How Much Does a Payroll make?

Payroll made a median salary around $49,013 in December, 2024. The best-paid 25 percent made $55,401 probably that year, while the lowest-paid 25 percent made around $44,353. 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.
Check out Payroll jobs in Iowa

Payroll Administrator

The Waldinger Corporation - , IA

Accountant/Payroll Coordinator

Access Dubuque - Dubuque, IA

Payroll & Billing Specialist

Wright Service Corp. - West Des Moines, IA

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Best-Paying Cities for Payroll

The metropolitan areas that pay the highest salary in the Payroll profession are Buffalo Center , Carpenter , Chester , Grafton , Joice .
Buffalo Center, IA $50,856
Carpenter, IA $50,856
Chester, IA $50,856
Grafton, IA $50,856
Joice, IA $50,856

Best-Paying States for Payroll

The states and districts that pay Payroll the highest salary are District of Columbia (around $57,002) , California (around $56,490) , New Jersey (around $56,132) , Alaska (around $55,773) , and Massachusetts (around $55,722) .
District of Columbia $57,002
California $56,490
New Jersey $56,132
Alaska $55,773
Massachusetts $55,722

What is the Career Path of Payroll?

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, the upper level is Payroll Clerk II , and then progresses to Payroll Manager
Besides, Payroll can also turn to other related jobs, including Payroll Director , Payroll Manager , Payroll Supervisor and Payroll Administrator II .

Frequently Asked Questions for Payroll

Q: What is the salary range of Payroll in Iowa?
A: In 2024 , the lowest-paid Payroll in Iowa earned an average annual salary of $44,353 , while the highest-paid made $55,401.
Q: What is the salary for a Payroll in California?
A: Payroll employed in California earned an average salary of $56,490 in 2024.

Average Payroll Pay vs. Other Jobs

Payroll earned an average salary of $49,013 in 2024. Other jobs related to Payroll earned the following average salary in December, 2024. Payroll Director made $154,109 , Payroll Manager made $115,332 , Payroll Supervisor and Payroll Administrator II made $96,236 and $69,720 respectively .

Relevant Jobs of Payroll

Payroll Director - Average Salary $154,109
Payroll Director directs all aspects of payroll processing operations. Establishes and oversees payroll processes and procedures for routine processing, tax reporting and internal financial requirements. Being a Payroll Director designs short-term and long-term strategies to achieve continuous improvement and efficiencies in payroll processing and delivery operations. Keeps stakeholders informed about the status of payroll laws and regulations and develops implementation plans for required changes to operations. Additionally, Payroll Director requires a bachelor's degree. Typically reports to senior management. The Payroll Director manages a departmental sub-function within a broader departmental function. Creates functional strategies and specific objectives for the sub-function and develops budgets/policies/procedures to support the functional infrastructure. To be a Payroll Director typically requires 5+ years of managerial experience. Deep knowledge of the managed sub-function and solid knowledge of the overall departmental function.
Payroll Manager - Average Salary $115,332
Payroll Manager is responsible for managing payroll processing operations. Establishes policies and processes that ensure accurate calculation of wages, tax withholdings, and company deductions. Being a Payroll Manager interfaces between finance and human resource departments to provide accurate and useful information. Develops and produces payroll-related statistical reports. Additionally, Payroll Manager ensures accurate and on-time governmental reporting and compliance. Oversees the activities and training of both professionals and support staff. Directs the resolution of complex issues or errors. Requires a bachelor's degree. Typically reports to a director. The Payroll Manager manages subordinate staff in the day-to-day performance of their jobs. True first level manager. Ensures that project/department milestones/goals are met and adhering to approved budgets. Has full authority for personnel actions. To be a Payroll Manager typically requires 5 years experience in the related area as an individual contributor. 1 - 3 years supervisory experience may be required. Extensive knowledge of the function and department processes.
Payroll Supervisor - Average Salary $96,236
Payroll Supervisor is responsible for the supervision and coordination of payroll processing operations. Ensures accurate calculation of wages and processing of tax withholding and company deductions. Being a Payroll Supervisor prepares statistical reports on employee pay, commissions and bonuses; vacation, sick, disability and workers compensation leave; taxes, withholding, etc. Oversees the distribution of paychecks and direct deposit programs. Provides training to team on policies, regulations, and processes. Additionally, Payroll Supervisor assists team members with resolving errors or responding to inquiries. May be the first level escalation for complaints or complex error resolution. Typically requires a bachelor's degree. Typically reports to a manager or head of a unit/department. The Payroll Supervisor supervises a group of primarily para-professional level staffs. May also be a level above a supervisor within high volume administrative/ production environments. Makes day-to-day decisions within or for a group/small department. Has some authority for personnel actions. To be a Payroll Supervisor typically requires 3-5 years experience in the related area as an individual contributor. Thorough knowledge of functional area and department processes.
Payroll Administrator II - Average Salary $69,720
Payroll Administrator II is responsible for the accurate preparation, documentation, distribution and reconciliation of payroll and the administration of the payroll system. Reviews the computation of pay and associated deductions for accuracy. Being a Payroll Administrator II maintains up-to-date knowledge of city, state, provincial, local, and federal legislation affecting payroll; understands and follows applicable provisions. Prepares required tax filings and other reporting. Additionally, Payroll Administrator II may coordinate payroll processing with an outside service provider. Responds to and resolves any inquiries regarding paychecks or payroll reporting. Ensures payroll issues are escalated and resolved promptly. Typically requires an associate degree or equivalent. Typically reports to a manager or head of a unit/department. The Payroll Administrator II occasionally directed in several aspects of the work. Gaining exposure to some of the complex tasks within the job function. To be a Payroll Administrator II typically requires 2-4 years of related experience.
Payroll Accountant - Average Salary $61,075
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