▼16%
$59,795
Avg. Base Salary (USD)
/ year
Avg. Base Salary (USD)
10%
$45k
MEDIAN
$60k
90%
$77k
The average salary for a Payroll Administrator is $59,795 in 2025
Base Salary
$45k - $77k
Bonus
$563 - $6k
Profit Sharing
$20 - $5k
Total Pay
$41k - $74k
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What is the Pay by Experience Level for Payroll Administrators?
What Do Payroll Administrators Do?
Payroll Administrator Tasks
- Ensure organizational compliance with federal and local regulations, auditing, and non-discrimination laws.
- Prepare payroll related reports.
- Process payroll, including updating employee numbers, hours, garnishments, etc.
- Record, maintain and update payroll procedures.
- Maintain employee records for new hires, pay changes, and terminations.
Find your market worth – how it works:
How do Payroll Administrators Rate Their Jobs?
Based on 207 responses, the job of Payroll Administrator has received a job satisfaction rating of 4.06 out of 5. On average, Payroll Administrators are highly satisfied with their job.
Common Health Benefits for a Payroll Administrator
Medical
72%
Dental
64%
Vision
58%
None
27%
Gender Breakdown for Payroll Administrators
Female
92.2%
Male
6.9%
Prefer to self-define
0.6%
This data is based on 795 survey responses. Learn more about the gender pay gap.
FAQs About Payroll Administrators
What is the highest pay for Payroll Administrators?
Our data indicates that the highest pay for a Payroll Administrator is $77k / year
What is the lowest pay for Payroll Administrators?
Our data indicates that the lowest pay for a Payroll Administrator is $45k / year
How can Payroll Administrators increase their salary?
Increasing your pay as a Payroll Administrator 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 Administrator that oversees more junior Payroll Administrators, this experience can increase the likelihood to earn more.