As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Payroll Specialist in Shafter, CA is $61,957 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $30.
However, a Payroll Specialist's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A 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, skills and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a 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 |
|---|---|
| Payroll C... Level Payroll Specialist | $49,047 |
| Payroll C... Level Payroll Specialist | $54,831 |
| Payroll S... Level Payroll Specialist | $61,496 |
| Payroll C... Level Payroll Specialist | $67,620 |
| Payroll T... Level Payroll Specialist | $96,025 |
What Am I Worth?
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Customer Service | 5.95% |
| HRIS | 2.23% |
| Workday | 1.3% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
ADP Workforce Now
|
$65,674 |
6%
|
|
Collaboration
|
$65,055 |
5%
|
|
Leadership
|
$65,055 |
5%
|
|
Process Improvement
|
$65,055 |
5%
|
|
Workday
|
$64,435 |
4%
|
|
HRIS
|
$64,435 |
4%
|
For Payroll Specialist roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 70% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Financial Services and Internet sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 30% above the average. In contrast, Payroll Specialist positions in Transportation or Retail & Wholesale typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view 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 | $80,544 | $39.0 | 30% |
| Internet | $77,446 | $37.0 | 25% |
| Biotechnology | $74,348 | $36.0 | 20% |
| Energy & Utilities | $71,250 | $34.0 | 15% |
| Pharmaceuticals | $71,250 | $34.0 | 15% |
Understanding how a 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.
Last Updated on August 01, 2026Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Payroll Specialist job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
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