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AP/Payroll Manager Salary in California

How much does an AP/Payroll Manager make in California? As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for an AP/Payroll Manager in California is $115,566 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $56.

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

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $135,702
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $103,643 to $126,106
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $92,787
Salary Factors Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Check out AP/Payroll Manager Job Openings in California

Key Factors That Influence AP/Payroll Manager Salaries

An AP/Payroll Manager'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 AP/Payroll Manager Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of an AP/Payroll Manager'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): $76,966
  • Early Career (1-2 years): $81,885
  • Mid-Level (2-4 years): $100,166
  • Senior-Level (5-8 years): $113,370
  • Expert (over 8 years): $161,046
Job RoleYears of ExperienceAverage Salary
Accounts Payable Analyst III less than 1 year $76,966
Accounts Payable Supervisor 1-2 years $81,885
Accounts Payable Senior Supervisor 2-4 years $100,166
AP/Payroll Manager 5-8 years $113,370
Accounts Payable Senior Manager over 8 years $161,046

How Do AP/Payroll Manager 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 AP/Payroll Managers. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:

  • District of Columbia: $116,006.
  • California: $115,566.
  • Massachusetts: $114,026.

Top Paying Cities for AP/Payroll Manager

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: $115,765
  • West Hollywood: $115,681
  • Dodgertown: $115,764

AP/Payroll Manager Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For AP/Payroll Manager roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 70% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Software & Networking and Financial Services sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 40% above the average. In contrast, AP/Payroll Manager positions in Hospitality & Leisure or Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view AP/Payroll Manager as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for an AP/Payroll Manager

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Software & Networking $161,792 $78.0 40%
Financial Services $150,235 $72.0 30%
Biotechnology $144,457 $69.0 25%
Pharmaceuticals $138,679 $67.0 20%
Internet $132,901 $64.0 15%

AP/Payroll Manager Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how an AP/Payroll Manager'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 September 01, 2026
$103,643
Average $115,566/year
$126,106
$8,637
Average $9,630/month
$10,509
$1,993
Average $2,222/week
$2,425
$50
Average $56/hour
$61
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $126,106 $10,509 $2,425 $61
Average $115,566 $9,630 $2,222 $56
25th Percentile $103,643 $8,637 $1,993 $50

Find Your Next AP/Payroll Manager Job

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

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  • Waterway Carwash | GRANDVIEW, MO

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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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