Post job

Explore jobs

Find specific jobs

Explore careers

Explore professions

Best companies

Explore companies

OverviewJobsSalaryResumeSkillsWhat They DoEducationCertificationsDemographicsJob DescriptionHow To HireBest CompaniesBest StatesBest CitiesRemote JobsJob Outlook

Compare

FAQsPart Time jobsEntry Level jobsFull Time jobsWork From Home jobsLocations

Payroll administrator vs payroll representative

The differences between payroll administrators and payroll representatives can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 2-4 years to become both a payroll administrator and a payroll representative. Additionally, a payroll administrator has an average salary of $46,596, which is higher than the $45,054 average annual salary of a payroll representative.

The top three skills for a payroll administrator include customer service, data entry and payroll system. The most important skills for a payroll representative are data entry, payroll data, and payroll system.

Payroll administrator vs payroll representative overview

Payroll AdministratorPayroll Representative
Yearly salary$46,596$45,054
Hourly rate$22.40$21.66
Growth rate-3%-3%
Number of jobs55,4906,076
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 51%Bachelor's Degree, 50%
Average age4848
Years of experience44

What does a payroll administrator do?

A payroll administrator is responsible for processing the wages of employees in a company or organization. Aside from issuing payments, it is also the payroll administrator's task to audit, process taxes and other deductions, keep and maintain an organized record of data, respond to inquiries and resolve issues, and tally employee work hours. Furthermore, a payroll administrator needs to have efficient attention to detail as most of the tasks require accuracy and speed. It is also essential to communicate and coordinate with team members at all times.

What does a payroll representative do?

A payroll representative typically works in a company's human resources department, where their role focuses on processing payrolls and assisting employees. Although the extent of their duties depends on their company or industry of employment, it often includes answering employee inquiries about salaries and benefits, preparing and processing requests, and resolving issues and concerns. Moreover, a payroll representative is also responsible for tracking employee work hours, updating databases, and maintaining an active communication line with team members for a smooth and efficient workflow.

Payroll administrator vs payroll representative salary

Payroll administrators and payroll representatives have different pay scales, as shown below.

Payroll AdministratorPayroll Representative
Average salary$46,596$45,054
Salary rangeBetween $33,000 And $64,000Between $31,000 And $63,000
Highest paying CityWashington, DCHartford, CT
Highest paying stateMaineNew Jersey
Best paying companyNorthern TrustABB
Best paying industryConstructionHealth Care

Differences between payroll administrator and payroll representative education

There are a few differences between a payroll administrator and a payroll representative in terms of educational background:

Payroll AdministratorPayroll Representative
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 51%Bachelor's Degree, 50%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common collegeUniversity of PennsylvaniaUniversity of Pennsylvania

Payroll administrator vs payroll representative demographics

Here are the differences between payroll administrators' and payroll representatives' demographics:

Payroll AdministratorPayroll Representative
Average age4848
Gender ratioMale, 16.0% Female, 84.0%Male, 19.5% Female, 80.5%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 9.5% Unknown, 6.1% Hispanic or Latino, 19.1% Asian, 6.2% White, 57.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.5%Black or African American, 9.5% Unknown, 6.1% Hispanic or Latino, 18.8% Asian, 6.1% White, 58.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.5%
LGBT Percentage10%10%

Differences between payroll administrator and payroll representative duties and responsibilities

Payroll administrator example responsibilities.

  • Manage year-end W2 audit/corrections and distribution.
  • Manage employee direct deposit accounts and initiate ACH reversals when necessary.
  • Manage all requisitions using PeopleSoft for the administrator and all assign departments.
  • Maintain KRONOS timekeeping system, review, sort and distribute employee upload file and multiple misc.
  • Maintain and monitor PTO balances and provide executive reports relate to vacation accruals.
  • Assist in implementing and training of MyTime and Lawson systems.
    • Show more

Payroll representative example responsibilities.

  • Initial set up of associates and day to day processes within Kronos
  • Field and answer employee payroll questions, assisting staff with determining quota balances, union contract terms, and proper timekeeping.
  • Prepare tax reports and reconciliations.
  • Provide individual assistance with timekeeping system as needed.
  • Compile and provide earning statements while utilizing PeopleSoft and excel spreadsheets.
  • Prepare and analyze payroll management reports for supervisors and managers, utilizing PeopleSoft reporting.
    • Show more

Payroll administrator vs payroll representative skills

Common payroll administrator skills
  • Customer Service, 9%
  • Data Entry, 7%
  • Payroll System, 6%
  • Human Resources, 5%
  • Payroll Data, 4%
  • Process Payroll, 4%
Common payroll representative skills
  • Data Entry, 7%
  • Payroll Data, 7%
  • Payroll System, 6%
  • Human Resources, 6%
  • Kronos, 4%
  • Customer Service, 4%

Payroll Administrator vs. similar jobs

Payroll Administrator related careers

Payroll Administrator related jobs

Payroll Administrator jobs by location

Updated January 8, 2025

Browse office and administrative jobs