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Salary

How much does a Payroll Administrator make?

The average salary for a Payroll Administrator is $62,977 per year in the US.

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.

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What are the highest paying cities for a Payroll Administrator?

Payroll Administrator jobs offer competitive salaries, especially in certain cities. San Francisco, CA, leads with an average salary of $84,999. Other top-paying cities include Riverside, CA, and San Jose, CA, where salaries also exceed $75,000. These cities provide excellent opportunities for those in the payroll field.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Payroll Administrator jobs, highlighting San Francisco, CA with the highest at $84,999 and San Diego, CA with the lowest at $71,559.
  1. 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.
    Find Payroll Administrator jobs in San Francisco, CA


  2. 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.
    Find Payroll Administrator jobs in Riverside, CA


  3. 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.
    Find Payroll Administrator jobs in San Jose, CA


  4. 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.
    Find Payroll Administrator jobs in Stockton, CA


  5. 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.
    Find Payroll Administrator jobs in Los Angeles, CA


  6. 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.
    Find Payroll Administrator jobs in Seattle, WA


  7. 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.
    Find Payroll Administrator jobs in Boston, MA


  8. 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.
    Find Payroll Administrator jobs in Denver, CO


  9. 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.
    Find Payroll Administrator jobs in Milwaukee, WI


  10. 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.
    Find Payroll Administrator jobs in San Diego, CA

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

Addison Group offers the highest average salary for Payroll Administrator jobs, making it a top choice for professionals in this field. Companies like AppleOne and Vaco also provide competitive pay, with salaries above $70,000. These firms value skilled payroll administrators and offer attractive compensation packages.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Payroll Administrator jobs, highlighting Addison Group with the highest at $82,893 and Express Employment Professionals with the lowest at $51,468.
  1. 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.


  2. 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.


  3. 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.


  4. 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.


  5. 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.


  6. 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.


  7. 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.


  8. 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.


  9. 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.


  10. 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:

  1. Experience: Gaining more experience can lead to higher-paying positions. Working in different roles and industries can provide valuable skills.
  2. Certifications: Earning certifications like the Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) can make a payroll administrator more attractive to employers.
  3. Industry: Working in industries that pay higher salaries, such as finance or technology, can increase earnings.
  4. Location: Moving to areas with higher living costs can lead to higher pay. Urban areas often offer better salaries.
  5. Advanced Skills: Learning advanced software and systems can make a payroll administrator more valuable. Skills like automation and data analysis are in demand.

Currently 233 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
233 Job Openings