As of May 18, 2021, the average salary for a Payroll Supervisor in the United States is $95,469 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $46.
However, a Payroll Supervisor's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Payroll Supervisor'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.
Experience is a primary driver of a Payroll Supervisor'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:
| Job Role | Years of Experience | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Payroll Administrator IV | 7+ years | $102,669 |
| Payroll Team Lead | 7+ years | $88,856 |
| Payroll Supervisor | 7+ years | $95,469 |
| Payroll Manager | 7+ years | $111,500 |
| Payroll Director | 7+ years | $160,447 |
What Am I Worth?
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 Payroll Supervisors. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Customer Service | 5.23% |
| Data Entry | 2.27% |
| Accounts Payable | 1.36% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Leadership
|
$99,288 |
4%
|
|
Business Administration
|
$99,288 |
4%
|
|
Process Improvement
|
$98,333 |
3%
|
|
Initiative
|
$98,333 |
3%
|
|
Integrity
|
$98,333 |
3%
|
|
Organizational Skills
|
$97,378 |
2%
|
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Payroll Supervisors enter the field with a High School Diploma or Technical Certificate degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.
According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for a Payroll Supervisor with a High School Diploma or Technical Certificate is between $92,755 and $100,040).
Payroll Supervisor Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 40.7% |
| High School | 40.7% |
| Associates | 23.7% |
| Bachelors | 31.4% |
| Masters | 4.2% |
| Doctorate | 0.0% |
Understanding how a Payroll Supervisor'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.
Last Updated on May 18, 2021For a Payroll Supervisor, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Payroll Manager role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $111,500 - a projected growth of 17% over your current level.
Salaries for a Payroll Supervisor can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $85,911 in 2023 to around $85,036 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Payroll Supervisor salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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|
| 2023 | $85,911 |
| 2024 | $85,752 |
| 2025 | $85,036 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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A Payroll Supervisor's earning potential can vary widely depending on several factors, including location, industry, experience, education, and the specific employer. According to the latest salary data by Salary.com, a Payroll Supervisor earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Payroll Supervisor is $120,415.
The highest pay for Payroll Supervisor is $108,728.
The lowest pay for Payroll Supervisor is $82,472.
Responsible for the supervision and coordination of payroll processing operations. Ensures accurate calculation of wages and processing of tax withholding and company deductions. Prepares statistical reports on employee pay, commissions and bonuses; vacation, sick, disability and workers compensation leave; taxes, withholding, etc. Oversees the distribution of paychecks and direct deposit programs. Provides training to team on policies, regulations, and processes. Assists team members with resolving errors or responding to inquiries. May be the first level escalation for complaints or complex error resolution. Typically requires a bachelor's degree. Typically reports to a manager or head of a unit/department. Supervises a group of primarily para-professional level staffs. May also be a level above a supervisor within high volume administrative/ production environments. Makes day-to-day decisions within or for a group/small department. Has some authority for personnel actions. Typically requires 3-5 years experience in the related area as an individual contributor. Thorough knowledge of functional area and department processes.
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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