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HR/Payroll Administrator Salary in California

How much does a HR/Payroll Administrator make in California?

As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a HR/Payroll Administrator in California is $83,640 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $40.

However, a HR/Payroll Administrator's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $98,392
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $76,288 to $91,362
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $69,594
Salary Factors Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Key Factors That Influence HR/Payroll Administrator Salaries

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 and company size can directly affect your earning potential.

How Experience Level Affects HR/Payroll Administrator Salaries?

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:

  • Entry-Level (less than 1 year): $70,956
  • Early Career (1-2 years): $83,072
  • Mid-Level (2-4 years): $96,111
  • Senior-Level (5-8 years): $116,687
  • Expert (over 8 years): $101,001
Levels Salary
Payroll A... Level HR/Payroll Administrator$70,956
HR/Payrol... Level HR/Payroll Administrator$83,072
Payroll A... Level HR/Payroll Administrator$96,111
Payroll A... Level HR/Payroll Administrator$116,687
Payroll T... Level HR/Payroll Administrator$101,001
View as Graph

How Do HR/Payroll Administrator Salaries Vary from State to State?

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:
  • District of Columbia: $83,959.
  • California: $83,640.
  • Massachusetts: $82,525.

Top Paying Cities for HR/Payroll Administrators

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:

  • Los Angeles: $83,784
  • West Hollywood: $83,723
  • Dodgertown: $83,783

HR/Payroll Administrator Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

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.

The top paying industries for a HR/Payroll Administrator

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Healthcare$108,732$52.030%
Construction$100,368$48.020%
Aerospace & Defense$96,186$46.015%
Business Services$93,677$45.012%
Insurance$89,495$43.07%

HR/Payroll Administrator Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

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 September 01, 2026
$76,288
Average $83,640/year
$91,362
$6,357
Average $6,970/month
$7,613
$1,467
Average $1,608/week
$1,757
$37
Average $40/hour
$44
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $91,362 $7,613 $1,757 $44
Average $83,640 $6,970 $1,608 $40
25th Percentile $76,288 $6,357 $1,467 $37

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Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

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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