Position
Salary

How much does a Payroll Administrator make?

The average salary for a Payroll Administrator is $59,699 per year in the US.

A Payroll Administrator handles the important task of managing employee pay and benefits. They make sure workers get paid on time and that all financial records are accurate. This job is crucial for the smooth running of a business.

Pay for Payroll Administrators can vary. Many make between $34,108 and $115,000 per year. The average yearly salary stands at around $59,699. Here is a closer look at the earnings based on experience:

  • Entry-level: $34,108
  • Early career: $41,462
  • Mid-career: $48,816
  • Experienced: $63,523
  • Late career: $85,585
  • High experience: $115,000

Factors like location, company size, and extra skills can also affect pay. It's a rewarding career with good growth potential.

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What are the highest paying cities for a Payroll Administrator?

Job seekers targeting Payroll Administrator roles may find higher salaries in cities like San Francisco, San Jose, and Washington, DC. These cities often offer average salaries that exceed $70,000. Exploring job opportunities in these locations can boost earning potential and career growth.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Payroll Administrator jobs, highlighting San Francisco, CA with the highest at $90,768 and Denver, CO with the lowest at $73,656.
  1. San Francisco, CA
    Average Salary: $90,768
    In San Francisco, a city home to tech giants like Salesforce and LinkedIn, payroll administrators play a key role in ensuring timely and accurate compensation. The competitive salary and dynamic work environment make this an appealing career choice.
    Find Payroll Administrator jobs in San Francisco, CA


  2. San Jose, CA
    Average Salary: $78,242
    San Jose, known as the heart of Silicon Valley, has many tech companies where payroll administrators are in demand. Working here offers excellent benefits and chances to grow your career.
    Find Payroll Administrator jobs in San Jose, CA


  3. Washington, DC
    Average Salary: $77,974
    As the capital city, Washington, DC, offers a variety of opportunities in both government and private sectors. Payroll administrators here enjoy a stable job market with rewarding compensation packages.
    Find Payroll Administrator jobs in Washington, DC


  4. Chicago, IL
    Average Salary: $77,809
    Chicago provides a diverse work environment with large corporations and tech firms. Payroll administrators here benefit from competitive wages and a bustling job market.
    Find Payroll Administrator jobs in Chicago, IL


  5. Seattle, WA
    Average Salary: $76,757
    In Seattle, tech companies like Amazon and Microsoft offer numerous openings for payroll professionals. The city's progressive culture and high standard of living make it an attractive place to work.
    Find Payroll Administrator jobs in Seattle, WA


  6. Boston, MA
    Average Salary: $76,641
    Boston, a hub for education and technology, offers many opportunities for payroll professionals. With a mix of historic and modern companies, the job market here is vibrant and promising.
    Find Payroll Administrator jobs in Boston, MA


  7. San Diego, CA
    Average Salary: $75,841
    San Diego, with its warm climate and strong economy, provides a welcoming environment for payroll administrators. Companies in biotech and defense offer diverse and secure job opportunities.
    Find Payroll Administrator jobs in San Diego, CA


  8. Fargo, ND
    Average Salary: $74,322
    Fargo offers a friendly and affordable lifestyle, making it a great place for payroll professionals to work. With steady demand from local businesses, job security is high.
    Find Payroll Administrator jobs in Fargo, ND


  9. Los Angeles, CA
    Average Salary: $74,255
    Los Angeles, a city known for its entertainment industry, also has a strong demand for payroll administrators. Working here offers exposure to a variety of sectors and a dynamic work environment.
    Find Payroll Administrator jobs in Los Angeles, CA


  10. Denver, CO
    Average Salary: $73,656
    Denver provides a balanced lifestyle with a thriving job market for payroll administrators. The city's growing economy and numerous industries offer many opportunities for career growth.
    Find Payroll Administrator jobs in Denver, CO

What are the best companies a Payroll Administrator can work for?

Crowe LLP, Addison Group, Vaco, Robert Half, and AppleOne offer strong salaries for Payroll Administrator positions. Crowe LLP leads with the highest average salary at $126,800. Addison Group and Vaco also provide competitive pay, with average salaries around $77,773 and $75,066 respectively. For those seeking well-compensated opportunities, these companies are worth exploring.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Payroll Administrator jobs, highlighting Crowe LLP with the highest at $126,800 and AppleOne with the lowest at $62,012.
  1. Crowe LLP
    Average Salary: $126,800
    Crowe LLP offers rewarding Payroll Administrator roles. This company operates across the United States, with offices in major cities. Employees benefit from a supportive environment and opportunities for growth.


  2. Addison Group
    Average Salary: $77,773
    Addison Group provides diverse Payroll Administrator positions. They are active in many regions, offering flexibility and a chance to work on various projects. Their team-oriented approach helps employees thrive.


  3. Vaco
    Average Salary: $75,066
    Vaco has numerous Payroll Administrator jobs available. They are present in many locations nationwide. The company values its employees and offers a positive workplace atmosphere.


  4. Robert Half
    Average Salary: $66,166
    Robert Half offers competitive Payroll Administrator roles. They operate in many areas, providing a dynamic work environment. Employees here enjoy good benefits and career development opportunities.


  5. AppleOne
    Average Salary: $62,012
    AppleOne has several Payroll Administrator positions available. They have offices in various regions, offering a stable work environment. Employees benefit from supportive management and a positive company culture.

How to earn more as a Payroll Administrator?

A Payroll Administrator can boost their earnings through various means. One key strategy is gaining more experience and skills. Experience helps build confidence and competence. Additional skills, such as proficiency in payroll software or understanding of tax laws, can also make an Administrator more valuable.

Another way to increase earnings is by seeking certifications. These certifications can validate skills and knowledge. They often lead to higher-paying positions. Some employers may also offer bonuses or raises for certified professionals. Working with specialized payroll software or in specific industries can also open up higher-paying opportunities. Networking within the industry can lead to discovering these specialized roles.

Consider pursuing advanced roles as well. Moving into senior positions like Payroll Manager or Director can lead to significant salary increases. These roles come with added responsibilities and often require a higher level of expertise. Administrators who demonstrate leadership and problem-solving skills are likely to earn more. Seeking out mentorship and professional development opportunities can prepare an individual for these advanced roles.

Below are five factors to help a Payroll Administrator earn more:

  1. Gain Experience and Skills: Building competence and confidence through experience and additional skills can lead to higher earnings.
  2. Obtain Certifications: Certifications in payroll can validate skills and lead to higher-paying positions.
  3. Specialize in Software or Industries: Working with specialized software or in specific industries can lead to higher-paying opportunities.
  4. Network and Discover Opportunities: Networking can help find roles that offer higher salaries.
  5. Advance to Senior Roles: Pursuing roles like Payroll Manager or Director can significantly increase salary.

Currently 461 Payroll Administrator job openings, nationwide.

How's the job market for a Payroll Administrator in the US?

Learn what a Payroll Administrator does, how to become one, and understand the job outlook. Get simple steps to start your career as a Payroll Administrator today.
Position
Overview
Payroll Administrator
461 Job Openings