How Much Does a Payroll Associate make?

Payroll Associate made a median salary around $62,466 in March, 2025. The best-paid 25 percent made $70,585 probably that year, while the lowest-paid 25 percent made around $55,817. Salary ranges can vary widely depending on many important factors, including education, certifications, additional skills, the number of years you have spent in your profession. With more online, real-time compensation data than any other website, Salary.com helps you determine your exact pay target.
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Best-Paying Cities for Payroll Associate

The metropolitan areas that pay the highest salary in the Payroll Associate profession are Kenmore , Kirkland , Medina , Mercer Island , Redmond .
Kenmore, WA $62,466
Kirkland, WA $62,466
Medina, WA $62,466
Mercer Island, WA $62,466
Redmond, WA $62,466

Best-Paying States for Payroll Associate

The states and districts that pay Payroll Associate the highest salary are District of Columbia (around $63,033) , California (around $62,466) , New Jersey (around $62,070) , Alaska (around $61,674) , and Massachusetts (around $61,617) .
District of Columbia $63,033
California $62,466
New Jersey $62,070
Alaska $61,674
Massachusetts $61,617

What is the Career Path of Payroll Associate?

A career path is a sequence of jobs that leads to your short- and long-term career goals. Some follow a linear career path within one field, while others change fields periodically to achieve career or personal goals.

For Payroll Associate, the upper level is Payroll Clerk III , and then progresses to Payroll Manager
Besides, Payroll Associate can also turn to other related jobs, including Payroll Associate I , Payroll Associate II , Payroll Associate III and Payroll Associate IV .

Frequently Asked Questions for Payroll Associate

Q: What is the salary range of Payroll Associate in Seattle, WA?
A: In 2025 , the lowest-paid Payroll Associate in Seattle, WA earned an average annual salary of $55,817 , while the highest-paid made $70,585.
Q: What is the salary for a Payroll Associate in California?
A: Payroll Associate employed in California earned an average salary of $62,466 in 2025.

Average Payroll Associate Pay vs. Other Jobs

Payroll Associate earned an average salary of $62,466 in 2025. Other jobs related to Payroll Associate earned the following average salary in March, 2025. Payroll Associate I made $56,110 , Payroll Associate II made $61,890 , Payroll Associate III and Payroll Associate IV made $71,980 and $78,640 respectively .

Relevant Jobs of Payroll Associate

Payroll Associate I - Average Salary $56,110
The Payroll Associate I collates and verifies data and inputs into the payroll system. Prepares and processes payroll and associated information. Being a Payroll Associate I performs basic reconciliation and auditing processes during each pay cycle. Updates payroll records and processes routine changes to employee records. In addition, Payroll Associate I responds to pay-related inquiries from staff. Researches and resolves errors or omissions. May prepare and submit reports and forms required by IRS or other regulatory bodies. Follows all processing procedures, adheres to policies, and maintains confidentiality. Typically requires a high school diploma or equivalent. Typically reports to a supervisor. Being a Payroll Associate I works under the close direction of senior personnel in the functional area. Possesses a moderate understanding of general aspects of the job. May require 0-1 year of general work experience.
Payroll Associate II - Average Salary $61,890
The Payroll Associate II collates and verifies data and inputs into the payroll system. Prepares and processes payroll and associated information. Being a Payroll Associate II performs basic reconciliation and auditing processes during each pay cycle. Updates payroll records and processes routine changes to employee records. In addition, Payroll Associate II responds to pay-related inquiries from staff. Researches and resolves errors or omissions. May prepare and submit reports and forms required by IRS or other regulatory bodies. Follows all processing procedures, adheres to policies, and maintains confidentiality. Typically requires a high school diploma or equivalent. Typically reports to a supervisor. Being a Payroll Associate II works under moderate supervision. Gaining or has attained full proficiency in a specific area of discipline. Working as a Payroll Associate II typically requires 1-3 years of related experience, or may need 0 years of experience with additional specialized training and/or certification.
Payroll Associate III - Average Salary $71,980
The Payroll Associate III collates and verifies data and inputs into the payroll system. Prepares and processes payroll and associated information. Being a Payroll Associate III performs basic reconciliation and auditing processes during each pay cycle. Updates payroll records and processes routine changes to employee records. In addition, Payroll Associate III responds to pay-related inquiries from staff. Researches and resolves errors or omissions. May prepare and submit reports and forms required by IRS or other regulatory bodies. Follows all processing procedures, adheres to policies, and maintains confidentiality. Typically requires a high school diploma or equivalent. Typically reports to a supervisor. Being a Payroll Associate III works independently within established procedures associated with the specific job function. Has gained proficiency in multiple competencies relevant to the job. Working as a Payroll Associate III typically requires 3-5 years of related experience, or may need 2 years experience with additional specialized training and/or certification.
Payroll Associate IV - Average Salary $78,640
The Payroll Associate IV collates and verifies data and inputs into the payroll system. Prepares and processes payroll and associated information. Being a Payroll Associate IV performs basic reconciliation and auditing processes during each pay cycle. Updates payroll records and processes routine changes to employee records. In addition, Payroll Associate IV responds to pay-related inquiries from staff. Researches and resolves errors or omissions. May prepare and submit reports and forms required by IRS or other regulatory bodies. Follows all processing procedures, adheres to policies, and maintains confidentiality. Typically requires a high school diploma or equivalent. Typically reports to a supervisor. Being a Payroll Associate IV independently performs a wide range of complex duties under general guidance from supervisors. Has gained full proficiency in a broad range of activities related to the job. Working as a Payroll Associate IV typically requires 5-7 years of related experience.
Senior Payroll Associate - Average Salary $71,411
There is currently no job description for Senior Payroll Associate, be the first to submit the job responsibilities for Senior Payroll Associate.