How much does a Payroll Specialist make?
A Payroll Specialist earns an average yearly salary of about $96,000. This job plays a key role in managing employee payments. It ensures everyone gets their paycheck on time and correctly.
Here are some more details about their earnings:
- The bottom 10% of Payroll Specialists earn less than $44,000 a year.
- The top 10% earn more than $151,000 annually.
- Most Payroll Specialists, about 25%, earn between $76,000 and $98,000 each year.
These figures show that Payroll Specialists can earn a good living, especially with experience and skills.
What are the highest paying cities for a Payroll Specialist?

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San Francisco, CA
Average Salary: $137,167
In San Francisco, working with tech giants like Google and Salesforce offers unique opportunities. The vibrant city scene ensures a dynamic work environment. Employees benefit from a blend of professional growth and cultural activities.
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San Jose, CA
Average Salary: $129,733
San Jose, known as the heart of Silicon Valley, provides numerous chances for those in payroll. Companies like Intel and VMware thrive here. Professionals enjoy a tech-savvy atmosphere with ample career advancement.
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Seattle, WA
Average Salary: $119,305
Seattle offers a mix of tech innovation and natural beauty. With giants like Amazon and Microsoft, payroll specialists find a thriving job market. The city's culture supports both professional and personal well-being.
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Boston, MA
Average Salary: $114,530
Boston, rich in history and education, presents exciting payroll roles. Financial firms and universities offer diverse opportunities. The city's energetic environment fosters professional development.
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Dallas, TX
Average Salary: $104,986
In Dallas, working in payroll means being part of a growing tech and finance hub. Companies like AT&T and Texas Instruments provide stability. The city's warm hospitality makes it a welcoming place to work.
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Los Angeles, CA
Average Salary: $104,962
Los Angeles offers a dynamic mix of entertainment and business. Payroll specialists find roles in diverse industries. The city's vibrant culture and business landscape provide a unique work experience.
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Denver, CO
Average Salary: $104,291
Denver's growing economy offers many payroll opportunities. Companies in energy and technology thrive here. The city’s outdoor lifestyle enhances work-life balance for professionals.
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Atlanta, GA
Average Salary: $96,594
Atlanta’s expanding business sector provides diverse roles for payroll specialists. Companies like Coca-Cola and Delta Airlines offer stability. The city’s affordability and amenities attract many professionals.
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Chicago, IL
Average Salary: $94,720
Chicago's strong financial sector offers numerous payroll positions. With firms like JPMorgan Chase and Allstate, there's a stable job market. The city's rich culture and events provide a vibrant backdrop for work.
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Detroit, MI
Average Salary: $94,044
Detroit, with its resurgence in industry, provides opportunities for payroll specialists. Companies like General Motors offer solid careers. The city’s revitalization brings a fresh, dynamic work environment.
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What are the best companies a Payroll Specialist can work for?

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Deloitte
Average Salary: $159,778
Deloitte offers exciting opportunities for Payroll Specialists. These professionals manage employee pay, benefits, and tax filings. Deloitte operates in many cities worldwide, providing flexibility for where you can work.
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CVS Health
Average Salary: $152,955
CVS Health provides rewarding Payroll Specialist roles. These jobs involve handling payroll processing and ensuring accuracy. The company has locations across the United States, offering many options for where to work.
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Boeing
Average Salary: $139,980
Boeing seeks Payroll Specialists to manage employee compensation. These roles focus on payroll processing and compliance. Boeing operates globally, with major offices in the United States and other countries.
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Amazon Web Services
Average Salary: $134,471
Amazon Web Services offers competitive salaries for Payroll Specialists. These positions involve managing employee payroll and benefits. AWS has offices in many cities around the world, providing various locations for these jobs.
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Amazon.com
Average Salary: $127,048
Amazon.com provides high-paying opportunities for Payroll Specialists. These roles focus on handling payroll and ensuring accurate employee compensation. Amazon has numerous locations globally, including major offices in the United States and abroad.
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Huntington Bank
Average Salary: $105,000
Huntington Bank offers solid opportunities for Payroll Specialists. These jobs involve processing payroll and managing employee benefits. The bank operates in several states across the United States, providing various locations for these positions.
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Robert Half
Average Salary: $92,651
Robert Half provides a range of opportunities for Payroll Specialists. These roles include payroll processing and ensuring compliance. The company has offices in many cities worldwide, offering flexibility in where you can work.
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LHH Recruitment Solutions
Average Salary: $90,500
LHH Recruitment Solutions seeks Payroll Specialists to manage employee payroll. These positions focus on processing payroll accurately. The company operates in many locations, providing various options for where to work.
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Insight Global
Average Salary: $86,717
Insight Global offers rewarding roles for Payroll Specialists. These jobs involve managing payroll and ensuring compliance. The company has offices in many cities, providing flexibility in where you can work.
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Liberty Mutual Insurance
Average Salary: $84,636
Liberty Mutual Insurance provides opportunities for Payroll Specialists. These roles focus on handling payroll processing and benefits. The company operates in several locations, offering various options for these positions.
How to earn more as a Payroll Specialist?
A Payroll Specialist has a chance to earn more with the right skills and experience. Focusing on these areas can lead to better pay and more job opportunities. It pays to take steps that will help build a stronger resume and skill set. This can include getting more education, gaining certifications, and working hard to get promotions.
Below are some factors that can help a Payroll Specialist earn more:
- Get more education: Completing a bachelor's degree can help. It can lead to higher pay. It shows employers you have the knowledge needed for the job.
- Obtain certifications: Getting certified in payroll can help. It shows you have the right skills. The Payroll Certification Institute (PCI) offers a good option.
- Gain experience: More years of experience can lead to higher pay. Working in a larger company can also be helpful. It gives a chance to handle more complex payroll tasks.
- Learn new software: Knowing payroll software can help. It makes work easier and faster. This can lead to a raise or promotion.
- Seek promotions: Working hard can lead to promotions. Higher positions often pay more. It shows dedication and skill in the field.



