Payroll specialist vs payroll assistant

The differences between payroll specialists and payroll assistants 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 specialist and a payroll assistant. Additionally, a payroll specialist has an average salary of $46,462, which is higher than the $45,023 average annual salary of a payroll assistant.

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

Payroll specialist vs payroll assistant overview

	Payroll Specialist	Payroll Assistant
Yearly salary	$46,462	$45,023
Hourly rate	$22.34	$21.65
Growth rate	-3%	-3%
Number of jobs	6,609	7,063
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 48%	Bachelor's Degree, 48%
Average age	48	48
Years of experience	4	4

What does a payroll specialist do?

It is the primary duty of a payroll specialist to process payroll and maintain an accurate record of the personnel database and ensure employees are paid on time. Payroll specialists are in charge of addressing and resolving employee complaints regarding wages. Also, they manage the company's budget and expenses and prepare reports for the relevant departments. Those with a bachelor's degree in business or accounting are preferred to get the job. Candidates with related job experience and strong knowledge of tax, wage laws, and a good understanding of standard fiscal procedures are highly qualified for the position.

What does a payroll assistant do?

A payroll assistant is primarily in charge of performing support tasks to help payroll managers maintain smooth workflow operations. Their duties entail maintaining databases, entering relevant data into systems, coordinating with different departments, handling tax forms and other paperwork, establishing schedules, processing deductions, and preparing regular reports. They may also manage calls and other forms of correspondence, perform research and assessments, keep records, and run errands as necessary. Additionally, a payroll assistant must maintain an open communication line with fellow staff and managers to solve potential or existing issues.

Payroll specialist vs payroll assistant salary

Payroll specialists and payroll assistants have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Payroll Specialist	Payroll Assistant
Average salary	$46,462	$45,023
Salary range	Between $34,000 And $61,000	Between $31,000 And $65,000
Highest paying City	Washington, DC	Riverhead, NY
Highest paying state	Connecticut	New York
Best paying company	Cambridge Associates	Sidley Austin
Best paying industry	Technology	Construction

Differences between payroll specialist and payroll assistant education

There are a few differences between a payroll specialist and a payroll assistant in terms of educational background:

	Payroll Specialist	Payroll Assistant
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 48%	Bachelor's Degree, 48%
Most common major	Business	Business
Most common college	University of Pennsylvania	University of Pennsylvania

Payroll specialist vs payroll assistant demographics

Here are the differences between payroll specialists' and payroll assistants' demographics:

	Payroll Specialist	Payroll Assistant
Average age	48	48
Gender ratio	Male, 17.3% Female, 82.7%	Male, 16.0% Female, 84.0%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 9.8% Unknown, 6.1% Hispanic or Latino, 18.2% Asian, 6.0% White, 58.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.5%	Black or African American, 9.3% Unknown, 6.1% Hispanic or Latino, 19.0% Asian, 6.1% White, 58.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.5%
LGBT Percentage	10%	10%

Differences between payroll specialist and payroll assistant duties and responsibilities

Payroll specialist example responsibilities.

Manage a bi-weekly payroll in accordance with establish processes, including auditing timekeeping records for compliance with establish standards and policies.
Handle all FMLA, insurance, employee benefits and processing the payroll on bi-weekly bases through the KRONOS timekeeping system.
Utilize KRONOS for timekeeping and to administer security access.
Prepare payroll journal entry and provide guidance in general ledger reconciliations pertaining to payroll general ledger accounts and labor expense distribution
Establish new hires in the KRONOS timekeeping system and provide guidance and assistance to associates to communicate their responsibilities regarding payroll/timekeeping.
Input employee data into Lawson payroll program while using the utmost integrity to keep information confidential.

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Payroll assistant example responsibilities.

Enter and update new employees into the timekeeping system KRONOS.
Perform payroll functions such as timekeeping and vacation days and submit to payroll.
Assist with the payroll process, time cards input and personal time off (PTO).
Prepare and input both weekly and biweekly payroll information using ADP software, ensuring information receive and transmit is accurate.
Process employee terminations including final pay calculations, PTO payment, deductions, and ensure payment meets state final pay requirements.
Maintain accurate records in PeopleSoft.

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Payroll specialist vs payroll assistant skills

Common payroll specialist skills

Customer Service, 13%
Data Entry, 7%
Payroll Data, 5%
Human Resources, 4%
ADP Workforce, 4%
Kronos, 3%

Common payroll assistant skills

Data Entry, 16%
Payroll System, 7%
Payroll Data, 6%
Human Resources, 5%
ADP, 5%
Payroll Checks, 4%

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Updated January 8, 2025

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