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Assistant Payroll Associate Salary in California

How much does an Assistant Payroll Associate make in California? As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for an Assistant Payroll Associate in California is $48,945 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $24.

However, an Assistant Payroll Associate's salary can vary significantly. Here's a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $66,028
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $43,576 to $57,887
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $38,688
Salary Factors Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Check out Assistant Payroll Associate Job Openings in California

Key Factors That Influence Assistant Payroll Associate Salaries

An Assistant Payroll Associate'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 Assistant Payroll Associate Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of an Assistant Payroll Associate'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): $45,294
  • Early Career (1-2 years): $45,508
  • Mid-Level (2-4 years): $46,581
  • Senior-Level (5-8 years): $49,194
  • Expert (over 8 years): $50,187
Job RoleYears of ExperienceAverage Salary
Entry Level Assistant Payroll Associate less than 1 year $45,294
Early Career Level Assistant Payroll Associate 1-2 years $45,508
Mid-Level Level Assistant Payroll Associate 2-4 years $46,581
Senior-Level Level Assistant Payroll Associate 5-8 years $49,194
Expert Level Assistant Payroll Associate over 8 years $50,187

How Do Assistant Payroll Associate 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 Assistant Payroll Associates. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:

  • District of Columbia: $49,132.
  • California: $48,945.
  • Massachusetts: $48,293.

Top Paying Cities for Assistant Payroll Associate

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: $49,029
  • West Hollywood: $48,994
  • Dodgertown: $49,029

Assistant Payroll Associate Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Assistant Payroll Associate roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 40% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Financial Services and Energy & Utilities sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 20% above the average. In contrast, Assistant Payroll Associate positions in Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit or Hospitality & Leisure typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Assistant Payroll Associate as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for an Assistant Payroll Associate

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Financial Services $58,734 $28.0 20%
Energy & Utilities $56,287 $27.0 15%
Internet $56,287 $27.0 15%
Chemicals $53,840 $26.0 10%
Software & Networking $53,840 $26.0 10%

Assistant Payroll Associate Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how an Assistant Payroll Associate'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
$43,576
Average $48,945/year
$57,887
$3,631
Average $4,079/month
$4,824
$838
Average $941/week
$1,113
$21
Average $24/hour
$28
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $57,887 $4,824 $1,113 $28
Average $48,945 $4,079 $941 $24
25th Percentile $43,576 $3,631 $838 $21

Find Your Next Assistant Payroll Associate Job

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

  • Golden Gate Regional Center | San Francisco, CA

    Payroll Assistant

    Golden Gate Regional Center | San Francisco, CA

    Payroll AssistantRegular Full-Time Clerical San Francisco, CA, USStarting Salary Range:$47,618 - $57,141 (USD) AnnuallyPayroll Assistant You're a payroll p... more

    7 Days Ago

  • Glendora Employment Agency, Inc. | Covina, CA

    Payroll Assistant

    Glendora Employment Agency, Inc. | Covina, CA

    Glendora Employment Agency, Inc.is a boutique staffing firm located in the foothills of the San Gabriel Valley.We specialize in connecting local employers ... more

    8 Days Ago

  • Afinida, Inc. | Escondido, CA

    Payroll Administrative Assistant

    Afinida, Inc. | Escondido, CA

    Job Description. Job Description. We are seeking a detail-oriented and dependable Payroll Administrative Assistant to join our team at our Escondido, CA of... more

    5 Days Ago

  • Dynamic Office & Accounting Solutions | Concord, CA

    HR&amp Payroll Assistant

    Dynamic Office & Accounting Solutions | Concord, CA

    Job Description. Job Description. HR & Payroll Assistant. Location: . Concord, CA. Pay Range.  $29-$32 / hour. Full-Time, Onsite. Temp-to-Hire. Schedule: .... more

    6 Days Ago

  • Ride Aventon | Brea, CA

    Human Resource&amp Payroll Assistant

    Ride Aventon | Brea, CA

    Job Description. Job Description. About Aventon. Aventon is an electric bicycle company that is passionate about creating high-quality, stylish, and afford... more

    6 Days Ago

  • Abacus | Oakland, CA

    Assistant Payroll Specialist

    Abacus | Oakland, CA

    Assistant Payroll SpecialistUnder general supervision, performs clerical and support functions for the accurate completion of payroll for district employee... more

    7 Days Ago

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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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