Certified Payroll Administrator Salary in the United States

How much does a Certified Payroll Administrator make in the United States?

As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Certified Payroll Administrator in the United States is $77,258 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $37.

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

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $87,659
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $66,421 to $82,702
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $56,554
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View as table View as graph 25% $66,421 10% $56,554 90% $87,659 75% $82,702 $77,258 50%(Median) Didn’t find job title? Click

Certified Payroll Administrator Salaries by Percentile

Annual
Salary
Monthly
Pay
Weekly
Pay
Hourly
Wage
75th Percentile $82,702 $6,892 $1,590 $40
Average $77,258 $6,438 $1,486 $37
25th Percentile $66,421 $5,535 $1,277 $32
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Key Factors That Influence Certified Payroll Administrator Salaries

A Certified 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 Do Certified 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 Certified Payroll Administrators. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:

  • District of Columbia: $85,540.
  • California: $85,215.
  • Massachusetts: $84,079.

Top Paying Cities for Certified 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:

  • San Jose: $97,445
  • San Francisco: $96,378
  • Oakland: $94,347

Certified Payroll Administrator Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Certified Payroll Administrator roles, the industry you choose can impact your earning potential by as much as 50% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the highest-paying industry, Insurance, offers compensation 30% above the average. Conversely, Certified Payroll Administrator positions in Edu., Government & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as this sector often view Certified Payroll Administrator as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a Certified Payroll Administrator

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Insurance$100,435$48.030%
Healthcare$84,983$41.010%

Certified Payroll Administrator Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Certified 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 August 01, 2026

Most common benefits for Certified Payroll Administrator

Social Security
401(k)
Disability
Healthcare
Pension
Time Off (days)
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Common company salaries for Certified Payroll Administrator

Here are companies hiring for Certified Payroll Administrator and their salaries, click below for more details.

Find Your Next Certified Payroll Administrator Job

Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Certified Payroll Administrator job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.

United States
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FAQ about Certified Payroll Administrator

1. What industry pays the highest salary for Certified Payroll Administrator?

The Insurance industry offers the highest average compensation for Certified Payroll Administrator roles, with salaries approximately 30% above the market median.

Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

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.)

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