As of July 01, 2026, the average salary for a HR/Payroll Administrator in the United States is $75,817 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $36.
However, a HR/Payroll Administrator's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A HR/Payroll Administrator'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, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a HR/Payroll Administrator'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 HR/Payroll Administrator | $64,327 |
| HR/Payrol... Level HR/Payroll Administrator | $75,302 |
| Payroll A... Level HR/Payroll Administrator | $87,122 |
| Payroll A... Level HR/Payroll Administrator | $105,766 |
| Payroll T... Level HR/Payroll Administrator | $91,545 |
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 HR/Payroll Administrators. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Customer Service | 5.71% |
| Data Entry | 2.43% |
| Child Support | 1.19% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Leadership
|
$79,608 |
5%
|
|
PeopleSoft
|
$78,850 |
4%
|
|
Collaboration
|
$78,850 |
4%
|
|
Process Improvement
|
$78,850 |
4%
|
|
Workday
|
$78,850 |
4%
|
|
Flexibility
|
$78,092 |
3%
|
For HR/Payroll Administrator roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 60% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Healthcare and Construction sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 30% above the average. In contrast, HR/Payroll Administrator positions in Hospitality & Leisure or Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view HR/Payroll Administrator as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Healthcare | $98,562 | $47.0 | 30% |
| Construction | $90,981 | $44.0 | 20% |
| Aerospace & Defense | $87,190 | $42.0 | 15% |
| Business Services | $84,915 | $41.0 | 12% |
| Insurance | $81,124 | $39.0 | 7% |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many HR/Payroll Administrators enter the field with a High School Diploma or Technical Certificate degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.
According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for a HR/Payroll Administrator with a High School Diploma or Technical Certificate is between $68,921 and $73,107).
HR/Payroll Administrator Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 1.8% |
| High School | 39.6% |
| Associates | 21.9% |
| Bachelors | 32.8% |
| Masters | 3.8% |
| Doctorate | 0.1% |
Understanding how a HR/Payroll Administrator'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, 2026Salaries for a HR/Payroll Administrator can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary increased from $63,030 in 2023 to around $63,146 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of HR/Payroll Administrator salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $63,030 |
| 2024 | $63,381 |
| 2025 | $63,146 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
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|
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Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
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