How much does a Payroll Specialist make?
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 $90,120. This figure can vary based on experience, location, and the specific industry.
Payroll Specialists can earn different amounts depending on their level of experience. For example, those with less than a year of experience might earn around $44,000. As experience grows, so does the salary. Specialists with 10 or more years in the field can earn up to $154,275. This range shows that there are good opportunities for growth and higher earnings with more experience.
What are the highest paying cities for a Payroll Specialist?

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San Francisco, CA
Average Salary: $132,840
In San Francisco, professionals thrive in a dynamic work environment. Companies like tech giants and startups offer exciting opportunities. With a strong economy, the demand for skilled payroll experts is high.
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San Jose, CA
Average Salary: $131,866
San Jose boasts a thriving tech industry. Working here means collaborating with major firms. The city's vibrant culture enhances job satisfaction.
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Seattle, WA
Average Salary: $110,304
Seattle offers a unique blend of tech and nature. Companies like Amazon and Microsoft provide excellent career growth. The city's lifestyle is both professional and enjoyable.
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Boston, MA
Average Salary: $103,549
Boston is rich in history and innovation. Working here means being part of a city with a strong educational and business sector. The job market is competitive and rewarding.
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Los Angeles, CA
Average Salary: $103,260
Los Angeles is a hub for entertainment and business. Professionals here enjoy a diverse work environment. The city's vibrant culture adds to the job experience.
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Detroit, MI
Average Salary: $95,116
Detroit is known for its automotive industry. Working here means being part of a city with a strong manufacturing sector. The job market offers stability and growth.
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Washington, DC
Average Salary: $94,171
Washington, DC, is a center for politics and business. Professionals here work with government agencies and corporations. The city's rich history adds to the job experience.
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Minneapolis, MN
Average Salary: $94,056
Minneapolis offers a blend of business and nature. Companies in finance and healthcare provide excellent opportunities. The city's quality of life is high.
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Chicago, IL
Average Salary: $92,988
Chicago is a major business hub. Working here means being part of a dynamic and diverse job market. The city's rich culture enhances the work experience.
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Denver, CO
Average Salary: $92,451
Denver offers a mix of urban and outdoor opportunities. Professionals here enjoy a healthy work-life balance. The city's vibrant culture adds to the job experience.
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What are the best companies a Payroll Specialist can work for?

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CVS Health
Average Salary: $152,955
CVS Health is a leading health solutions company. They offer Payroll Specialist jobs in many locations across the U.S. These roles involve managing employee payroll and benefits. CVS Health values employee well-being and offers a supportive work environment.
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Deloitte
Average Salary: $151,583
Deloitte is a global professional services firm. They provide Payroll Specialist jobs in various cities worldwide. These roles focus on ensuring accurate and timely payroll processing. Deloitte offers a dynamic work culture and opportunities for career growth.
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Boeing
Average Salary: $141,892
Boeing is a leading aerospace company. They offer Payroll Specialist jobs in locations like Seattle, Washington, and St. Louis, Missouri. These roles manage payroll for a large workforce. Boeing provides a stable and innovative work environment.
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Infoblox
Average Salary: $135,850
Infoblox is a network automation company. They offer Payroll Specialist jobs in cities like Sunnyvale, California. These roles handle payroll processing and employee benefits. Infoblox values teamwork and professional development.
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Amazon.com
Average Salary: $127,391
Amazon is a global e-commerce giant. They offer Payroll Specialist jobs in many locations across the U.S. These roles manage payroll for a vast number of employees. Amazon provides a fast-paced and innovative work environment.
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Amazon Web Services
Average Salary: $125,715
Amazon Web Services is a cloud computing company. They offer Payroll Specialist jobs in cities like Seattle, Washington, and New York, New York. These roles focus on payroll processing for cloud services employees. AWS offers a dynamic and forward-thinking work culture.
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Wells Fargo
Average Salary: $108,061
Wells Fargo is a major financial services company. They offer Payroll Specialist jobs in many locations across the U.S. These roles manage payroll for a large banking workforce. Wells Fargo values customer service and employee development.
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Huntington Bank
Average Salary: $105,000
Huntington Bank is a regional financial services company. They offer Payroll Specialist jobs in cities like Columbus, Ohio, and Buffalo, New York. These roles handle payroll processing and employee benefits. Huntington Bank offers a supportive and community-focused work environment.
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Robert Half
Average Salary: $91,240
Robert Half is a staffing and workforce solutions company. They offer Payroll Specialist jobs in many locations across the U.S. These roles manage payroll for various industries. Robert Half provides a flexible and professional work environment.
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LHH Recruitment Solutions
Average Salary: $90,324
LHH Recruitment Solutions is a staffing and recruitment firm. They offer Payroll Specialist jobs in cities like Chicago, Illinois, and San Francisco, California. These roles focus on payroll processing and employee benefits. LHH Recruitment Solutions values teamwork and career growth.
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 to employers. Continuous learning and professional development can also open doors to better opportunities.
Networking and building relationships within the industry can lead to job opportunities that offer higher salaries. Attending industry conferences, joining professional organizations, and connecting with peers can provide insights into higher-paying roles. Seeking out mentors who have advanced in their careers can also offer guidance and advice on how to earn more. Additionally, taking on leadership roles or projects that demonstrate a specialist's ability to manage and improve payroll processes can lead to promotions and salary increases.
Here are five factors that can help a Payroll Specialist earn more:
- Experience and Expertise: Gaining experience and specializing in areas such as tax compliance, payroll software, or international payroll can lead to higher-paying positions.
- Continuous Learning: Pursuing certifications and attending workshops can enhance skills and knowledge, making a specialist more valuable.
- Networking: Building relationships within the industry can lead to job opportunities and higher salaries.
- Leadership Roles: Taking on leadership roles or projects that demonstrate the ability to manage and improve payroll processes can lead to promotions.
- Professional Development: Seeking out mentors and attending industry conferences can provide insights into higher-paying roles.



