As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Payroll Lead in Summit, NJ is $97,642 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $47.
However, a Payroll Lead's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Payroll Lead'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, skills and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Payroll Lead'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 |
|---|---|
| Payroll A... Level Payroll Lead | $95,642 |
| Payroll A... Level Payroll Lead | $116,113 |
| Payroll L... Level Payroll Lead | $100,502 |
| Payroll S... Level Payroll Lead | $107,863 |
| Payroll M... Level Payroll Lead | $125,986 |
What Am I Worth?
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Analysis | 4.39% |
| Data Entry | 2.63% |
| Auditing | 0.88% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Legal Compliance
|
$156,226 |
60%
|
|
People Management
|
$123,028 |
26%
|
|
Accounting and Reporting
|
$122,052 |
25%
|
|
System Implementation
|
$122,052 |
25%
|
|
Auditing
|
$121,076 |
24%
|
|
Risk Management
|
$119,123 |
22%
|
For Payroll Lead roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 100% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Aerospace & Defense and Business Services sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 50% above the average. In contrast, Payroll Lead positions in Biotechnology or Transportation typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Payroll Lead as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aerospace & Defense | $146,462 | $70.0 | 50% |
Understanding how a Payroll Lead'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 August 01, 2026Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Payroll Lead job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
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Salary.com salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons are derived from both employer job postings and third-party data sources. We also provide multiple percentiles of salary information for your reference, click here to know Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial to Getting Pay Equity Right. With more online, real-time compensation data than any other website, Salary.com helps you determine your exact pay target.
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