Explore the Salary GuidePayroll professionals play a vital role in keeping organizations compliant and running smoothly, from processing wages and managing deductions to navigating evolving tax and labor regulations.As payroll functions become more complex and technology-driven, demand for skilled payroll talent remains steady across industries. Research from the 2026 Salary Guide From Robert Half shows how experience, certifications and role scope continue to influence payroll professional salaries nationwide.
Payroll responsibilities vary based on role and company. In smaller organizations, payroll professionals may manage end-to-end payroll processing, while larger employers often divide responsibilities across specialized roles.Across levels, payroll professionals are responsible for ensuring employees are paid accurately and on time, managing tax withholdings, deductions and benefits coordination, maintaining payroll records and data integrity, supporting compliance with federal, state and local payroll regulations, and responding to payroll inquiries from employees and auditors.Strong attention to detail, discretion and the ability to manage deadlines are essential at every stage of a payroll career.Want a broader view of accounting compensation beyond payroll? Discover salary trends and the top-paying accounting jobs shaping today’s market.
Payroll salaries and career opportunities
Payroll salaries vary based on experience, role scope, location and demand. The national midpoint figures below provide a benchmark, but compensation can differ by market. To see what payroll roles pay where you live, use our Salary Calculator to explore local salary ranges.
Payroll clerk
See payroll clerk salaries and similar jobsPayroll clerks support day-to-day payroll operations by ensuring employees are paid accurately and on time. This role is often an entry point into payroll and focuses on transaction processing, recordkeeping and resolving routine pay and timekeeping discrepancies.Typical responsibilities of a payroll clerk:Collect and verify employee timekeeping dataCalculate and process regular, overtime and holiday pay, including direct depositsPrepare and distribute payroll tax forms, such as W-2s and 1099sNational midpoint salary: $47,500
Payroll specialists/administrators
See payroll specialists/administrators and similar jobsPayroll specialists or administrators manage more complex payroll processes and are often responsible for end-to-end payroll execution. These professionals typically have several years of experience and play a key role in payroll compliance, reporting and coordination with finance and HR teams.Typical responsibilities of a payroll specialist/administrator:Process and oversee payrollReconcile payroll sub-ledgers to the general ledger and resolve variancesManage payroll tax remittance and required government reportingNational midpoint salary: $61,250
Payroll manager
See payroll manager salaries and similar jobsPayroll managers lead the payroll function and ensure accuracy, compliance and operational consistency across the organization. These roles typically require several years of hands-on payroll experience and the ability to manage both people and complex payroll processes.Typical responsibilities of a payroll manager:Ensure compliance with federal, state and local payroll regulationsEstablish and implement payroll policies, including garnishments and payroll advancesHire, train, develop and supervise payroll staffNational midpoint salary: $75,500
Payroll director
See payroll director salaries and similar jobsPayroll directors oversee the organization’s payroll strategy and ensure payroll operations align with broader business goals. These leaders design and manage complex payroll systems, maintain compliance and collaborate closely with finance, HR and executive teams.Employers typically seek payroll directors with extensive payroll management experience, strong leadership and communication skills, and a deep understanding of federal, state and local payroll laws. Many hold a bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance or a related field, along with several years of payroll management experience.Typical responsibilities of a payroll director:Develop and implement payroll policies and proceduresEnsure compliance with payroll laws, regulations and best practicesOversee payroll operations and ensure accurate, timely employee paymentLead and develop the payroll team, including training and performance managementCollaborate with other departments to align payroll operations with the overall business strategyNational midpoint salary: $135,000
Finance and accounting certifications for payroll professionals
Employers consider experience, skills and education when determining payroll professional salaries, but professional certification can play an outsized role in both compensation and career mobility, especially for roles with greater responsibility or regulatory complexity.Fundamental Payroll Certification (FPC):Ideal for entry-level professionals or those transitioning into payroll roles. It demonstrates foundational payroll knowledge and commitment to the field.Certified Payroll Professional (CPP):The CPP designation is widely recognized and often preferred—or required—for senior payroll roles. Employers value CPP-certified professionals for their expertise in compliance, payroll systems and complex payroll administration.Along with building the right skills and credentials, interview preparation matters. See which common payroll interview questions candidates should be ready to answer.
Education and experience requirements by payroll role
Education and experience requirements for payroll roles typically increase as responsibilities expand.For payroll specialist or administrator roles, employers typically look for several years of payroll experience and strong proficiency with payroll systems and accounting processes. Many focus more heavily on hands-on experience and payroll certification, especially for professionals who manage end-to-end payroll and have a strong understanding of payroll compliance and employee benefits.For payroll managers or supervisors, expectations are higher. Most employers seek candidates with several years of payroll experience, a bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, HR or business administration, and often CPP certification. Strong leadership, communication and interpersonal skills, along with deep payroll system expertise, are critical at this level.Technology is also reshaping payroll roles, from automation to AI-enabled reporting and compliance tools. To understand how these changes may affect your career path and how to stay competitive, see how AI is changing payroll jobs and how to adapt your payroll career.
Ready to advance your payroll career?
Search payroll jobsPayroll roles can look similar on the surface, but responsibilities and earning potential can vary widely based on experience, certifications and scope. From payroll clerks and specialists to managers and directors, each role plays a critical part in ensuring accurate pay, compliance and smooth operations across the organization.Whether you’re looking to advance in your current payroll role or explore new opportunities, understanding how payroll careers and compensation are evolving can help you take the next step with confidence.Explore open payroll jobs on Robert Half to find roles that match your skills, experience and career goals.
