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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for an External Payroll Specialist in Tennessee is $67,100 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $32.
However, an External Payroll Specialist's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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External Payroll Specialist Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $73,100 | $6,092 | $1,406 | $35 |
| Average | $67,100 | $5,592 | $1,290 | $32 |
| 25th Percentile | $60,400 | $5,033 | $1,162 | $29 |
Melaleuca: The Wellness Company - Knoxville, TN
RemX - Knoxville, TN
Dialysis Clinic Inc - Nashville, TN
Campbell Clinic - Germantown, TN
An External Payroll Specialist's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location, and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of an External Payroll Specialist's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level External Payroll Specialist | $64,918 |
| Intermediate Level External Payroll Specialist | $65,117 |
| Senior Level External Payroll Specialist | $67,543 |
| Specialist Level External Payroll Specialist | $70,043 |
| Expert Level External Payroll Specialist | $70,221 |
What Am I Worth?
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract External Payroll Specialists. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:
External Payroll Specialist salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $75,115. While startup companies pay approximate $63,545.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $63,545 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $67,207 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $72,536 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $75,115 |
For External Payroll Specialist roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 110% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Financial Services and Software & Networking sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 50% above the average. In contrast, External Payroll Specialist positions in Hospitality & Leisure or Biotechnology typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view External Payroll Specialist as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Financial Services | $100,650 | $48.0 | 50% |
| Software & Networking | $87,230 | $42.0 | 30% |
Understanding how an External Payroll Specialist's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $73,100 | $6,092 | $1,406 | $35 |
| Average | $67,100 | $5,592 | $1,290 | $32 |
| 25th Percentile | $60,400 | $5,033 | $1,162 | $29 |
Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As an External Payroll Specialist, you have the following paths for advancement. The table below compares the salary raises for common next-step roles. By comparing these figures, you can choose the career path that best meets your financial goals.
| Next Step Role | Estimate Salary | Projected Raise |
|---|---|---|
| External Payroll Manager | $131,000 | 95% |
| 401K Services Specialist III | $87,600 | 31% |
| External Accounting Services Specialist III | $87,600 | 31% |
| Business Process Advisor III | $87,600 | 31% |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current External Payroll Specialist job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
NHC HealthCare Columbia
Murfreesboro, TN
NHC HealthCare Columbia | Murfreesboro, TN
Payroll SpecialistNHC Home Office is seeking a highly motivated and detail-oriented Payroll Specialist to join our growing payroll team. The Payroll Specia... more
8 Days Ago
YMCA OF MEMPHIS & THE MID-SOUTH
Cordova, TN
YMCA OF MEMPHIS & THE MID-SOUTH | Cordova, TN
Payroll SpecialistThis position supports the work of the Y, a leading nonprofit committed to strengthening community through youth development, healthy liv... more
8 Days Ago
CFS
Nashville, TN
CFS | Nashville, TN
Payroll Specialist Hybrid / Goodlettsville, TN / Full-TimeSalary Range:$60,000 - $68,000Temporary to HireAbout the Opportunity - Payroll SpecialistAn estab... more
8 Days Ago
Addison Group
Lebanon, TN
Addison Group | Lebanon, TN
Job Description. Job Description. Job Title. Payroll Specialist. Location. Davidson County. Job Type. Direct Hire/Hybrid. Compensation. $80,000 - 90,000 / ... more
8 Days Ago
Acadia Healthcare
Franklin, TN
Acadia Healthcare | Franklin, TN
Payroll Specialist Location:Hybrid in Franklin, TN Our Mission Acadia Healthcare's purpose is to Lead Care With Light and our mission is to be a world-clas... more
9 Days Ago
HireLevel
Murfreesboro, TN
HireLevel | Murfreesboro, TN
Job Description. Job Description. HireLevel is hiring for a Payroll Specialist to add to our Human Capital Management team. We process a high volume of pay... more
9 Days Ago
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