As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Payroll and Benefits Specialsit in the United States is $103,687 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $50.
However, a Payroll and Benefits Specialsit's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Payroll and Benefits Specialsit'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 Payroll and Benefits Specialsit'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 |
|---|---|
| HRIS Anal... Level Payroll and Benefits Specialsit | $64,938 |
| HRIS Anal... Level Payroll and Benefits Specialsit | $78,166 |
| Payroll a... Level Payroll and Benefits Specialsit | $103,073 |
| HRIS Anal... Level Payroll and Benefits Specialsit | $116,482 |
| HRIS Supe... Level Payroll and Benefits Specialsit | $105,301 |
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 and Benefits Specialsits. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Integrity | 4.44% |
| Oracle | 1.43% |
| Technical Support | 0.9% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Business Requirements
|
$107,834 |
4%
|
|
Data System
|
$106,798 |
3%
|
|
Workday
|
$106,798 |
3%
|
|
Talent Management
|
$106,798 |
3%
|
|
Workday HCM
|
$106,798 |
3%
|
|
Innovation
|
$106,798 |
3%
|
For Payroll and Benefits Specialsit roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 55% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Energy & Utilities and MFG Durable sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 30% above the average. In contrast, Payroll and Benefits Specialsit positions in Transportation or MFG Nondurable typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Payroll and Benefits Specialsit as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Energy & Utilities | $134,793 | $65.0 | 30% |
| MFG Durable | $129,609 | $62.0 | 25% |
| Aerospace & Defense | $124,424 | $60.0 | 20% |
| Healthcare | $119,240 | $57.0 | 15% |
| Construction | $114,056 | $55.0 | 10% |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Payroll and Benefits Specialsits enter the field with a Bachelor's Degree 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 Payroll and Benefits Specialsit with a Bachelor's Degree is between $98,064 and $103,853).
Payroll and Benefits Specialsit Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 0.9% |
| High School | 14.7% |
| Associates | 6.4% |
| Bachelors | 52.3% |
| Masters | 25.7% |
| Doctorate | 0.0% |
Understanding how a Payroll and Benefits Specialsit'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, 2026Salaries for a Payroll and Benefits Specialsit can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $93,109 in 2023 to around $90,191 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Payroll and Benefits Specialsit salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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|
| 2023 | $93,109 |
| 2024 | $91,711 |
| 2025 | $90,191 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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The Energy & Utilities industry offers the highest average compensation for Payroll and Benefits Specialsit roles, with salaries approximately 30% above the market median.
Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)
With the most extensive online, real-time compensation data available, Salary.com helps you pinpoint your exact pay target.
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