▼16%
$56,077
Avg. Base Salary (USD)
/ year
Avg. Base Salary (USD)
10%
$40k
MEDIAN
$56k
90%
$69k
The average salary for a Payroll Specialist is $56,077 in 2025
Base Salary
$40k - $69k
Bonus
$992 - $6k
Profit Sharing
$0 - $5k
Total Pay
$37k - $67k
Is Average Early-Career Payroll Specialist with Payroll Tax Compliance Skills Salary your job title? Find out what you should be paid
Use our tool to get a personalized report on your market worth.What's this?
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What is the Pay by Experience Level for Payroll Specialists?
What Do Payroll Specialists Do?
Find your market worth – how it works:
Common Health Benefits for a Payroll Specialist
Medical
71%
Dental
65%
Vision
53%
None
26%
Gender Breakdown for Payroll Specialists
Female
88.8%
Male
11.2%
This data is based on 89 survey responses. Learn more about the gender pay gap.
FAQs About Payroll Specialists
What is the highest pay for Payroll Specialists?
Our data indicates that the highest pay for a Payroll Specialist is $69k / year
What is the lowest pay for Payroll Specialists?
Our data indicates that the lowest pay for a Payroll Specialist is $40k / year
How can Payroll Specialists increase their salary?
Increasing your pay as a Payroll Specialist is possible in different ways. Change of employer: Consider a career move to a new employer that is willing to pay higher for your skills. Level of Education: Gaining advanced degrees may allow this role to increase their income potential and qualify for promotions. Managing Experience: If you are a Payroll Specialist that oversees more junior Payroll Specialists, this experience can increase the likelihood to earn more.