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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Payroll Professional in Iowa is $59,945 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $29.
However, a Payroll Professional's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Payroll Professional Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $64,838 | $5,403 | $1,247 | $31 |
| Average | $59,945 | $4,995 | $1,153 | $29 |
| 25th Percentile | $54,195 | $4,516 | $1,042 | $26 |
Bellingham Technical College - BELLINGHAM, WA
MarBorg Industries - SANTA BARBARA, CA
The Goodman Group - COUNTY MARKET, MN
Marvin - DEARBORN, MI
A Payroll Professional'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 Professional'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 C... Level Payroll Professional | $49,579 |
| Payroll C... Level Payroll Professional | $55,606 |
| Payroll P... Level Payroll Professional | $61,143 |
| Payroll T... Level Payroll Professional | $86,828 |
| Payroll S... Level Payroll Professional | $93,187 |
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 Professionals. 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:
For Payroll Professional 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 Software & Networking and Pharmaceuticals sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 50% above the average. In contrast, Payroll Professional positions in Retail & Wholesale or Hospitality & Leisure typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Payroll Professional as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Software & Networking | $89,918 | $43.0 | 50% |
| Pharmaceuticals | $83,924 | $40.0 | 40% |
| Biotechnology | $77,929 | $37.0 | 30% |
| Aerospace & Defense | $71,935 | $35.0 | 20% |
Understanding how a Payroll Professional'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 | $64,838 | $5,403 | $1,247 | $31 |
| Average | $59,945 | $4,995 | $1,153 | $29 |
| 25th Percentile | $54,195 | $4,516 | $1,042 | $26 |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Payroll Professional job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
Marvin
CASCADE, MI
Marvin | CASCADE, MI
Marvin is seeking a Payroll Administrator to support our people-first manufacturing culture by delivering accurate, timely payroll for hourly and salaried ... more
6 Days Ago
The Heartland Team, LLC
NEW YORK CITY, NY
The Heartland Team, LLC | NEW YORK CITY, NY
Looking for something beyond ordinary payroll and human capital management (HCM) solutions. Look no further than Heartland. We are committed to becoming a ... more
3 Days Ago
Atlas Copco
NEW YORK CITY, NY
Atlas Copco | NEW YORK CITY, NY
Location and Compensation • Buffalo, NY * Be part of an exciting journey as we prepare for production at our new facility in the Western New York Science &... more
4 Days Ago
Memorial Gardens Cemetery
TEXARKANA, AR
Memorial Gardens Cemetery | TEXARKANA, AR
The Cemetery Sales Professional plays a vital role within our company as this position works with both families who have lost a loved one co-ordinating wit... more
3 Days Ago
Lutheran Social Services
WALES, WI
Lutheran Social Services | WALES, WI
Lutheran Social Services of Wisconsin and Upper Michigan (LSS) is seeking a compassionate and skilled Help Desk Support Specialist to join our IT team. Thi... more
7 Days Ago
Lutheran Social Services
MERTON, WI
Lutheran Social Services | MERTON, WI
Lutheran Social Services of Wisconsin and Upper Michigan (LSS) is seeking a compassionate and skilled Help Desk Support Specialist to join our IT team. Thi... more
7 Days Ago
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