How much does a Payroll Specialist make in Seattle, WA?
A Payroll Specialist in Seattle, WA, earns an average yearly salary of $120,944. This amount reflects the comprehensive nature of payroll work and the high cost of living in the area. Job seekers can expect competitive pay for this role, which involves managing employee salaries, benefits, and payroll taxes.
The salary for a Payroll Specialist can vary based on experience and expertise. Here are some common salaries found in the area:
- Less than 1 year: $73,800
- 1–3 years: $81,627
- 4–6 years: $89,455
- 7–9 years: $97,282
- 10–14 years: $105,109
- 15+ years: $112,936 and above
The top-paying industries for payroll specialists in Seattle include finance, healthcare, and technology. These industries often offer higher salaries due to the complexity of their payroll needs. Job seekers in these sectors may find even more opportunities for advancement and higher earnings.
What are the highest paying cities for a Payroll Specialist near Seattle, WA?

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Auburn, WA
Average Salary: $124,775
In Auburn, working as a Payroll Specialist offers a blend of stability and opportunity. Companies like Seattle Pacific University and various local businesses rely on accurate payroll processing. This role ensures employees receive timely and correct payments.
Find Payroll Specialist jobs in Auburn, WA
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Bellevue, WA
Average Salary: $124,478
Bellevue is a thriving hub for Payroll Specialists, with many tech giants and established firms needing precise payroll management. Key employers include T-Mobile and Microsoft, which demand reliable and efficient payroll services.
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Renton, WA
Average Salary: $117,310
Renton provides a dynamic environment for Payroll Specialists, with major employers such as Boeing and Amazon requiring skilled payroll management. In this city, professionals ensure timely compensation for a diverse workforce.
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What are the best paying companies for a Payroll Specialist in Seattle, WA?

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Blue Origin
Average Salary: $149,568
Blue Origin is a leader in space exploration. They offer dynamic Payroll Specialist roles with opportunities to work in various locations, including Seattle, WA, and their test and manufacturing facilities in Washington. These roles demand strong attention to detail and a solid understanding of payroll systems.
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Boeing
Average Salary: $137,725
Boeing is a global aerospace leader. Payroll Specialist positions at Boeing in Seattle offer competitive pay and benefits. Employees can work across multiple sites, including the Seattle area. The role involves managing employee pay, benefits, and compliance with labor laws.
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Amazon.com
Average Salary: $129,993
Amazon is a retail giant. Payroll Specialist roles at Amazon in Seattle come with solid compensation. These positions support payroll processing and employee benefits across Amazon's many sites in the Seattle area. Employees need excellent organizational and analytical skills.
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Amazon Web Services
Average Salary: $129,986
AWS is Amazon's cloud computing service. Payroll Specialist roles at AWS in Seattle offer good pay and benefits. The positions involve payroll processing and employee benefits, supporting employees across AWS's locations in Seattle. Strong technical skills are needed.
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Seattle Children's
Average Salary: $119,842
Seattle Children's is a top pediatric hospital. They offer Payroll Specialist roles with competitive salaries in Seattle, WA. The role involves managing payroll and benefits for employees across the hospital's locations. Attention to detail is crucial for this job.
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Nordstrom
Average Salary: $106,417
Nordstrom is a leading retailer. Payroll Specialist roles at Nordstrom in Seattle offer solid compensation. The roles involve payroll processing and employee benefits across Nordstrom's stores in the Seattle area. Employees need strong organizational skills.
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Davis Wright Tremaine LLP
Average Salary: $95,380
Davis Wright Tremaine is a law firm. Payroll Specialist roles at the firm in Seattle offer good pay. These positions support payroll processing and employee benefits across the firm's offices in Seattle. Candidates should have excellent attention to detail.
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City of Seattle
Average Salary: $94,449
The City of Seattle offers Payroll Specialist roles with solid pay. These positions involve managing payroll and benefits for city employees across various departments and locations in Seattle. Strong organizational skills are needed.
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Payscale
Average Salary: $92,867
Payscale is a company that provides salary data. Payroll Specialist roles at Payscale in Seattle offer good compensation. The role involves payroll processing and employee benefits across the company's offices in Seattle. Candidates should have strong analytical skills.
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University Of Washington
Average Salary: $77,234
The University Of Washington offers Payroll Specialist roles with competitive pay. These positions support payroll processing and employee benefits across the university's campuses in Seattle. Candidates should have strong organizational and communication skills.
What are the best paying Payroll Specialist related jobs in Seattle, WA?

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Employee Relations Specialist
Average Salary: $125,699
These specialists handle staff concerns and promote a positive work environment. They work with employees to resolve conflicts and ensure workplace satisfaction. Companies like Amazon and Microsoft rely on such experts to maintain a harmonious work culture.
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Payroll Manager
Average Salary: $120,878
Payroll managers oversee payroll processes and ensure employees get paid on time. They manage the entire payroll cycle, from processing payroll to handling tax filings. Major firms in Seattle, such as Boeing and Starbucks, often hire payroll managers to keep their financial operations running smoothly.
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Business Analyst
Average Salary: $102,143
Business analysts examine a company's financial and operational data to support decision-making. They work with teams to identify areas for improvement and implement solutions. Companies like Microsoft and Amazon need skilled analysts to drive their growth and efficiency.
Find Business Analyst jobs in Seattle, WA



