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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Payroll Benefits Specialist in Virginia is $71,551 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $34.
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 | $77,742 | $6,478 | $1,495 | $37 |
| Average | $71,551 | $5,963 | $1,376 | $34 |
| 25th Percentile | $64,603 | $5,384 | $1,242 | $31 |
TechOp Solutions International - Alexandria, VA
Eastern Sports Management - Fredericksburg, VA
Clinch Valley Community Action Head Start/Early Head Start - North Tazewell, VA
Addison Group - Sterling, VA
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 | $61,531 |
| Payroll B... Level Payroll Benefits Specialist | $72,034 |
| Payroll A... Level Payroll Benefits Specialist | $83,340 |
| Payroll A... Level Payroll Benefits Specialist | $101,178 |
| Payroll T... Level Payroll Benefits Specialist | $87,575 |
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 | $93,017 | $45.0 | 30% |
| Construction | $85,861 | $41.0 | 20% |
| Aerospace & Defense | $82,284 | $40.0 | 15% |
| Business Services | $80,137 | $39.0 | 12% |
| Insurance | $76,560 | $37.0 | 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 | $77,742 | $6,478 | $1,495 | $37 |
| Average | $71,551 | $5,963 | $1,376 | $34 |
| 25th Percentile | $64,603 | $5,384 | $1,242 | $31 |
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.
ARES Corporation
Spotsylvania, VA
ARES Corporation | Spotsylvania, VA
Job Description. Job Description. ARES is an award-winning space and defense company, providing innovative, reliable, and cost-effective solutions on-time ... more
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Hoxton Circle
Charlottesville, VA
Hoxton Circle | Charlottesville, VA
Job Description. Job Description. Our growing manufacturing organization is seeking a detail-oriented Payroll Representative to join our Shared Services te... more
4 Days Ago
AIR Control Concepts
Norfolk, VA
AIR Control Concepts | Norfolk, VA
Job Description. Job Description. Job Title. Payroll Specialist. Job Location. 4850 Brookside Ct. Norfolk VA, 23502 (Hybrid). FLSA Status. Exempt. Salary R... more
4 Days Ago
CBN Brand
Virginia Beach, VA
CBN Brand | Virginia Beach, VA
Payroll SpecialistThe Christian Broadcasting Network (CBN) is looking for a Payroll Specialist to provide comprehensive in-house processing support of the ... more
5 Days Ago
Freyssinet, Inc. - USA
Sterling, VA
Freyssinet, Inc. - USA | Sterling, VA
Payroll SpecialistFreyssinet USA, a specialized civil engineering contractor known for delivering innovative solutions in infrastructure repair, protection... more
5 Days Ago
Sussex County Public Schools
Stony Creek, VA
Sussex County Public Schools | Stony Creek, VA
Job Description. Job Description. Payroll Specialist. . Reports To: Chief Financial Officer. Work Schedule: 12 Months - 250 Day Co... more
5 Days Ago
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