as described in Step 1 above), you will see one or more links to an occupation that is usually a bit more general than your initial job selection - the link(s) is directly related to the specific job you identified through your prior selections.
*NOTE: It is possible that there may not be a career path identified for the specific job you selected in Step 1. If this is the case, scroll up the page and click on a different career/job.

Step 4: Career-Specific Resources (detailed and constantly updated): Continue to scroll down the page and you will find tabs that provide detailed (updated) links specific to the career you selected. This information includes:
Videos: Provides a listing of video links related to this career. A great way to get a quick overview of the occupation.
Resumes: Sources for resume materials and techniques. This can help to get you started.
Job Description: Sources that provide job descriptions, which are vital to resume and interview preparation.
Interviews: Provides links that can help you to prepare for and successfully complete the job interview. Can also assist with coffee chats.
Step by Step: Provides links to resources that can help to organize the career search process.
LinkedIn: One of the best professional social media sites that provides links, opportunities, and networking specifically for careers and career development.




Step 1 of 4: Select a Career/Job

10 Emergency Medical Services careers are listed below (sorted by Percentage Change in Total Job Openings - 2025 to 2035 est.). Emergency Medical Services-related jobs specific to each career are also provided. This shows which careers are emerging and growing the fastest. Please Scroll and Select below:

Occupations U.S. Job Openings 2025-2035 (% change) Emergency Medical Services-Related Jobs

Medical and Health Services Managers 24.2% EMS Coordinator (Emergency Medical Services Coordinator); EMS Manager (Emergency Medical Services Manager)
Occupation: Medical and Health Services Managers U.S. Job Openings 2025-2035: 24.2% Emergency Medical Services-Related Jobs: EMS Coordinator (Emergency Medical Services Coordinator); EMS Manager (Emergency Medical Services Manager)
Emergency Medical Technicians 5.8% Advanced Emergency Medical Technician (AEMT); Emergency Medical Driver; Emergency Medical Responder; Emergency Medical Technician - Basic (EMT-B); Emergency Medical Technician (EMT); EMT Paramedic (Emergency Medical Technician Paramedic); EMT-B (Emergency Medical Technician- Basic); EMT-I/85; EMT-I/99; EMT-P; Non-Emergency Medical Transportation Driver; Paramedic
Occupation: Emergency Medical Technicians U.S. Job Openings 2025-2035: 5.8% Emergency Medical Services-Related Jobs: Advanced Emergency Medical Technician (AEMT); Emergency Medical Driver; Emergency Medical Responder; Emergency Medical Technician - Basic (EMT-B); Emergency Medical Technician (EMT); EMT Paramedic (Emergency Medical Technician Paramedic); EMT-B (Emergency Medical Technician- Basic); EMT-I/85; EMT-I/99; EMT-P; Non-Emergency Medical Transportation Driver; Paramedic
Paramedics 5.7% Critical Care Flight Paramedic; Critical Care Paramedic; ED Paramedic (Emergency Department Paramedic); EMT Paramedic (Emergency Medical Technician Paramedic); ER Paramedic (Emergency Room Paramedic); Firefighter Paramedic; Flight Paramedic; Paramedic Specialist (PS)
Occupation: Paramedics U.S. Job Openings 2025-2035: 5.7% Emergency Medical Services-Related Jobs: Critical Care Flight Paramedic; Critical Care Paramedic; ED Paramedic (Emergency Department Paramedic); EMT Paramedic (Emergency Medical Technician Paramedic); ER Paramedic (Emergency Room Paramedic); Firefighter Paramedic; Flight Paramedic; Paramedic Specialist (PS)
Lifeguards, Ski Patrol, and Other Recreational Protective Service Workers 5.5% Ski Patrol Paramedic
Occupation: Lifeguards, Ski Patrol, and Other Recreational Protective Service Workers U.S. Job Openings 2025-2035: 5.5% Emergency Medical Services-Related Jobs: Ski Patrol Paramedic
Commercial Pilots 5.2% EMS Helicopter Pilot (Emergency Medical Service Helicopter Pilot); EMS Pilot (Emergency Medical Services Pilot); EMS Rotary Wing Pilot (Emergency Medical Service Rotary Wing Pilot)
Occupation: Commercial Pilots U.S. Job Openings 2025-2035: 5.2% Emergency Medical Services-Related Jobs: EMS Helicopter Pilot (Emergency Medical Service Helicopter Pilot); EMS Pilot (Emergency Medical Services Pilot); EMS Rotary Wing Pilot (Emergency Medical Service Rotary Wing Pilot)
Firefighters 3.7% Firefighter Paramedic
Occupation: Firefighters U.S. Job Openings 2025-2035: 3.7% Emergency Medical Services-Related Jobs: Firefighter Paramedic
Public Safety Telecommunicators 3.7% Emergency Medical Dispatcher (EMD)
Occupation: Public Safety Telecommunicators U.S. Job Openings 2025-2035: 3.7% Emergency Medical Services-Related Jobs: Emergency Medical Dispatcher (EMD)
Ambulance Drivers and Attendants, Except Emergency Medical Technicians -1.3% Emergency Medical Vehicle Operator; EMS Driver (Emergency Medical Services Driver); EMS First Responder (Emergency Medical Services First Responder); EMS Medic (Emergency Medical Services Medic); Non-Emergency Medical Transportation Driver
Occupation: Ambulance Drivers and Attendants, Except Emergency Medical Technicians U.S. Job Openings 2025-2035: -1.3% Emergency Medical Services-Related Jobs: Emergency Medical Vehicle Operator; EMS Driver (Emergency Medical Services Driver); EMS First Responder (Emergency Medical Services First Responder); EMS Medic (Emergency Medical Services Medic); Non-Emergency Medical Transportation Driver
Gambling Surveillance Officers and Gambling Investigators -1.8% EMT Security Officer (Emergency Medical Technician Security Officer)
Occupation: Gambling Surveillance Officers and Gambling Investigators U.S. Job Openings 2025-2035: -1.8% Emergency Medical Services-Related Jobs: EMT Security Officer (Emergency Medical Technician Security Officer)
Medical Transcriptionists -4.4% Emergency Medical Scribe
Occupation: Medical Transcriptionists U.S. Job Openings 2025-2035: -4.4% Emergency Medical Services-Related Jobs: Emergency Medical Scribe

11 Emergency Medical Services careers are listed below (sorted by U.S. National Median Salary). Emergency Medical Services-related jobs specific to each occupation are also provided. Please Scroll and Select below::

Occupations National Median Salary Emergency Medical Services-Related Jobs

Medical and Health Services Managers $ 123,860 EMS Coordinator (Emergency Medical Services Coordinator); EMS Manager (Emergency Medical Services Manager)
Occupation: Medical and Health Services Managers National Median Salary: $ 123,860 Emergency Medical Services-Related Jobs: EMS Coordinator (Emergency Medical Services Coordinator); EMS Manager (Emergency Medical Services Manager)
Commercial Pilots $ 123,220 EMS Helicopter Pilot (Emergency Medical Service Helicopter Pilot); EMS Pilot (Emergency Medical Services Pilot); EMS Rotary Wing Pilot (Emergency Medical Service Rotary Wing Pilot)
Occupation: Commercial Pilots National Median Salary: $ 123,220 Emergency Medical Services-Related Jobs: EMS Helicopter Pilot (Emergency Medical Service Helicopter Pilot); EMS Pilot (Emergency Medical Services Pilot); EMS Rotary Wing Pilot (Emergency Medical Service Rotary Wing Pilot)
Coroners $ 80,730 Paramedical Examiner
Occupation: Coroners National Median Salary: $ 80,730 Emergency Medical Services-Related Jobs: Paramedical Examiner
Paramedics $ 60,600 Critical Care Flight Paramedic; Critical Care Paramedic; ED Paramedic (Emergency Department Paramedic); EMT Paramedic (Emergency Medical Technician Paramedic); ER Paramedic (Emergency Room Paramedic); Firefighter Paramedic; Flight Paramedic; Paramedic Specialist (PS)
Occupation: Paramedics National Median Salary: $ 60,600 Emergency Medical Services-Related Jobs: Critical Care Flight Paramedic; Critical Care Paramedic; ED Paramedic (Emergency Department Paramedic); EMT Paramedic (Emergency Medical Technician Paramedic); ER Paramedic (Emergency Room Paramedic); Firefighter Paramedic; Flight Paramedic; Paramedic Specialist (PS)
Firefighters $ 59,280 Firefighter Paramedic
Occupation: Firefighters National Median Salary: $ 59,280 Emergency Medical Services-Related Jobs: Firefighter Paramedic
Public Safety Telecommunicators $ 53,040 Emergency Medical Dispatcher (EMD)
Occupation: Public Safety Telecommunicators National Median Salary: $ 53,040 Emergency Medical Services-Related Jobs: Emergency Medical Dispatcher (EMD)
Emergency Medical Technicians $ 44,470 Advanced Emergency Medical Technician (AEMT); Emergency Medical Driver; Emergency Medical Responder; Emergency Medical Technician - Basic (EMT-B); Emergency Medical Technician (EMT); EMT Paramedic (Emergency Medical Technician Paramedic); EMT-B (Emergency Medical Technician- Basic); EMT-I/85; EMT-I/99; EMT-P; Non-Emergency Medical Transportation Driver; Paramedic
Occupation: Emergency Medical Technicians National Median Salary: $ 44,470 Emergency Medical Services-Related Jobs: Advanced Emergency Medical Technician (AEMT); Emergency Medical Driver; Emergency Medical Responder; Emergency Medical Technician - Basic (EMT-B); Emergency Medical Technician (EMT); EMT Paramedic (Emergency Medical Technician Paramedic); EMT-B (Emergency Medical Technician- Basic); EMT-I/85; EMT-I/99; EMT-P; Non-Emergency Medical Transportation Driver; Paramedic
Gambling Surveillance Officers and Gambling Investigators $ 43,370 EMT Security Officer (Emergency Medical Technician Security Officer)
Occupation: Gambling Surveillance Officers and Gambling Investigators National Median Salary: $ 43,370 Emergency Medical Services-Related Jobs: EMT Security Officer (Emergency Medical Technician Security Officer)
Medical Transcriptionists $ 40,410 Emergency Medical Scribe
Occupation: Medical Transcriptionists National Median Salary: $ 40,410 Emergency Medical Services-Related Jobs: Emergency Medical Scribe
Ambulance Drivers and Attendants, Except Emergency Medical Technicians $ 35,450 Emergency Medical Vehicle Operator; EMS Driver (Emergency Medical Services Driver); EMS First Responder (Emergency Medical Services First Responder); EMS Medic (Emergency Medical Services Medic); Non-Emergency Medical Transportation Driver
Occupation: Ambulance Drivers and Attendants, Except Emergency Medical Technicians National Median Salary: $ 35,450 Emergency Medical Services-Related Jobs: Emergency Medical Vehicle Operator; EMS Driver (Emergency Medical Services Driver); EMS First Responder (Emergency Medical Services First Responder); EMS Medic (Emergency Medical Services Medic); Non-Emergency Medical Transportation Driver
Lifeguards, Ski Patrol, and Other Recreational Protective Service Workers $ 33,580 Ski Patrol Paramedic
Occupation: Lifeguards, Ski Patrol, and Other Recreational Protective Service Workers National Median Salary: $ 33,580 Emergency Medical Services-Related Jobs: Ski Patrol Paramedic

11 Emergency Medical Services careers are listed (sorted by Education/Preparation Requirements - descending) to provide career ladders. Emergency Medical Services-related jobs specific to each career are also provided.

Education/Preparation Categories:
5 = Usually requires graduate school (e.g., Master's degree, Ph.D., M.D., or J.D.)
4 = Usually requires a four-year Bachelor's degree
3 = Usually requires vocational training, related on-the-job experience, or Associate's degree
2 = Usually requires a high school diploma or GED, but not always
Please Scroll and Select below:
Occupations Education/Preparation Emergency Medical Services-Related Jobs

Medical and Health Services Managers 4 EMS Coordinator (Emergency Medical Services Coordinator); EMS Manager (Emergency Medical Services Manager)
Occupation: Medical and Health Services Managers Education/Preparation: 4 Emergency Medical Services-Related Jobs: EMS Coordinator (Emergency Medical Services Coordinator); EMS Manager (Emergency Medical Services Manager)
Commercial Pilots 3 EMS Helicopter Pilot (Emergency Medical Service Helicopter Pilot); EMS Pilot (Emergency Medical Services Pilot); EMS Rotary Wing Pilot (Emergency Medical Service Rotary Wing Pilot)
Occupation: Commercial Pilots Education/Preparation: 3 Emergency Medical Services-Related Jobs: EMS Helicopter Pilot (Emergency Medical Service Helicopter Pilot); EMS Pilot (Emergency Medical Services Pilot); EMS Rotary Wing Pilot (Emergency Medical Service Rotary Wing Pilot)
Coroners 3 Paramedical Examiner
Occupation: Coroners Education/Preparation: 3 Emergency Medical Services-Related Jobs: Paramedical Examiner
Emergency Medical Technicians 3 Advanced Emergency Medical Technician (AEMT); Emergency Medical Driver; Emergency Medical Responder; Emergency Medical Technician - Basic (EMT-B); Emergency Medical Technician (EMT); EMT Paramedic (Emergency Medical Technician Paramedic); EMT-B (Emergency Medical Technician- Basic); EMT-I/85; EMT-I/99; EMT-P; Non-Emergency Medical Transportation Driver; Paramedic
Occupation: Emergency Medical Technicians Education/Preparation: 3 Emergency Medical Services-Related Jobs: Advanced Emergency Medical Technician (AEMT); Emergency Medical Driver; Emergency Medical Responder; Emergency Medical Technician - Basic (EMT-B); Emergency Medical Technician (EMT); EMT Paramedic (Emergency Medical Technician Paramedic); EMT-B (Emergency Medical Technician- Basic); EMT-I/85; EMT-I/99; EMT-P; Non-Emergency Medical Transportation Driver; Paramedic
Medical Transcriptionists 3 Emergency Medical Scribe
Occupation: Medical Transcriptionists Education/Preparation: 3 Emergency Medical Services-Related Jobs: Emergency Medical Scribe
Paramedics 3 Critical Care Flight Paramedic; Critical Care Paramedic; ED Paramedic (Emergency Department Paramedic); EMT Paramedic (Emergency Medical Technician Paramedic); ER Paramedic (Emergency Room Paramedic); Firefighter Paramedic; Flight Paramedic; Paramedic Specialist (PS)
Occupation: Paramedics Education/Preparation: 3 Emergency Medical Services-Related Jobs: Critical Care Flight Paramedic; Critical Care Paramedic; ED Paramedic (Emergency Department Paramedic); EMT Paramedic (Emergency Medical Technician Paramedic); ER Paramedic (Emergency Room Paramedic); Firefighter Paramedic; Flight Paramedic; Paramedic Specialist (PS)
Ambulance Drivers and Attendants, Except Emergency Medical Technicians 2 Emergency Medical Vehicle Operator; EMS Driver (Emergency Medical Services Driver); EMS First Responder (Emergency Medical Services First Responder); EMS Medic (Emergency Medical Services Medic); Non-Emergency Medical Transportation Driver
Occupation: Ambulance Drivers and Attendants, Except Emergency Medical Technicians Education/Preparation: 2 Emergency Medical Services-Related Jobs: Emergency Medical Vehicle Operator; EMS Driver (Emergency Medical Services Driver); EMS First Responder (Emergency Medical Services First Responder); EMS Medic (Emergency Medical Services Medic); Non-Emergency Medical Transportation Driver
Firefighters 2 Firefighter Paramedic
Occupation: Firefighters Education/Preparation: 2 Emergency Medical Services-Related Jobs: Firefighter Paramedic
Gambling Surveillance Officers and Gambling Investigators 2 EMT Security Officer (Emergency Medical Technician Security Officer)
Occupation: Gambling Surveillance Officers and Gambling Investigators Education/Preparation: 2 Emergency Medical Services-Related Jobs: EMT Security Officer (Emergency Medical Technician Security Officer)
Lifeguards, Ski Patrol, and Other Recreational Protective Service Workers 2 Ski Patrol Paramedic
Occupation: Lifeguards, Ski Patrol, and Other Recreational Protective Service Workers Education/Preparation: 2 Emergency Medical Services-Related Jobs: Ski Patrol Paramedic
Public Safety Telecommunicators 2 Emergency Medical Dispatcher (EMD)
Occupation: Public Safety Telecommunicators Education/Preparation: 2 Emergency Medical Services-Related Jobs: Emergency Medical Dispatcher (EMD)

Scroll through the picklist (below). There are 33 specific Emergency Medical Services job titles listed. Select those that may be of interest - you will get active job listing links, along with detailed resources to help you prepare for a career related to that job.
You can use this form two ways:

hidden filler

Filter - As you enter a keyword, you will filter (limit) the list of job titles below

Browse the list (Don't Filter) - You can simply explore the list of job titles. There may be many that you might never have considered to be of interest.

Enter a Keyword (filter the list below)
OR - leave blank and scroll through the choices:



Select a Job Title (Scroll and Select) :

Step 2 of 4: Find a Job

Find Job Listings: Payroll and Timekeeping Clerks.


Search results will open in a new tab.

Note: Job search results work best for U.S.-based locations. For international searches, try searching for "[job title] in [city, country]" directly on the selected job board, or visit their country-specific website.

Step 3 of 4: Prepare For a Career





Payroll and Timekeeping Clerks

Description: Compile and record employee time and payroll data. May compute employees' time worked, production, and commission. May compute and post wages and deductions, or prepare paychecks.

U.S. Total Employment (2025):
159,600
U.S. Total Employment (2035 est.):
134,300
Employment Change (2025-2035 est.):
-25,400 (-15.9%)
Average Annual Job Openings (2025-2035 est.):
11,400
Please click on a section below to expand and see detailed occupational information related to "Payroll and Timekeeping Clerks":

Core Duties

Important Core Job Duties (in order of importance)
For the Top 5 most important - How can you build experience and skill doing these? This will help now, to begin preparing for this type of occupation.
Importance (%) Description
Importance: 100 (%) Description: Keep track of leave time, such as vacation, personal, and sick leave, for employees.
Importance: 99 (%) Description: Verify attendance, hours worked, and pay adjustments, and post information onto designated records.
Importance: 96 (%) Description: Record employee information, such as exemptions, transfers, and resignations, to maintain and update payroll records.
Importance: 95 (%) Description: Issue and record adjustments to pay related to previous errors or retroactive increases.
Importance: 89 (%) Description: Review time sheets, work charts, wage computation, and other information to detect and reconcile payroll discrepancies.
Importance: 88 (%) Description: Compile employee time, production, and payroll data from time sheets and other records.
Importance: 88 (%) Description: Conduct verifications of employment.
Importance: 87 (%) Description: Compute wages and deductions, and enter data into computers.
Importance: 84 (%) Description: Process and issue employee paychecks and statements of earnings and deductions.
Importance: 83 (%) Description: Distribute and collect timecards each pay period.
Importance: 80 (%) Description: Process paperwork for new employees and enter employee information into the payroll system.
Importance: 74 (%) Description: Provide information to employees and managers on payroll matters, tax issues, benefit plans, and collective agreement provisions.
Importance: 72 (%) Description: Prepare and balance period-end reports, and reconcile issued payrolls to bank statements.
Importance: 70 (%) Description: Complete time sheets showing employees' arrival and departure times.
Importance: 68 (%) Description: Keep informed about changes in tax and deduction laws that apply to the payroll process.
Supplemental Duties
Important Supplemental Job Duties (in order of importance)
For the Top 5 most important - How can you build experience and skill doing these? This will help now, to begin preparing for this type of occupation.
Importance (%) Description
Importance: 66 (%) Description: Train employees on organizations' timekeeping systems.
Importance: 65 (%) Description: Compile statistical reports, statements, and summaries related to pay and benefits accounts, and submit them to appropriate departments.
Importance: 64 (%) Description: Complete, verify, and process forms and documentation for administration of benefits, such as pension plans, and unemployment and medical insurance.
Importance: 48 (%) Description: Balance cash and payroll accounts.
Importance: 37 (%) Description: Prepare and file payroll tax returns.
Importance: 36 (%) Description: Coordinate special programs, such as United Way campaigns, that involve payroll deductions.
Work Activities

Important General Work Activities (in order of importance)
For the Top 5 most important - How can you build experience and skill doing these? This will help now, to begin preparing for this type of occupation.
Importance (%) Description
Importance: 87 (%) Description: Working with Computers: Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
Importance: 86 (%) Description: Processing Information: Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
Importance: 85 (%) Description: Getting Information: Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
Importance: 84 (%) Description: Performing Administrative Activities: Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork.
Importance: 80 (%) Description: Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates: Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
Importance: 77 (%) Description: Documenting/Recording Information: Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
Importance: 75 (%) Description: Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards: Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
Importance: 74 (%) Description: Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge: Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
Importance: 73 (%) Description: Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work: Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
Importance: 72 (%) Description: Making Decisions and Solving Problems: Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
Importance: 72 (%) Description: Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships: Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
Importance: 70 (%) Description: Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events: Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
Importance: 69 (%) Description: Analyzing Data or Information: Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
Importance: 60 (%) Description: Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others: Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
Specific Work Activities

Important Specific Work Activities
How can you begin to build experience and skill doing these? This will help now, to begin preparing for this type of occupation. Specific Work Activities appear below:
Calculate financial data.
Check data for recording errors.
Compile data or documentation.
Coordinate operational activities.
Distribute materials to employees or customers.
Enter information into databases or software programs.
Execute sales or other financial transactions.
File documents or records.
Maintain current knowledge related to work activities.
Prepare documentation for contracts, transactions, or regulatory compliance.
Prepare financial documents.
Prepare research or technical reports.
Provide information to coworkers.
Reconcile records of sales or other financial transactions.
Record personnel information.
Train others in operational procedures.
Verify employee information.
Knowledge Required

Knowledge Required (in order of importance)
For the Top 5 most important - How can you build experience and skill doing these? This will help now, to begin preparing for this type of occupation.
Importance (%) Description
Importance: 88 (%) Description: Administrative: Knowledge of administrative and office procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and workplace terminology.
Importance: 83 (%) Description: Mathematics: Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
Importance: 82 (%) Description: English Language: Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, and rules of composition and grammar.
Importance: 80 (%) Description: Economics and Accounting: Knowledge of economic and accounting principles and practices, the financial markets, banking, and the analysis and reporting of financial data.
Importance: 76 (%) Description: Personnel and Human Resources: Knowledge of principles and procedures for personnel recruitment, selection, training, compensation and benefits, labor relations and negotiation, and personnel information systems.
Importance: 75 (%) Description: Administration and Management: Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.
Importance: 63 (%) Description: Customer and Personal Service: Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
Importance: 62 (%) Description: Computers and Electronics: Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
Essential Skills

Essential Skills (in order of importance)
These are the foundational skills most central to success in this occupation. For the Top 5 most important, how can you begin building experience and confidence using these skills now?
Importance (%) Description
Importance: 64 (%) Description: Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
Importance: 62 (%) Description: Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Importance: 54 (%) Description: Mathematics: Using mathematics to solve problems.
Importance: 52 (%) Description: Writing: Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Importance: 52 (%) Description: Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Importance: 52 (%) Description: Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
Day-in-the-Life Summaries

Day-in-the-Life Summaries
These summaries show the main types of activities you are likely to perform on a regular basis in this occupation. How can you imagine your typical workday — using these examples to see if this type of work fits you?
Activity: Calculate financial data.
Activity: Communicate with others about operational plans or activities.
Activity: Compile records, documentation, or other data.
Activity: Direct organizational operations, activities, or procedures.
Activity: Distribute materials, supplies, or resources.
Activity: Evaluate the quality or accuracy of data.
Activity: Execute financial transactions.
Activity: Maintain current knowledge in area of expertise.
Activity: Maintain operational records.
Activity: Perform administrative or clerical activities.
Activity: Prepare documentation for contracts, applications, or permits.
Activity: Prepare financial documents, reports, or budgets.
Activity: Present research or technical information.
Activity: Process digital or online data.
Activity: Reconcile financial data.
Activity: Train others on operational or work procedures.
Activity: Verify personal information.
Software Skills

Software Skills
These are examples of software tools commonly used in this occupation, organized from most to least important for your career preparation. How can you start learning or practicing the highest-priority tools so that you feel confident using them on the job?
High-Priority Tech Skills
Electronic mail software:
Microsoft Outlook
Enterprise resource planning ERP software:
Workday software
Office suite software:
Microsoft Office software
Spreadsheet software:
Microsoft Excel
Time accounting software:
Kronos Workforce Timekeeper
Widely Used Tech Skills
Data base user interface and query software:
ADP Workforce Now
Human resources software:
Oracle HRIS
Payroll software
Emerging Tech Skills
Accounting software:
Intuit QuickBooks
Data base user interface and query software:
Microsoft Access
Enterprise resource planning ERP software:
Oracle PeopleSoft
SAP software
Presentation software:
Microsoft PowerPoint
Word processing software:
Microsoft Word
General Software Tools
Accounting software (scroll table below):
Fund accounting software
Penta software
Quicken
Sage 50 Accounting
Tax software
Business intelligence and data analysis software:
IBM Cognos Impromptu
Compliance software:
BSI ComplianceFactory
Data base reporting software:
SAP Crystal Reports
Data base user interface and query software:
Data entry software
Electronic mail software:
Email software
IBM Notes
MicroFocus GroupWise
Enterprise resource planning ERP software (scroll table below):
Microsoft Dynamics
Microsoft Dynamics GP
NetSuite ERP
Oracle Fusion Applications
Oracle JD Edwards EnterpriseOne
Financial analysis software:
Oracle E-Business Suite Financials
Human resources software (scroll table below):
ADP Enterprise HR
API Navigator
Human resource management software HRMS
Human Resource MicroSystems HR Entre
Sage HRMS
Ultimate Software UltiPro Workplace
Internet browser software:
Netscape Navigator
Web browser software
Time accounting software (scroll table below):
ADP eTIME
ADP PC/Payroll
Asure Software HCM
Automated payroll software
Automated timekeeping software
BMH Open4 Payroll
CyberShift Workforce Management 3G Time and Attendance
EBS On Line InstaPay
Galaxy Technologies TimeStar Enterprise
isolved Time
Jantek Jupiter Time Attendance
Kronos Workforce Payroll
Microsoft Great Plains Personal Data Keeper
NuView EBS
Oracle PeopleSoft Payroll for North America
Paychex payroll software
PayData Advanced HR
PDS Vista
RSM McGladrey Clear Pay
SAP Americas mySAP ERP Human Capital Management HCM
TimePlus Payroll
UNITIME
Virtual Software Virtual Timecard
WorkForce Software EmpCenter Time and Attendance
Preparation Required
Preparation Required - How much preparation is needed to obtain this type of job?
Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed

Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.

Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.

Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.

These occupations usually involve using communication and organizational skills to coordinate, supervise, manage, or train others to accomplish goals. Examples include hydroelectric production managers, desktop publishers, electricians, agricultural technicians, barbers, court reporters and simultaneous captioners, and medical assistants.
Education Required

Education Required - by frequency of educational attainment
This shows you details about the level of education most commonly held by workers in this occupation. How can you begin planning the educational pathway that will prepare you best for this type of work?
Frequency of Attainment (%) Level of Education
Frequency of Attainment: 31.8 (%) Level of Education: Bachelor's Degree
Frequency of Attainment: 30.4 (%) Level of Education: Some College Courses
Frequency of Attainment: 20.6 (%) Level of Education: High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED)
Frequency of Attainment: 17.3 (%) Level of Education: Associate's Degree or other 2-year degree
Training and Experience Required

Training and Experience Required - by frequency of training and work experience attainment
This section shows you how often different types of training and work experience are required for this occupation. How can you start gaining the kinds of experience and training that are most common for this type of work?
Frequency of Attainment (%) Level of Training and Work Experience
Frequency of Attainment: 49.9 (%) Level of Training and Work Experience: Over 2 years, up to and including 4 years
Frequency of Attainment: 41.2 (%) Level of Training and Work Experience: Over 1 year, up to and including 2 years
Frequency of Attainment: 8.2 (%) Level of Training and Work Experience: Over 6 months, up to and including 1 year
Frequency of Attainment: 0.7 (%) Level of Training and Work Experience: Over 4 years, up to and including 6 years
Certifications
Certifications
These are examples of certifications that may be important for this occupation. How can you begin exploring which certifications fit your goals and what steps you would need to take to earn them?
Payroll Certification External Link
SAP Certified Application Associate - SAP HCM Payroll with ERP 6.0 EHP7 External Link
SAP Certified Application Associate - SAP SuccessFactors for Employee Central Payroll 1H/2022 External Link
Professional Associations
Professional Associations
These associations connect people who work in this occupation or related fields. How can you start using these associations to learn more, build your network, or find mentoring opportunities?
American Payroll Association (APA) External Link
Related Careers to Consider


Step 4 of 4: Career-Specific Resources

This section contains detailed external resources appropriate to "Payroll and Timekeeping Clerks". Explore these resources to start learning more. Links are constantly updated, so bookmark this page.

Videos

Here is a listing of videos related to this career. A great way to get a quick overview of the occupation.


Resumes

Here are resources that allow you to see example resumes for this occupation. It may be helpful to see examples from others who have this type of experience.


Job Description

Here are resources that provide job descriptions, which are vital for resume and interview preparation.


Interviews

There are many great resources that can help guide you through the interview process. These links provide help in preparing and performing an effective interview, specific to this occupation.


Salary Data

Here are links to help you identify salary ranges for this occupation. These data are necessary prior to effective salary negotiations.


Raises

Here are resources that help you to prepare to ask for a raise. These links will help you to prepare for the salary negotiation process.


Jobs

Here are resources that lead to links for actual jobs related to "Payroll and Timekeeping Clerks". Use these links to find a job.


Jobs

Here are resources that lead to links for actual jobs related to "Payroll and Timekeeping Clerks". Use these links to find a job.


Classifieds

There are various sources for job classified ads. These links should help get you started to find a job for this occupation.


Step-by-Step

Here are links to help guide you, step-by-step, to become a(n): Payroll and Timekeeping Clerks


Career Change

Here are resources to help you prepare for a career change. It is helpful to look carefully at the information provided in Section 3: Career Change (detailed previously on this page) prior to using these links. There is much to learn ...


LinkedIn®

Here are links to various posts and groups from LinkedIn ® that relate to this occupation. Great way to start building professional contacts in the field that might be most appropriate for you.


Career Path

Here are links to various resources to help you explore the career path related to the "Payroll and Timekeeping Clerks" occupation.






Developed by Dr. Ralph Jagodka, Ed.D., Professor Emeritus of Business Management at Mt. San Antonio College and author of the Harvard Business Impact article "What to Do When Students Ask You for Career Advice." - Full bio. © 2026 About This Page