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Accountant/Payroll Administrator Salary in the United States

How much does an Accountant/Payroll Administrator make in the United States? As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for an Accountant/Payroll Administrator in the United States is $74,126 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $36.

However, an Accountant/Payroll Administrator's salary can vary significantly. Here's a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $87,783
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $67,872 to $81,275
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $62,177
Salary Factors Salary-Boosting Skills Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Check out Accountant/Payroll Administrator Job Openings in the United States

Key Factors That Influence Accountant/Payroll Administrator Salaries

An Accountant/Payroll Administrator'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.

How Experience Level Affects Accountant/Payroll Administrator Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of an Accountant/Payroll Administrator'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:

  • Entry-Level (less than 1 year): $62,042
  • Early Career (1-2 years): $72,636
  • Mid-Level (2-4 years): $84,037
  • Senior-Level (5-8 years): $102,028
  • Expert (over 8 years): $88,313
Job RoleYears of ExperienceAverage Salary
Payroll Administrator I less than 1 year $62,042
Accountant/Payroll Administrator 1-2 years $72,636
Payroll Administrator III 2-4 years $84,037
Payroll Administrator IV 5-8 years $102,028
Payroll Team Lead over 8 years $88,313

How Do Accountant/Payroll Administrator Salaries Vary from State to State?

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 Accountant/Payroll Administrators. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:

  • District of Columbia: $82,072.
  • California: $81,761.
  • Massachusetts: $80,671.

Top Paying Cities for Accountant/Payroll Administrator

Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:

  • San Jose: $93,495
  • San Francisco: $92,471
  • Oakland: $90,522

Accountant/Payroll Administrator Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Accountant/Payroll Administrator roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 60% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Healthcare and Construction sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 30% above the average. In contrast, Accountant/Payroll Administrator positions in Hospitality & Leisure or Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Accountant/Payroll Administrator as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for an Accountant/Payroll Administrator

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Healthcare $96,364 $46.0 30%
Construction $88,951 $43.0 20%
Aerospace & Defense $85,245 $41.0 15%
Business Services $83,021 $40.0 12%
Insurance $79,315 $38.0 7%

How Education impacts an Accountant/Payroll Administrator's Salary?

Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Accountant/Payroll Administrator professionals enter the field with a high school degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.

According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for an Accountant/Payroll Administrator with a high school is between $68,921 and $73,107.

Accountant/Payroll Administrator Salaries by Degree Level

Typical Education for Accountant/Payroll Administrator
Degree Level % of user with this level of education
No Degree 1.8%
High School 39.6%
Associate's Degree 21.9%
Bachelor's Degree 32.8%
Master's Degree or MBA 3.8%
JD, MD, PhD or Equivalent 0.1%
View as Graph

Accountant/Payroll Administrator Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how an Accountant/Payroll Administrator'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.

  • Hourly
  • Monthly
  • Weekly
  • Yearly
  • Table View
Last Updated on September 01, 2026
$67,872
Average $74,126/year
$81,275
$5,656
Average $6,177/month
$6,773
$1,305
Average $1,425/week
$1,563
$33
Average $36/hour
$39
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $81,275 $6,773 $1,563 $39
Average $74,126 $6,177 $1,425 $36
25th Percentile $67,872 $5,656 $1,305 $33

Most common benefits for Accountant/Payroll Administrator

  • Social Security
  • 401 (k)
  • Disability
  • Healthcare
  • Pension
  • Time Off (days)

Common company salaries for Accountant/Payroll Administrator

Here are companies hiring for Accountant/Payroll Administrator and their salaries, click below for more details.

Find Your Next Accountant/Payroll Administrator Job

Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Accountant/Payroll Administrator job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.

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FAQ about Accountant/Payroll Administrator

1. What industry pays the highest salary for Accountant/Payroll Administrator?

The Healthcare industry offers the highest average compensation for Accountant/Payroll Administrator roles, with salaries approximately 30% above the market median.

Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

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.)

With the most extensive online, real-time compensation data available, Salary.com helps you pinpoint your exact pay target.

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