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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Payroll Assistant in Illinois is $50,112 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $24.
However, a Payroll Assistant's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Payroll Assistant Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $55,440 | $4,620 | $1,066 | $27 |
| Average | $50,112 | $4,176 | $964 | $24 |
| 25th Percentile | $45,309 | $3,776 | $871 | $22 |
Medium - Chicago, IL
Cunningham Children's Home - Urbana, IL
Plote Construction Inc. - Dundee, IL
Reliance Home Health Caregivers - Naperville, IL
A Payroll Assistant'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.
Experience is a primary driver of a Payroll Assistant'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 |
|---|---|
| Payroll C... Level Payroll Assistant | $45,125 |
| Payroll A... Level Payroll Assistant | $50,446 |
| Payroll C... Level Payroll Assistant | $56,578 |
| Payroll C... Level Payroll Assistant | $62,212 |
| Payroll T... Level Payroll Assistant | $88,346 |
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 Assistants. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
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:
For Payroll Assistant roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 60% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Energy & Utilities and Financial Services sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 30% above the average. In contrast, Payroll Assistant positions in Transportation or Retail & Wholesale typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Payroll Assistant as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Energy & Utilities | $65,146 | $31.0 | 30% |
| Financial Services | $65,146 | $31.0 | 30% |
| Internet | $65,146 | $31.0 | 30% |
| Pharmaceuticals | $65,146 | $31.0 | 30% |
| Software & Networking | $65,146 | $31.0 | 30% |
Understanding how a Payroll Assistant'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.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $55,440 | $4,620 | $1,066 | $27 |
| Average | $50,112 | $4,176 | $964 | $24 |
| 25th Percentile | $45,309 | $3,776 | $871 | $22 |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Payroll Assistant job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
LHH
Chicago, IL
LHH | Chicago, IL
We are seeking a Payroll Accountant with at least three years of payroll and accounting experience for a position with a reputable organization located in ... more
9 Days Ago
Argonne National Laboratory
Lemont, IL
Argonne National Laboratory | Lemont, IL
Payroll SpecialistArgonne's Financial Management and Procurement Services organization (FMPS) is seeking a Payroll Specialist to join their team. The Payro... more
9 Days Ago
CFS
Chicago Heights, IL
CFS | Chicago Heights, IL
Payroll CoordinatorOur client is seeking a Payroll Coordinator to oversee payroll operations in a fast-paced environment. This role ensures accurate and ti... more
9 Days Ago
Ocorian
Chicago, IL
Ocorian | Chicago, IL
Payroll AdvisorReporting to the Head of Payroll, the Payroll Advisor will be responsible for the range of payroll related activities in the allocated globa... more
9 Days Ago
Aston Carter
Northbrook, IL
Aston Carter | Northbrook, IL
Payroll AdministratorWe are seeking a dedicated and experienced Payroll Administrator to join our team. The successful candidate will play a crucial role i... more
9 Days Ago
William Charles Construction Company, LLC, a MasTec Company
Rockford, IL
William Charles Construction Company, LLC, a MasTec Company | Rockford, IL
William Charles Construction, a MasTec Company, is currently hiring a Payroll Specialist in our Rockford, IL office.The Payroll Specialist performs a wide ... more
9 Days Ago
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