As of August 01, 2026, the average annual salary for Certified Payroll Specialist in Kentucky is $86,744, equivalent to $42 per hour, $1,668 weekly, or $7,229 monthly. These figures, sourced from Salary.com’s real-time job posting scans, highlight competitive earning potential for Certified Payroll Specialist in cities like San Jose, Santa Clara, and San Francisco.
Annually Salaries for Certified Payroll Specialist in Kentucky vary widely, spanning from $74,541 to $104,681. Most professionals fall between the 25th percentile ($80,357) and 75th percentile ($96,133), while top earners (90th percentile) make $104,681 per year. This $15,776 pay gap underscores opportunities for salary growth through certifications, specialized skills like Customer Service or HRIS, or targeting high-paying regions like District of Columbia or California.
Location and experience significantly influence earnings. For example, Kentucky Certified Payroll Specialist often earn 5.9% lower than national averages due to demand from Fortune 57 companies. However, Kentucky currently ranks 41 nationwide for Certified Payroll Specialist job salary. Professionals are advised to focus on high-growth sectors like to offset market challenges.