💼 Business & Finance ↑ 5% growth · Average

Payroll Specialist

Payroll specialists process employee compensation, ensure tax withholdings are accurate, and keep organizations compliant with labor laws — every employee depends on them getting it right. It's a stable back-office career that's always in demand and can be done remotely.

$52,780 Median Salary
210K US Jobs
6 months–2 years Training
$500–$12,000 Typical Cost
Get Free Program Info → Find Schools

💰 Salary & Earning Potential

Salary data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Figures represent national averages — local wages vary by state, city, and employer.

Entry Level
$38,000
Median
$52,780
Experienced
$72,000
Want your state's salary? Select a state below to see local wage data, demand, and training programs.

📈 Job Outlook

5%
Projected Growth (10yr)
Average
210K
Total US Jobs
Active positions nationwide
FPC
Required Credential
FPC (Fundamental Payroll Certification) or CPP

🎓 Training & Education

Typical Program
Payroll Certificate or Accounting Degree
Program Length
6 months–2 years
Typical Tuition
$500–$12,000
Work Setting
All industries — corporate, healthcare, government, nonprofits
🏆 Credential Required: FPC (Fundamental Payroll Certification) or CPP

☀️ Day in the Life

A typical day as a Payroll Specialist involves working closely with clients and colleagues in a All industries — corporate environment. You'll apply your training daily while building expertise and advancing your career.

⚖️ Pros & Cons

Advantages

  • ✅ Strong job security
  • ✅ Rewarding work
  • ✅ Clear career progression
  • ✅ Growing demand

Challenges

  • ⚠️ Can be physically demanding
  • ⚠️ May require ongoing certification
  • ⚠️ Entry-level wages vary by region

🗺️ Payroll Specialist by State

See local salary data, licensing requirements, and schools in your state:

FL FloridaGA GeorgiaTX TexasCA CaliforniaNY New YorkNC North CarolinaIL IllinoisOH OhioPA PennsylvaniaAZ ArizonaAL AlabamaAR ArkansasLA LouisianaMS MississippiSC South CarolinaTN TennesseeVA VirginiaWV West VirginiaKY KentuckyMD MarylandDE DelawareNJ New JerseyCT ConnecticutMA MassachusettsRI Rhode IslandNH New HampshireVT VermontME MaineMI MichiganIN IndianaWI WisconsinMN MinnesotaIA IowaMO MissouriND North DakotaSD South DakotaNE NebraskaKS KansasOK OklahomaCO ColoradoMT MontanaWY WyomingID IdahoUT UtahNV NevadaNM New MexicoWA WashingtonOR OregonAK AlaskaHI HawaiiDC Washington DC