As of May 01, 2026, the average salary for a Payroll Controller in the United States is $104,057 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $50.
However, a Payroll Controller's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Payroll Controller'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, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Payroll Controller'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 |
|---|---|
| Quality A... Level Payroll Controller | $77,672 |
| Quality A... Level Payroll Controller | $91,414 |
| Payroll C... Level Payroll Controller | $103,394 |
| Quality A... Level Payroll Controller | $128,569 |
| Quality A... Level Payroll Controller | $154,271 |
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 Controllers. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Team Development | 3.93% |
| Software Development | 2.98% |
| JavaScript | 1.84% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Python
|
$110,300 |
6%
|
|
Android
|
$109,260 |
5%
|
|
Linux
|
$109,260 |
5%
|
|
Debugging
|
$109,260 |
5%
|
|
Networking
|
$108,219 |
4%
|
|
Computer Science
|
$108,219 |
4%
|
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Payroll Controllers enter the field with a Bachelor's Degree degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.
According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for a Payroll Controller with a Bachelor's Degree is between $102,178 and $106,839).
Payroll Controller Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 0.6% |
| High School | 2.8% |
| Associates | 6.1% |
| Bachelors | 52.6% |
| Masters | 36.4% |
| Doctorate | 1.4% |
Understanding how a Payroll Controller'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.
Last Updated on May 01, 2026Salaries for a Payroll Controller can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary increased from $105,133 in 2023 to around $105,610 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Payroll Controller salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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|
| 2023 | $105,133 |
| 2024 | $105,800 |
| 2025 | $105,610 |
| 2026 |
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|
| 2027 |
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|
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Compensation PlanningHere are companies hiring for Payroll Controller and their salaries, click below for more details.
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Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)
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