How much does a Payroll Administrator make?
A Payroll Administrator plays a key role in managing employee pay. This job involves ensuring that employees get paid on time and accurately. The average yearly salary for a Payroll Administrator is around $62,977. This means that most people in this role earn between $38,000 and $108,500 each year. The salary can vary based on experience, location, and the size of the company.
Payroll Administrators can expect to see their earnings grow with more experience. For example, those with less than a year of experience might start at the lower end of the salary range. As they gain more skills and knowledge, they can move up to higher pay brackets. Companies in larger cities or those with more resources often offer higher salaries. This makes location and company size important factors in determining salary.
What are the highest paying cities for a Payroll Administrator?

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San Francisco, CA
Average Salary: $84,999
In San Francisco, professionals manage payroll for tech giants and startups. The city's dynamic economy offers diverse opportunities. Companies like Google and Salesforce provide a competitive edge.
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Riverside, CA
Average Salary: $84,255
Riverside offers a stable environment for payroll specialists. The city's growing industries need skilled administrators. Companies such as Amazon and UPS create a strong job market.
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San Jose, CA
Average Salary: $77,927
San Jose is a hub for tech companies, making it a great place for payroll administrators. The city's vibrant economy offers many job opportunities. Firms like Apple and Cisco are prominent employers.
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Stockton, CA
Average Salary: $76,490
Stockton provides a balanced work-life environment for payroll professionals. The city's industries offer steady employment. Companies like Walmart and Target are key employers.
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Los Angeles, CA
Average Salary: $75,199
Los Angeles offers a diverse job market for payroll administrators. The city's entertainment industry and tech sector provide many opportunities. Major companies like Disney and Amazon are present.
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Seattle, WA
Average Salary: $74,336
Seattle is a great place for payroll specialists with its tech-driven economy. The city offers a mix of startups and established companies. Microsoft and Amazon are major employers.
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Boston, MA
Average Salary: $74,078
Boston offers a rich history and a strong job market for payroll professionals. The city's education and healthcare sectors are prominent. Companies like General Electric and Liberty Mutual provide many opportunities.
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Denver, CO
Average Salary: $73,117
Denver provides a growing job market for payroll administrators. The city's outdoor lifestyle and tech industry attract many professionals. Companies like Lockheed Martin and Chipotle are key employers.
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Milwaukee, WI
Average Salary: $73,019
Milwaukee offers a stable job market for payroll specialists. The city's manufacturing and healthcare sectors are strong. Companies like Johnson Controls and Harley-Davidson provide many opportunities.
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San Diego, CA
Average Salary: $71,559
San Diego offers a vibrant environment for payroll professionals. The city's biotech and defense industries are growing. Companies like Qualcomm and General Dynamics provide many job opportunities.
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What are the best companies a Payroll Administrator can work for?

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Addison Group
Average Salary: $82,893
Addison Group offers competitive salaries for Payroll Administrators. They provide opportunities in various locations, including major cities across the U.S. Their Payroll Administrators manage payroll processing, ensure compliance with tax laws, and handle employee benefits.
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AppleOne
Average Salary: $72,941
AppleOne is known for its strong payroll administration roles. They offer positions in many locations, including urban and suburban areas. Payroll Administrators at AppleOne focus on accurate payroll processing, employee data management, and resolving payroll issues.
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Vaco
Average Salary: $70,696
Vaco provides rewarding careers for Payroll Administrators. They have offices in key locations nationwide. Their Payroll Administrators are responsible for payroll processing, maintaining employee records, and ensuring timely payroll distribution.
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Robert Half
Average Salary: $70,500
Robert Half offers attractive salaries for Payroll Administrators. They operate in many locations, including major business hubs. Payroll Administrators at Robert Half handle payroll processing, manage payroll systems, and ensure compliance with labor laws.
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Ledgent Finance & Accounting
Average Salary: $70,214
Ledgent Finance & Accounting provides good compensation for Payroll Administrators. They have offices in various locations. Their Payroll Administrators work on payroll processing, employee data management, and resolving payroll discrepancies.
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Creative Financial Staffing
Average Salary: $60,633
Creative Financial Staffing offers competitive pay for Payroll Administrators. They have offices in many locations. Their Payroll Administrators focus on payroll processing, maintaining employee records, and ensuring timely payroll distribution.
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Synergy Staffing Services
Average Salary: $60,500
Synergy Staffing Services provides good salaries for Payroll Administrators. They operate in various locations. Their Payroll Administrators handle payroll processing, manage payroll systems, and ensure compliance with labor laws.
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Aston Carter
Average Salary: $58,425
Aston Carter offers fair compensation for Payroll Administrators. They have offices in many locations. Their Payroll Administrators work on payroll processing, employee data management, and resolving payroll issues.
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Marriott International
Average Salary: $57,462
Marriott International provides good salaries for Payroll Administrators. They have locations in many cities. Their Payroll Administrators manage payroll processing, ensure compliance with tax laws, and handle employee benefits.
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Express Employment Professionals
Average Salary: $51,468
Express Employment Professionals offers competitive pay for Payroll Administrators. They have offices in various locations. Their Payroll Administrators focus on payroll processing, maintaining employee records, and ensuring timely payroll distribution.
How to earn more as a Payroll Administrator?
Payroll administrators can find several ways to increase their earnings. They can focus on gaining more experience and skills. This can lead to higher-paying positions. They can also seek out opportunities in industries that offer higher salaries. Networking and staying informed about industry trends can open doors to better-paying roles. Certifications and additional qualifications can also boost earning potential.
Here are some factors that can help a payroll administrator earn more:
- Experience: Gaining more experience can lead to higher-paying positions. Working in different roles and industries can provide valuable skills.
- Certifications: Earning certifications like the Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) can make a payroll administrator more attractive to employers.
- Industry: Working in industries that pay higher salaries, such as finance or technology, can increase earnings.
- Location: Moving to areas with higher living costs can lead to higher pay. Urban areas often offer better salaries.
- Advanced Skills: Learning advanced software and systems can make a payroll administrator more valuable. Skills like automation and data analysis are in demand.