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How much does a Payroll Administrator make?

The average salary for a Payroll Administrator is $63,239 per year in the US.

A Payroll Administrator plays a key role in managing employee payments. This job often comes with a solid salary. The average yearly salary for a Payroll Administrator is around $63,239. This means most people in this role can expect to earn close to this amount each year.

Payroll Administrators can earn different amounts based on their experience and where they work. The salary can range from about $38,000 to over $110,000. Here are some common salary ranges:

  • The lowest 10% earn about $38,000.
  • The next 20% earn between $38,000 and $51,091.
  • The middle 20% earn between $51,091 and $64,182.
  • The next 20% earn between $64,182 and $77,273.
  • The top 10% earn over $110,000.

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What are the highest paying cities for a Payroll Administrator?

Job seekers looking for Payroll Administrator roles can find high salaries in several cities. Riverside, CA, offers the highest average salary at $86,551. Other top cities include San Francisco, CA, and San Jose, CA, with average salaries of $85,759 and $77,880, respectively. These cities provide excellent opportunities for payroll professionals seeking competitive compensation.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Payroll Administrator jobs, highlighting Riverside, CA with the highest at $86,551 and San Diego, CA with the lowest at $71,560.
  1. Riverside, CA
    Average Salary: $86,551
    In Riverside, payroll professionals often work for large companies in the logistics and manufacturing sectors. With a strong job market, there are many opportunities for growth and advancement in this field.
    Find Payroll Administrator jobs in Riverside, CA


  2. San Francisco, CA
    Average Salary: $85,759
    San Francisco offers a dynamic environment for payroll specialists. Many tech giants, such as Salesforce and Slack, provide exciting opportunities for those in this role. The city's vibrant economy supports a variety of career paths.
    Find Payroll Administrator jobs in San Francisco, CA


  3. San Jose, CA
    Average Salary: $77,880
    San Jose, known as the heart of Silicon Valley, is home to many tech companies. Payroll administrators here enjoy a fast-paced environment and the chance to work with some of the biggest names in the industry.
    Find Payroll Administrator jobs in San Jose, CA


  4. Stockton, CA
    Average Salary: $76,490
    Stockton provides a stable job market for payroll professionals. Many local businesses and companies offer good opportunities for those looking to build a career in this field. The cost of living is also relatively affordable.
    Find Payroll Administrator jobs in Stockton, CA


  5. Los Angeles, CA
    Average Salary: $74,138
    Los Angeles offers a diverse job market for payroll specialists. With many large corporations and entertainment companies, there are plenty of opportunities to gain experience and grow in this field.
    Find Payroll Administrator jobs in Los Angeles, CA


  6. Seattle, WA
    Average Salary: $73,962
    Seattle is known for its tech industry, offering many opportunities for payroll professionals. Companies like Amazon and Microsoft provide a dynamic work environment and a chance to work with cutting-edge technology.
    Find Payroll Administrator jobs in Seattle, WA


  7. Denver, CO
    Average Salary: $73,904
    Denver offers a growing job market for payroll specialists. The city's economy is diverse, with opportunities in tech, healthcare, and finance. The outdoor lifestyle also makes it an attractive place to live and work.
    Find Payroll Administrator jobs in Denver, CO


  8. Boston, MA
    Average Salary: $73,802
    Boston provides a rich environment for payroll professionals. Many financial institutions and educational organizations offer good opportunities. The city's historic charm adds to the overall appeal.
    Find Payroll Administrator jobs in Boston, MA


  9. Washington, DC
    Average Salary: $71,769
    Washington, DC, offers a unique job market for payroll specialists. The city is home to many government agencies and non-profits. Working here can provide a stable career and the chance to contribute to public service.
    Find Payroll Administrator jobs in Washington, DC


  10. San Diego, CA
    Average Salary: $71,560
    San Diego offers a pleasant climate and a strong job market for payroll professionals. Many companies in the biotech and defense sectors provide good opportunities. The city's beautiful beaches and outdoor activities make it a great place to live.
    Find Payroll Administrator jobs in San Diego, CA

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

Addison Group offers one of the highest salaries for Payroll Administrators, with an average of $84,500. AppleOne and Robert Half also provide competitive pay, with averages around $72,612 and $71,144, respectively. These companies value their payroll staff and offer attractive compensation packages.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Payroll Administrator jobs, highlighting Addison Group with the highest at $84,500 and Synergy Staffing Services with the lowest at $60,500.
  1. Addison Group
    Average Salary: $84,500
    Addison Group offers competitive salaries for Payroll Administrator jobs. With offices across the country, they provide opportunities in various locations. Their Payroll Administrators manage payroll processing, ensure compliance, and support HR functions.


  2. AppleOne
    Average Salary: $72,612
    AppleOne provides a solid salary for Payroll Administrators. They have multiple locations nationwide, offering diverse opportunities. Their Payroll Administrators handle payroll processing, employee data management, and compliance tasks.


  3. Robert Half
    Average Salary: $71,144
    Robert Half offers attractive salaries for Payroll Administrators. They operate in many locations, providing various job opportunities. Their Payroll Administrators focus on payroll processing, employee benefits, and compliance.


  4. Vaco
    Average Salary: $70,696
    Vaco offers competitive salaries for Payroll Administrators. They have offices across the country, providing many job opportunities. Their Payroll Administrators manage payroll processing, ensure compliance, and support HR functions.


  5. Ledgent Finance & Accounting
    Average Salary: $70,214
    Ledgent Finance & Accounting offers good salaries for Payroll Administrators. They operate in various locations, providing diverse job opportunities. Their Payroll Administrators handle payroll processing, employee data management, and compliance tasks.


  6. YMCA
    Average Salary: $62,319
    YMCA offers a decent salary for Payroll Administrators. They have locations nationwide, providing various job opportunities. Their Payroll Administrators manage payroll processing, ensure compliance, and support HR functions.


  7. Aston Carter
    Average Salary: $61,437
    Aston Carter offers competitive salaries for Payroll Administrators. They have offices across the country, providing many job opportunities. Their Payroll Administrators handle payroll processing, employee data management, and compliance tasks.


  8. Creative Financial Staffing
    Average Salary: $60,867
    Creative Financial Staffing offers good salaries for Payroll Administrators. They have multiple locations, providing various job opportunities. Their Payroll Administrators manage payroll processing, ensure compliance, and support HR functions.


  9. All City Plumbing
    Average Salary: $60,818
    All City Plumbing offers competitive salaries for Payroll Administrators. They have locations across the country, providing diverse job opportunities. Their Payroll Administrators handle payroll processing, employee data management, and compliance tasks.


  10. Synergy Staffing Services
    Average Salary: $60,500
    Synergy Staffing Services offers good salaries for Payroll Administrators. They have offices in various locations, providing many job opportunities. Their Payroll Administrators manage payroll processing, ensure compliance, and support HR functions.

How to earn more as a Payroll Administrator?

A Payroll Administrator can increase their earnings by focusing on several key areas. Gaining experience and expertise in payroll management can lead to higher-paying positions. Specializing in areas such as tax compliance, payroll software, or international payroll can make a Payroll Administrator more valuable to employers. Networking with other professionals in the industry can also open up opportunities for higher-paying jobs.

Pursuing additional certifications can also lead to higher earnings. Certifications such as the Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) or the Certified Payroll Specialist (CPS) can enhance a Payroll Administrator's credentials. These certifications demonstrate a commitment to the profession and can lead to higher-paying positions. Continuing education and staying up-to-date with changes in payroll laws and regulations can also make a Payroll Administrator more competitive in the job market.

Here are five factors that can help a Payroll Administrator earn more:

  1. Experience and Expertise: Gaining experience and expertise in payroll management can lead to higher-paying positions.
  2. Specialization: Specializing in areas such as tax compliance, payroll software, or international payroll can increase a Payroll Administrator's value to employers.
  3. Networking: Networking with other professionals in the industry can open up opportunities for higher-paying jobs.
  4. Certifications: Pursuing additional certifications such as the Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) or the Certified Payroll Specialist (CPS) can increase a Payroll Administrator's earning potential.
  5. Continuing Education: Staying up-to-date with changes in payroll laws and regulations can make a Payroll Administrator more competitive in the job market.

Currently 247 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.
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Payroll Administrator
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