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Accounting/Payroll Specialist Salary in California

How much does an Accounting/Payroll Specialist make in California? As of October 01, 2026, the average salary for an Accounting/Payroll Specialist in California is $75,698 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $36.

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

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $89,646
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $68,058 to $82,999
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $61,102
Salary Factors Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Check out Accounting/Payroll Specialist Job Openings in California

Key Factors That Influence Accounting/Payroll Specialist Salaries

An Accounting/Payroll Specialist'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 and company size can directly affect your earning potential.

How Experience Level Affects Accounting/Payroll Specialist Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of an Accounting/Payroll Specialist'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): $62,712
  • Early Career (1-2 years): $74,177
  • Mid-Level (2-4 years): $83,995
  • Senior-Level (5-8 years): $100,712
  • Expert (over 8 years): $78,844
Job RoleYears of ExperienceAverage Salary
Accounts Payable/Receivable Analyst I less than 1 year $62,712
Accounting/Payroll Specialist 1-2 years $74,177
Accounts Payable/Receivable Analyst III 2-4 years $83,995
Accounts Payable/Receivable Analyst IV 5-8 years $100,712
Accounts Payable/Receivable Supervisor over 8 years $78,844

How Do Accounting/Payroll Specialist 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 Accounting/Payroll Specialists. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:

  • District of Columbia: $75,986.
  • California: $75,698.
  • Massachusetts: $74,689.

Top Paying Cities for Accounting/Payroll Specialist

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:

  • Los Angeles: $75,828
  • West Hollywood: $75,773
  • Dodgertown: $75,827

Accounting/Payroll Specialist Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Accounting/Payroll Specialist 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 Retail & Wholesale and Insurance sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 30% above the average. In contrast, Accounting/Payroll Specialist positions in Software & Networking or Internet typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Accounting/Payroll Specialist as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for an Accounting/Payroll Specialist

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Retail & Wholesale $98,407 $47.0 30%
Insurance $94,622 $45.0 25%
Aerospace & Defense $90,837 $44.0 20%
Healthcare $87,052 $42.0 15%
Telecom $84,782 $41.0 12%

Accounting/Payroll Specialist Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how an Accounting/Payroll Specialist'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.

  • Yearly
  • Monthly
  • Weekly
  • Hourly
  • Table View
Last Updated on October 01, 2026
$68,058
Average $75,698/year
$82,999
$5,671
Average $6,308/month
$6,917
$1,309
Average $1,456/week
$1,596
$33
Average $36/hour
$40
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $82,999 $6,917 $1,596 $40
Average $75,698 $6,308 $1,456 $36
25th Percentile $68,058 $5,671 $1,309 $33

Find Your Next Accounting/Payroll Specialist Job

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

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Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

Salary.com salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons are derived from both employer job postings and third-party data sources. We also provide multiple percentiles of salary information for your reference, click here to know Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial to Getting Pay Equity Right. With more online, real-time compensation data than any other website, Salary.com helps you determine your exact pay target.

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