As of July 01, 2026, the average salary for a Payroll Administrator IV in the United States is $102,765 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $49.
However, a Payroll Administrator IV's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Payroll Administrator IV'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 a Payroll Administrator IV'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:
| Job Role | Years of Experience | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Payroll Administrator II | 2-4 years | $73,166 |
| Payroll Administrator III | 4-7 years | $84,650 |
| Payroll Administrator IV | 7+ years | $102,765 |
| Payroll Team Lead | 7+ years | $88,948 |
| Payroll Supervisor | 7+ years | $95,473 |
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 Payroll Administrator IVs. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Customer Service | 5.79% |
| HRIS | 2.48% |
| Accounts Payable | 1.34% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Business Administration
|
$107,903 |
5%
|
|
Commitment
|
$107,903 |
5%
|
|
Process Improvement
|
$106,876 |
4%
|
|
Workday
|
$106,876 |
4%
|
|
Payroll Administration
|
$106,876 |
4%
|
|
Leadership
|
$106,876 |
4%
|
Payroll Administrator IV salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $114,942. While startup companies pay approximate $97,206.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $97,206 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $102,811 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $110,998 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $114,942 |
For Payroll Administrator IV roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 20% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Aerospace & Defense and Business Services sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 10% above the average. In contrast, Payroll Administrator positions in Biotechnology or Transportation typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Payroll Administrator IV as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aerospace & Defense | $113,042 | $54.0 | 10% |
Understanding how a Payroll Administrator IV'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.
Last Updated on July 01, 2026For a Payroll Administrator IV, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Payroll Team Lead role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $88,948 - a projected growth of -13% over your current level.
Salaries for a Payroll Administrator IV can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $100,066 in 2023 to around $100,040 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Payroll Administrator IV salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $100,066 |
| 2024 | $100,377 |
| 2025 | $100,040 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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A Payroll Administrator IV's earning potential can vary widely depending on several factors, including location, industry, experience, education, and the specific employer. According to the latest salary data by Salary.com, a Payroll Administrator IV earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Payroll Administrator IV is $129,617.
The highest pay for Payroll Administrator IV is $123,988.
The lowest pay for Payroll Administrator IV is $88,322.
Responsible for the accurate preparation, documentation, distribution and reconciliation of payroll and the administration of the payroll system. Reviews the computation of pay and associated deductions for accuracy. Maintains up-to-date knowledge of city, state, provincial, local, and federal legislation affecting payroll; understands and follows applicable provisions. Prepares required tax filings and other reporting. May coordinate payroll processing with an outside service provider. Responds to and resolves any inquiries regarding paychecks or payroll reporting. Ensures payroll issues are escalated and resolved promptly. Requires an associate degree or equivalent. Typically reports to a manager or head of a unit/department. Work is highly independent. May assume a team lead role for the work group. A specialist on complex technical and business matters. Typically requires 7+ years of related experience.
The Aerospace & Defense industry offers the highest average compensation for Payroll Administrator IV roles, with salaries approximately 10% above the market median.
Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)
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