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Certified Payroll Administrator Salary in the United States

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

As of October 01, 2026, the average salary for a Certified Payroll Administrator in the United States is $59,751 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $29.

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

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $67,845
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $51,349 to $63,988
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $43,699
Salary Factors Salary-Boosting Skills Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

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 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: $66,156.
  • California: $65,905.
  • Massachusetts: $65,027.

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: $75,364
  • San Francisco: $74,539
  • Oakland: $72,968

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$77,676$37.030%
Healthcare$65,726$32.010%

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 October 01, 2026
$51,349
Average $59,751/year
$63,988
$4,279
Average $4,979/month
$5,332
$987
Average $1,149/week
$1,231
$25
Average $29/hour
$31
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $63,988 $5,332 $1,231 $31
Average $59,751 $4,979 $1,149 $29
25th Percentile $51,349 $4,279 $987 $25

Most common benefits for Certified Payroll Administrator

  • Social Security
  • 401 (k)
  • Disability
  • Healthcare
  • Pension
  • Time Off (days)

Common company salaries for Certified Payroll Administrator

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

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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.)

With the most extensive online, real-time compensation data available, Salary.com helps you pinpoint your exact pay target.

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