Payroll administrator | Average UK Salary & Outlook

Payroll administrators make sure employees get paid the right amount on the right date.

Related jobs: Payroll manager
  • Process and issue employee paychecks and statements of earnings and deductions.  
  • Compute wages and deductions, and enter data into computers.  
  • Review time sheets, work charts, wage computation, and other information to detect and reconcile payroll discrepancies.  
  • Compile employee time, production, and payroll data from time sheets and other records.  
  • Process
Read more about Payroll administrator

Payroll administrators typically work around 37 to 39 hours per week.

As a Payroll administrator you will typically work between 8am and 6pm.

This occupation tends to be:

  • Conventional — Conventional occupations frequently involve following set procedures and routines. These occupations can include working with data and details more than with ideas. Usually there is a clear line of authority to follow.
  • Enterprising — Enterprising occupations frequently involve starting up and carrying out
    • Read more about Payroll administrator
    * from ONETonline
    Average salary
    29,527 GBP *
    per year
    15,000 GBP
    28,000 GBP
    Starting
    5+ Experience
    * data taken from the Office of National Statistics (ons.gov.uk)

    Salary statistics

    Average salary for Payroll administrator

    • 31,832 GBP
    • 28,254 GBP
    Average salary for part-time Payroll administrator
    Average salary for full-time Payroll administrator

    Showing:
    Part-time Full-time
    • 12,453 GBP
    • 12,650 GBP
    • 11,096 GBP
    • 29,527 GBP
    • 28,254 GBP
    • 31,832 GBP
    Salary over time for Payroll administrator

    Salary for this role has increased over time
    • 25,776 GBP
    • 25,774 GBP
    • 26,198 GBP
    • 27,141 GBP
    • 27,084 GBP
    • 28,539 GBP
    • 29,527 GBP
    • 29,217 GBP
    • 30,272 GBP
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    Future outlook for Payroll administrators

    pointer
    Fair outlook
    290 000+ jobs available
    pointer
    Balanced outlook
    2% yearly wage growth (on average)
    pointer
    Balanced outlook
    56% chance of automation in the future

    Payroll administrator - Your future job?


    Which qualifications do I need?

    Find out what you need to know in order to become a Payroll administrator and the highest average level of education for people in this role.

    In terms of people already doing this job:

    • 39% of people in this role have GCSEs or equivalent
    • 21% of people in this role have a certificate of higher education or equivalent but no degree
    • 17% of people in this role have a Diploma of Higher Education or equivalent

    You can do an introductory course in bookkeeping and payroll, which can be studied at a college or by distance learning. Courses include:

    • Foundation Certificate in Bookkeeping
    • Level 1 Certificate in Payroll
    • Level 1 or 2 Certificate in Bookkeeping

    Get the right qualification to begin your journey to becoming a Payroll administrator

    Payroll

    What soft skills do I need?

    Rise above the competition by brushing up on the 5 most important soft skills you need to become a Payroll administrator.
    Active Listening Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times
    Reading Comprehension Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents
    Speaking Talking to others to convey information effectively
    Critical Thinking Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems
    Writing Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience

    What technical skills do I need?

    Technical skills are programmes, softwares and things you need to know in order to be a successful Payroll administrator. Check that you know:
    1
    Accounting software Fund accounting software; Intuit QuickBooks
    2
    Electronic mail software Email software; IBM Notes
    3
    Enterprise resource planning ERP software
    4
    Human resources software API Navigator; Human Resource MicroSystems HR Entre; Sage Abra HRMS; Ultimate Software UltiPro Workplace
    5
    Time accounting software Kronos Workforce Payroll; UNITIME; Virtual Software Virtual Timecard; WorkForce Software EmpCenter Time and Attendance
    Improve your skills today

    Payroll

    Things to highlight for your Payroll administrator interview

    Integrity Job requires being honest and ethical. Attention to Detail Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks. Dependability Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations. Cooperation Job requires being pleasant with others on the job and displaying a good-natured, cooperative attitude. Concern for Others Job requires being sensitive to others' needs and feelings and being understanding and helpful on the job.

    Not sure if you are in the right job?

    Take our career change quiz

    Related jobs

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    Payroll manager

    This job has a fair outlook, which could mean that wage growth is not as rapid in this role.
    29,527 GBP
     
    Fair outlook