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Timekeeper Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

BID/JOB ANNOUNCEMENT CLERK IV (TIMEKEEPER) CHICAGO DEPARTMENT OF AVIATION {CDA-PAYROLL SECTION} Number of Positions: 1 (Additional vacancies possible pending budget approval) Starting Salary: $57,000 ...

OFFICE ASSOCIATE

Melrose Park, IL · On-site

$16.50 - $22.25/hr

Serves as back-up timekeeper in the timekeeper's absence. * Maintains files, office supplies, and forms. * Translates functions/procedures into Spanish for individuals who cannot speak or read ...

Payroll & HRIS Analyst

Chicago, IL · On-site

$56K - $65K/yr

... timekeeper procedures. • Performs timekeeper audits (no lunch violations, PT/FT hours audits, & no hours worked). • Responds to payroll-related inquiries including but not limited to, payroll ...

OFFICE ASSOCIATE

Chicago, IL · On-site

$49K - $65K/yr

Serves as back-up timekeeper in the timekeeper's absence. * Maintains files, office supplies, and forms. * Performs other duties as required or assigned which are reasonably within the scope of the ...

OFFICE ASSOCIATE

Chicago, IL · On-site

$49K - $65K/yr

Serves as back-up timekeeper in the timekeeper's absence. * Maintains files, office supplies, and forms. * Performs other duties as required or assigned which are reasonably within the scope of the ...

OFFICE ASSOCIATE

Melrose Park, IL · On-site

$49K - $65K/yr

Serves as back-up timekeeper in the timekeeper's absence. * Maintains files, office supplies, and forms. * Translates functions/procedures into Spanish for individuals who cannot speak or read ...

Serves as back-up timekeeper in the timekeeper's absence. * Maintains files, office supplies, and forms. * Performs other duties as required or assigned which are reasonably within the scope of the ...

OFFICE ASSOCIATE

Melrose Park, IL · On-site

$49K - $65K/yr

Serves as back-up timekeeper in the timekeeper's absence. * Maintains files, office supplies, and forms. * Translates functions/procedures into Spanish for individuals who cannot speak or read ...

OFFICE ASSOCIATE

Chicago, IL · On-site

$49K - $65K/yr

Serves as back-up timekeeper in the timekeeper's absence. * Maintains files, office supplies, and forms. * Translates functions/procedures into Spanish for individuals who cannot speak or read ...

OFFICE ASSOCIATE

Melrose Park, IL · On-site

$49K - $65K/yr

Serves as back-up timekeeper in the timekeeper's absence. * Maintains files, office supplies, and forms. * Translates functions/procedures into Spanish for individuals who cannot speak or read ...

Serves as back-up timekeeper in the timekeeper's absence. * Maintains files, office supplies, and forms. * Performs other duties as required or assigned which are reasonably within the scope of the ...

OFFICE ASSOCIATE

Chicago, IL · On-site

$49K - $65K/yr

Serves as back-up timekeeper in the timekeeper's absence. * Maintains files, office supplies, and forms. * Translates functions/procedures into Spanish for individuals who cannot speak or read ...

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Showing results 1-20

Timekeeper information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$31.2K

$36.5K

$50.9K

How much do timekeeper jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average yearly pay for timekeeper in Chicago, IL is $36,541.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $33,800.00 and $34,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a timekeeper?

Timekeepers are professionals responsible for tracking and recording the hours worked by employees in an organization. They ensure accurate timesheets, monitor attendance, and verify overtime or leave to facilitate correct payroll processing. Timekeepers may use manual logs or electronic systems and often collaborate closely with HR and payroll departments to resolve any discrepancies. Their work helps organizations maintain compliance with labor laws and company policies.

What does a timekeeper do?

Sometimes known as a Site Administrative Assistant, a Timekeeper is most often a professional working in a construction environment. This is an integral role in any construction project, monitoring the number of hours of labor a construction job uses. Timekeepers also consider the pay rates of different workers at the construction site. Once gathering the information, the Timekeeper enters the data into the business’s timekeeping system and performs various other clerical and administrative tasks, such as collecting and processing payroll documents, assisting employees in completing documents like W-4s, and maintaining files. Typically reporting to an Office Manager or Site Supervisor, Timekeepers are instrumental in ensuring that construction site workers receive accurate and timely payment for their work.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a timekeeper, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Timekeeper, you need strong attention to detail, organizational skills, and a solid understanding of payroll and labor regulations, typically supported by a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with timekeeping software, payroll systems like ADP or Kronos, and basic spreadsheet tools is essential. Reliability, discretion, and effective communication help a Timekeeper manage sensitive information and coordinate with employees and management. These skills are crucial to ensure accurate payroll processing, compliance with labor laws, and smooth workforce operations.

What are some common challenges faced by timekeepers and how can they be managed effectively?

Timekeepers often face challenges such as accurately tracking employee hours across multiple shifts or projects, managing last-minute schedule changes, and ensuring compliance with company policies and labor regulations. These challenges can be managed by staying organized, using reliable timekeeping software, and maintaining clear communication with both employees and supervisors. Attention to detail and timely data entry are crucial to prevent errors in payroll processing and reporting.

What is the difference between Timekeeper vs Payroll Clerk?

AspectTimekeeperPayroll Clerk
Required credentialsHigh school diploma; basic understanding of time tracking systemsHigh school diploma; may have additional payroll or accounting certifications
Work environmentManufacturing, construction, or industrial settingsOffice environments, HR departments, accounting firms
Employer usageTrack employee hours for payroll processingProcess payroll, maintain employee records, ensure compliance
Common search intentDifferences between time tracking roles and payroll processingPayroll administration and record keeping

While both roles support payroll functions, a Timekeeper primarily tracks employee hours and attendance, whereas a Payroll Clerk handles the broader payroll processing, including calculations and record management. Understanding these distinctions helps employers and job seekers identify the right position for their skills and career goals.

What is the average salary for timekeepers?

The average salary for a timekeeper typically ranges from $30,000 to $50,000 per year, depending on experience, industry, and location. Timekeepers often work in construction, manufacturing, or government sectors, and may require basic record-keeping skills and familiarity with time-tracking tools.

What are the most commonly searched types of Timekeeper jobs in Chicago, IL?

The most popular types of Timekeeper jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What are popular job titles related to Timekeeper jobs in Chicago, IL?

For Timekeeper jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Timekeeper jobs in Chicago, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Timekeeper jobs in Chicago, IL are:

Infographic showing various Timekeeper job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 75% Full Time, and 25% Part Time. Highlights an 75% In-person, and 25% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $36,541 per year, or $17.6 per hour.

CLERK IV - TIMEKEEPER

City of Chicago

Chicago, IL • On-site

$57K/yr

Full-time

Posted 4 days ago


Job description

BID/JOB ANNOUNCEMENT
CLERK IV (TIMEKEEPER)
CHICAGO DEPARTMENT OF AVIATION
{CDA-PAYROLL SECTION}
Number of Positions: 1
(Additional vacancies possible pending budget approval)
Starting Salary: $57,000
This position is open to the public and all current City employees covered under the City's collective bargaining agreement with AMERICAN FEDERATION OF STATE, COUNTY, AND MUNICIPAL EMPLOYEES (AFSCME) - BARGAINING UNIT 1, 3, 4 & 5. Only employees in City job titles in this bargaining unit are eligible to bid.
BID INSTRUCTIONS: Apply on the bid site: https://chicago.taleo.net/careersection/103/jobsearch.ftl?lang=en AND
1. Check the box on your profile titled "Currently employed by the City of Chicago"
2. Enter your employee ID (located on your pay stub labeled 'payee/employee number')
3. Select your correct bargaining unit
FAILURE TO FOLLOW THESE INSTRUCTIONS WILL RESULT IN A REJECTED BID APPLICATION
Applications for this position will be accepted until 11:59pm CDT on 9/2/202 6
Under supervision, the class performs the full range of payroll and timekeeping duties for a large City department, and performs related duties as required.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES:
• Maintains either manual or automated timekeeping records for a large group employees, represented by collective bargaining agreements, in order to record and track employees' time and attendance.
• Interprets labor contract provisions relating to rate of pay for hours worked and compensated time off for timekeeping purposes.
• Applies established timekeeping rules governing the compensation of employees for hours worked based on union contracts and the salary ordinance.
• Records timekeeping data on daily attendance and assignment sheets for employees working multiple shifts.
• Reviews time and attendance records to record time worked and to maintain balances of leave times, actual hours worked, overtime hours paid, and compensatory time due and taken.
• Uses standard arithmetic formulas established by the department to maintain records of compensatory time under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA).
• Codes time rolls to account for time off without pay in a given pay period.
• Completes end of pay period reports to calculate personnel costs for overtime worked, working out of grade, holiday pay and buyback, baby furloughs and furloughs.
Additional duties may be required for this position
Address:
8420 W. Bryn Mawr Ave 6th FL, Chicago, IL
Hours: 8:30 am to 4:30pm / Monday-Friday
THIS POSITION IS IN THE CAREER SERVICE
Qualifications
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
• Two (2) years of timekeeping, payroll or clerical work experience.
Should the above criteria not be fulfilled, the following options are acceptable:
• Graduation from an accredited college or university with an Associate's degree or higher, plus one (1) year of timekeeping, payroll, or clerical work experience
Licensure, Certification, or Other Qualifications
N/A
NOTE: To be considered for this position you must provide information about your educational background and your work experience. You must include job titles, dates of employment and specific job duties . (IF you are a current City employee, Acting Up cannot be considered). If you fail to provide this information at the time you submit your application, it will be incomplete, and you will not be considered for this position. There are three ways to provide the information: 1) you may attach a resume; 2) you may paste a resume; or 3) you can complete the online resume fields.
Educational & Employment Verification:
Please be advised that if you are selected to be hired you must provide, upon request, adequate information regarding your educational and employment history as it relates to the qualifications of the position for which you are applying. If you received your degree internationally, all international transcripts/diploma must be accompanied by a Foreign Credential Evaluation. If the City of Chicago cannot verify this information, any offer extended to you will be withdrawn and you will not be hired.
SELECTION REQUIREMENTS
This position requires applicants to successfully pass a skills assessment test and complete an interview. Test results will be sent out by the Department of Human Resources after test results have been analyzed and compiled. The candidates that receive a passing score on the skills assessment test will be invited to interview for the position. Candidate(s) receiving a passing score on the test and possess the qualifications best suited to fulfill the responsibilities of the position, based on the oral interview, will be selected in seniority/lottery order.
NOTE: The candidate selected for hire must pass an airport background check and a Security Threat Assessment (STA).
Desired Skills:
  • Previous experience in a position with timekeeping and/or payroll preparation duties.
  • Previous experience interpreting labor contract provisions relating to pay rates.
  • Previous experience utilizing standard formulas computing time balances and overtime pay.
  • Previous experience preparing work activity reports
  • Previous experience maintaining payroll records and preparing monthly salary expenditure reports.
  • Previous experience resolving complaints pertaining to timekeeping methods and procedures.
  • Knowledge of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA.)

For Information on our employees benefits please visit our benefits website at:
https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/fin/benefits-office.html
For Information on our salary and title structure visit our classifications website at:
City of Chicago :: Classification and Pay Plan
APPLICATION EVALUATION: Initial evaluation will be based on information provided on the application and the documents submitted. Department of Human Resource staff will review applications after the final posting date. Staff will follow any and all required Employment/Hiring Plan provisions, federal, state and local laws, and Collective Bargaining Agreements when applicable. Staff will apply hiring preferences as required by the municipal code. Placement on an eligibility list is not an offer or guarantee of an interview nor employment with the City of Chicago.
COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY: To further our commitment to hiring applicants with diverse experience the City of Chicago has adopted the following ordinances 2-74-020 and 2-74-075. The ordinances provide a preference to applicants who meet minimum qualifications and who are veterans of the Armed Forces, and/or residents of Socio-Economically Disadvantaged Areas (SEDA) and/or Chicago Public School (CPS) high school graduates to be referred to departments for consideration. These hiring preferences do not apply to bidders, as Collective Bargaining Agreements define the hiring process for bidders. For positions covered by a collective bargaining agreement, bidders will be considered before external candidates. To learn more about our hiring practices click here.
ALL REFERENCES TO POLITICAL SPONSORSHIP OR RECOMMENDATION MUST BE OMITTED FROM ALL APPLICATION MATERIALS SUBMITTED FOR CITY EMPLOYMENT.
The City of Chicago in an Equal Employment Opportunity, Military Friendly, and Fair Chance Employer.
City of Chicago
Brandon Johnson, Mayor