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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Payroll Assistant in Kentucky is $46,263 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $22.
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 | $51,181 | $4,265 | $984 | $25 |
| Average | $46,263 | $3,855 | $890 | $22 |
| 25th Percentile | $41,828 | $3,486 | $804 | $20 |
Dan Cummins Auto Group - Paris, KY
Goodwill Industries of Kentucky - Louisville, KY
ProKatchers LLC - Hebron, KY
Alliance Sourcing Network - Lexington, KY
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 | $41,658 |
| Payroll A... Level Payroll Assistant | $46,571 |
| Payroll C... Level Payroll Assistant | $52,232 |
| Payroll C... Level Payroll Assistant | $57,433 |
| Payroll T... Level Payroll Assistant | $81,559 |
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 | $60,141 | $29.0 | 30% |
| Financial Services | $60,141 | $29.0 | 30% |
| Internet | $60,141 | $29.0 | 30% |
| Pharmaceuticals | $60,141 | $29.0 | 30% |
| Software & Networking | $60,141 | $29.0 | 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 | $51,181 | $4,265 | $984 | $25 |
| Average | $46,263 | $3,855 | $890 | $22 |
| 25th Percentile | $41,828 | $3,486 | $804 | $20 |
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.
Wieland
Louisville, KY
Wieland | Louisville, KY
Job Description. Job Description. Overview. Wieland - Creating Value for Generations. Wieland is a global leader in copper and copper alloy manufacturing, ... more
9 Days Ago
The Fountain Group LLC
Hebron, KY
The Fountain Group LLC | Hebron, KY
Job Description. Job Description. The Fountain Group is hiring a Payroll Administrator I for a prominent client in the Medical Diagnostics & Life Sciences ... more
9 Days Ago
Sterling CPAs PLLC
Lexington, KY
Sterling CPAs PLLC | Lexington, KY
Job Description. Job Description. Location: Lexington, KY. Employment Type: Full-Time. Reports To: Firm Partner. Position Summary. We are seeking an experi... more
10 Days Ago
Jsr Associates
Leitchfield, KY
Jsr Associates | Leitchfield, KY
Job Description. Job Description. Role Overview. This full-time, on-site role supports daily HR and payroll operations for the Warehouse and Production pla... more
11 Days Ago
Current HR, LLC
Covington, KY
Current HR, LLC | Covington, KY
Job Description. Job Description. POSITION. Current HR is seeking a full-time Payroll Expert (i.e. Payroll Specialist) to coordinate daily payroll-related ... more
11 Days Ago
LPX Group
Louisville, KY
LPX Group | Louisville, KY
Job Description. Job Description. Salary. Purpose. Pace Contracting is seeking an experienced Part-Time Payroll & Compliance Administrator to oversee payro... more
8 Days Ago
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