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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Payroll Assistant in North Carolina is $46,720 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 | $51,687 | $4,307 | $994 | $25 |
| Average | $46,720 | $3,893 | $898 | $22 |
| 25th Percentile | $42,242 | $3,520 | $812 | $20 |
ProSidian Consulting - Charlotte, NC
Mills Automotive Group - Pineville, NC
Duke Chevrolet GMC - Charlotte, NC
Tailwind Deli News & Gifts Inc - Wilmington, NC
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 | $42,070 |
| Payroll A... Level Payroll Assistant | $47,031 |
| Payroll C... Level Payroll Assistant | $52,748 |
| Payroll C... Level Payroll Assistant | $58,001 |
| Payroll T... Level Payroll Assistant | $82,365 |
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 | $60,736 | $29.0 | 30% |
| Financial Services | $60,736 | $29.0 | 30% |
| Internet | $60,736 | $29.0 | 30% |
| Pharmaceuticals | $60,736 | $29.0 | 30% |
| Software & Networking | $60,736 | $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 | $51,687 | $4,307 | $994 | $25 |
| Average | $46,720 | $3,893 | $898 | $22 |
| 25th Percentile | $42,242 | $3,520 | $812 | $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.
Charlie Health
Charlotte, NC
Charlie Health | Charlotte, NC
Job Description. Job Description. Why Charlie Health. Millions of people across the country are navigating mental health conditions, substance use disorder... more
8 Days Ago
Accord Healthcare Us
Raleigh, NC
Accord Healthcare Us | Raleigh, NC
Payroll AssociateHuman ResourcesFull - TimeLocation:Raleigh, NCAbout Accord:Accord is a global provider of generic and specialty pharmaceuticals. Our focus... more
9 Days Ago
Staffing
Raleigh, NC
Staffing | Raleigh, NC
Job TitleM-F 8am-5pm (flexibility allowed) and Hybrid in office/remote. This role is 70% accounting support and 30% payroll processing. BS Accounting Degre... more
9 Days Ago
Mills Automotive
Pineville, NC
Mills Automotive | Pineville, NC
Payroll SpecialistThis position would handle all aspects of payroll for multiple locations in a centralized payroll location. Accurate payroll records are ... more
9 Days Ago
VetPride Services, Inc.
Raleigh, NC
VetPride Services, Inc. | Raleigh, NC
Payroll SpecialistThe Payroll Specialist is responsible for the accurate and timely processing of weekly, bi-weekly, and semi-monthly payroll for salaried ... more
9 Days Ago
Renuity, LLC
Charlotte, NC
Renuity, LLC | Charlotte, NC
Manager, PayrollThe Manager, Payroll is responsible for overseeing and executing accurate, timely, and compliant payroll processing for a multi-state, mid-... more
9 Days Ago
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