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How much does a Payroll Specialist make?

The average salary for a Payroll Specialist is $88,926 per year in the US.

A Payroll Specialist plays a key role in managing employee payments. This job involves ensuring that employees receive their wages on time and accurately. The average yearly salary for a Payroll Specialist is around $88,926. This figure can vary depending on experience, location, and the size of the company.


Payroll Specialists can earn different amounts based on their level of experience. For instance, those just starting out may earn closer to $44,000 per year. As they gain more experience, their salary can increase significantly. The top earners in this field can make up to $153,000 annually. This range shows that there is a lot of potential for growth in this career.

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What are the highest paying cities for a Payroll Specialist?

Payroll specialists can find some of the best pay in San Francisco, where the average salary reaches $132,351. San Jose and Seattle also offer high salaries, with averages of $131,030 and $108,421, respectively. Los Angeles, Boston, and Detroit provide competitive salaries, making them attractive options for payroll specialists.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Payroll Specialist jobs, highlighting San Francisco, CA with the highest at $132,351 and Chicago, IL with the lowest at $92,170.
  1. San Francisco, CA
    Average Salary: $132,351
    In San Francisco, professionals in payroll management often find roles with tech giants like Salesforce and Slack. The city's dynamic economy offers competitive salaries and opportunities for career growth. The cost of living is high, but so are the earning potentials.
    Find Payroll Specialist jobs in San Francisco, CA


  2. San Jose, CA
    Average Salary: $131,030
    San Jose is home to many tech companies, including Apple and eBay. Working here means dealing with complex payroll systems and having access to cutting-edge technology. The city offers a vibrant work environment with plenty of networking opportunities.
    Find Payroll Specialist jobs in San Jose, CA


  3. Seattle, WA
    Average Salary: $108,421
    Seattle's payroll specialists often work with companies like Amazon and Microsoft. The city's tech-focused economy provides a stable job market with good benefits. Seattle offers a balanced lifestyle with its natural beauty and urban amenities.
    Find Payroll Specialist jobs in Seattle, WA


  4. Los Angeles, CA
    Average Salary: $103,512
    In Los Angeles, payroll roles can be found in entertainment companies like Disney and Warner Bros. The city's diverse industries offer various opportunities for payroll professionals. The cost of living is high, but so are the entertainment perks.
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  5. Boston, MA
    Average Salary: $99,886
    Boston offers payroll positions with renowned companies like Fidelity and General Electric. The city's rich history and educational institutions create a unique work environment. Professionals here enjoy a mix of tradition and innovation.
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  6. Detroit, MI
    Average Salary: $95,116
    Detroit is known for its automotive industry, with companies like Ford and General Motors. Payroll specialists here work with large-scale operations and benefit from a strong sense of community. The city is revitalizing, offering new opportunities.
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  7. Washington, DC
    Average Salary: $94,349
    In Washington, DC, payroll roles can be found in government agencies and major corporations. The city offers a mix of public and private sector opportunities. Professionals here enjoy a vibrant political and cultural scene.
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  8. Durham, NC
    Average Salary: $93,745
    Durham is home to Research Triangle Park, with companies like IBM and Cisco. The city offers a collaborative work environment with plenty of research and development opportunities. Durham's quality of life is high, with a growing tech scene.
    Find Payroll Specialist jobs in Durham, NC


  9. Minneapolis, MN
    Average Salary: $93,258
    Minneapolis offers payroll positions with companies like Target and UnitedHealth Group. The city's strong economy and high quality of life make it a great place to work. Professionals here enjoy a mix of urban amenities and natural beauty.
    Find Payroll Specialist jobs in Minneapolis, MN


  10. Chicago, IL
    Average Salary: $92,170
    Chicago's payroll specialists often work with companies like Boeing and McDonald's. The city's diverse industries offer a wide range of opportunities. Chicago's vibrant culture and strong economy make it an attractive place to work.
    Find Payroll Specialist jobs in Chicago, IL

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

CVS Health offers one of the highest salaries for Payroll Specialists, with an average of $152,955. Deloitte and Infoblox also pay well, with averages of $151,583 and $135,850, respectively. Amazon.com and Amazon Web Services provide competitive salaries, around $130,559 and $126,690, making them attractive options for job seekers.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Payroll Specialist jobs, highlighting CVS Health with the highest at $152,955 and Insight Global with the lowest at $83,875.
  1. CVS Health
    Average Salary: $152,955
    CVS Health offers rewarding Payroll Specialist positions across the United States. They manage payroll for thousands of employees, ensuring accuracy and compliance. Locations include major cities like Boston, Chicago, and San Francisco.


  2. Deloitte
    Average Salary: $151,583
    Deloitte provides excellent opportunities for Payroll Specialists. They work on complex payroll systems and support clients in various industries. Deloitte operates in cities such as New York, San Francisco, and London.


  3. Infoblox
    Average Salary: $135,850
    Infoblox offers competitive salaries for Payroll Specialists. They handle payroll processing and ensure timely payments. Infoblox is located in major tech hubs like San Francisco, New York, and Seattle.


  4. Amazon.com
    Average Salary: $130,559
    Amazon.com provides dynamic roles for Payroll Specialists. They manage payroll for a vast workforce and ensure accuracy. Amazon operates in cities such as Seattle, New York, and Los Angeles.


  5. Amazon Web Services
    Average Salary: $126,690
    Amazon Web Services offers high-paying Payroll Specialist jobs. They focus on cloud-based payroll solutions. AWS operates in tech centers like Seattle, San Francisco, and New York.


  6. Wells Fargo
    Average Salary: $108,061
    Wells Fargo provides stable Payroll Specialist positions. They handle payroll for a large number of employees. Wells Fargo operates in major cities like Charlotte, San Francisco, and New York.


  7. Huntington Bank
    Average Salary: $105,000
    Huntington Bank offers competitive salaries for Payroll Specialists. They manage payroll processing and ensure accuracy. Huntington Bank operates in cities such as Columbus, Chicago, and San Francisco.


  8. Robert Half
    Average Salary: $90,749
    Robert Half offers Payroll Specialist jobs with good benefits. They handle payroll for various clients and ensure compliance. Robert Half operates in major cities like New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago.


  9. LHH Recruitment Solutions
    Average Salary: $90,324
    LHH Recruitment Solutions provides Payroll Specialist positions with a focus on recruitment. They manage payroll for clients and ensure accuracy. LHH operates in cities such as New York, San Francisco, and Chicago.


  10. Insight Global
    Average Salary: $83,875
    Insight Global offers Payroll Specialist jobs with a focus on staffing solutions. They handle payroll for various clients and ensure timely payments. Insight Global operates in cities like New York, San Francisco, and Chicago.

How to earn more as a Payroll Specialist?

A Payroll Specialist 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 specialist more valuable. Networking with other professionals in the field can also open up opportunities for higher-paying jobs.

Certifications can significantly boost a Payroll Specialist's earning potential. Obtaining credentials from recognized organizations such as the American Payroll Association (APA) or the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) can demonstrate a higher level of competence. These certifications can lead to better job offers and salary increases. Continuing education and staying updated with industry trends also enhance a specialist's marketability and earning power.

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

  1. Experience: More years in the field often lead to higher pay.
  2. Specialization: Expertise in niche areas can command higher salaries.
  3. Certifications: Professional credentials can boost earning potential.
  4. Networking: Building connections can lead to better job opportunities.
  5. Continuous Education: Staying updated with industry trends enhances marketability.

Currently 378 Payroll Specialist job openings, nationwide.

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

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