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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Payroll Benefits Specialist in Kentucky is $66,862 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $32.
However, a Payroll Benefits Specialist's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Payroll Benefits Specialist Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $72,646 | $6,054 | $1,397 | $35 |
| Average | $66,862 | $5,572 | $1,286 | $32 |
| 25th Percentile | $60,369 | $5,031 | $1,161 | $29 |
US Equestrian Fed - Lexington, KY
Dan Cummins Auto Group - Paris, KY
Wieland - Louisville, KY
ProKatchers LLC - Hebron, KY
A Payroll Benefits Specialist'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 Benefits Specialist'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 A... Level Payroll Benefits Specialist | $57,498 |
| Payroll B... Level Payroll Benefits Specialist | $67,313 |
| Payroll A... Level Payroll Benefits Specialist | $77,878 |
| Payroll A... Level Payroll Benefits Specialist | $94,547 |
| Payroll T... Level Payroll Benefits Specialist | $81,835 |
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 Benefits Specialists. 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 Benefits Specialist 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 Healthcare and Construction sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 30% above the average. In contrast, Payroll Benefits Specialist positions in Hospitality & Leisure or Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Payroll Benefits Specialist as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Healthcare | $86,920 | $42.0 | 30% |
| Construction | $80,234 | $39.0 | 20% |
| Aerospace & Defense | $76,891 | $37.0 | 15% |
| Business Services | $74,885 | $36.0 | 12% |
| Insurance | $71,542 | $34.0 | 7% |
Understanding how a Payroll Benefits Specialist'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 | $72,646 | $6,054 | $1,397 | $35 |
| Average | $66,862 | $5,572 | $1,286 | $32 |
| 25th Percentile | $60,369 | $5,031 | $1,161 | $29 |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Payroll Benefits Specialist job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
Broughton Construction, LLC
Louisville, KY
Broughton Construction, LLC | Louisville, KY
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Paducah, KY
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Darling International
Newport, KY
Darling International | Newport, KY
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Pro Mach
Covington, KY
Pro Mach | Covington, KY
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Kentucky League of Cities
Lexington, KY
Kentucky League of Cities | Lexington, KY
Job Description. Job Description. The Kentucky League of Cities (KLC) is seeking a service-driven and detail-oriented Member Benefits Specialist to support... more
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Onco360
Louisville, KY
Onco360 | Louisville, KY
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