How To Become A Payroll/Human Resource Manager: What It Is and Career Path

What is a payroll/human resource manager and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025

3 min read

Quoted expert

Sandi Dornhecker

There is more than meets the eye when it comes to being a payroll/human resource manager. For example, did you know that they make an average of $40.46 an hour? That's $84,155 a year! Between 2018 and 2028, the career is expected to grow 7% and produce 12,600 job opportunities across the U.S.

What general advice would you give to a payroll/human resource manager?

Sandi Dornhecker

Vice President of Human Resources, Chicago Zoological Society

To always remain positive. The job market has been flooded with unemployed workers, so the competition may be much steeper than usual, although I've read some articles that say this may not be the case as the number of quality applicants in the workforce remains the same. If you haven't found a position in your desired career yet, take positions and work when and where you can. Give it your all while you are working, strive to excel in your performance, no matter what your job is, and be a dedicated worker while you are there. If one is looking for employment, take your time to review the job(s) and requirements of the positions you are applying for to make sure you meet the minimum qualifications and/or are able to speak to how your skills are transferable; don't just take a shotgun approach. Write a customized cover letter for each position you apply for that reflects how your knowledge, background, and skills apply to the position and why you are interested. Answer all on-line application questions honestly and thoroughly. Write a thank-you note, if you are granted an interview. When you start a new job, be a sponge. Learn as much as you can and be willing to go the extra mile. This is a unique year to start one's career, and a graduate can learn unique lessons in both positive and challenging experiences.

ScorePayroll/Human Resource ManagerUS Average

Salary

6.6

Avg. Salary $84,155

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level

8.6

Growth rate 7%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity

2.8

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.40%

Asian 5.71%

Black or African American 7.65%

Hispanic or Latino 11.14%

Unknown 5.09%

White 70.01%

Gender

female 85.10%

male 14.90%

Age - 47

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 47

Stress level

8.6

Stress level is very high

7.1 - high

Complexity level

8.4

Complexity level is challenging

7 - challenging

Work life balance

5.3

Work life balance is fair

6.4 - fair

Key steps to become a payroll/human resource manager

Explore payroll/human resource manager education requirements

Most common payroll/human resource manager degrees

Bachelor's

52.0 %

Associate

26.6 %

High School Diploma

9.8 %

Start to develop specific payroll/human resource manager skills

Skills	Percentages
Human Resources	21.88%
ADP Payroll	4.07%
Background Checks	3.71%
HRIS	3.50%
Payroll System	3.43%

Research payroll/human resource manager duties and responsibilities

Utilize Sharepoint system to upload and manage global job postings.
Manage expatriates compensation packages and taxation.
Implement HRIS and timekeeping interface to facilitate payroll processing and eliminate duplication of effort.
Process payroll for a staff over 180 employees using ADP PayExpert & EtimePhone.

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