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Contract Payroll Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Kiwa

Payroll Specialist (contract)

Houston, TX · Hybrid

$22.50 - $30.50/hr

About the role The Payroll Specialist role requires recent ADP Workforce Now experience and the ability to quickly assume ownership of payroll operations, effectively leverage the available knowledge ...

Rosendin

Payroll Specialist - Contract

Charlotte, NC

$22 - $30/hr

The Payroll Specialist is responsible for processing biweekly payroll for multiple companies and supporting multiple areas in payroll-related requests. WHAT YOU'LL DO: * Prioritize and audit time ...

Rosendin

Field Payroll Admin - Contract

Abilene, TX · On-site

$23.75 - $32/hr

... contracts and labor laws. * Submit requests and make sure certain employees have the devices and access to software they need to perform their time entry and payroll responsibilities. * The duties ...

inFocus Payroll LLC

Payroll Specialist - FT

Chicago, IL

$24.25 - $33/hr

The Payroll Specialist is accountable and responsible for all aspects of quality service for ... This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an "at will ...

inFocus Payroll LLC

Payroll Specialist - FT

Chicago, IL · On-site

$24.25 - $33/hr

The Payroll Specialist is accountable and responsible for all aspects of quality service for ... This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an "at will ...

inFocus Payroll LLC

Payroll Specialist - FT

Chicago, IL

$24.25 - $33/hr

The Payroll Specialist is accountable and responsible for all aspects of quality service for ... This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an "at will ...

Robert Half

Payroll Administrator

Dayton, OH · Remote

$25.34 - $32/hr

We are looking for a Payroll Administrator to join a growing team in Scottsdale, Arizona in a contract-to-permanent capacity. This position focuses on delivering accurate payroll operations for a ...

Martignetti Corp.

Payroll Supervisor (Payroll)

Taunton, MA · On-site

$85K - $95K/yr

... contract requirements • Review payroll audits, reports, and reconciliations to identify discrepancies and ensure payroll accuracy • Support payroll-related processes, including union and vendor ...

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How much do contract payroll jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 22, 2026, the average hourly pay for contract payroll in the United States is $27.40, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $22.60 and $30.77 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals in contract payroll roles, and how can they be managed?

Professionals in contract payroll roles often encounter challenges such as managing multiple client accounts with varying pay schedules, staying up-to-date with frequent changes in tax regulations, and ensuring strict compliance with labor laws. Effective organization, attention to detail, and consistent communication with clients are crucial for success. Utilizing updated payroll software and attending regular compliance training can also help mitigate errors and streamline processes.

How much does a payroll consultant cost?

The cost of a payroll consultant typically ranges from $50 to $150 per hour, depending on experience, location, and the complexity of payroll services required. Some consultants may offer fixed project rates or retainer agreements for ongoing support.

What is the highest paying job in payroll?

The highest paying roles in payroll typically include Payroll Director or Payroll Manager at large organizations, with salaries often exceeding six figures. These positions require extensive experience, leadership skills, and knowledge of payroll systems and compliance regulations.

How much does a payroll consultant earn?

Payroll consultants typically earn between $50,000 and $80,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and certifications. Senior or specialized consultants can earn higher salaries, especially when working with complex payroll systems or in high-demand industries.

What is the difference between Contract Payroll vs Contract Accountant?

AspectContract PayrollContract Accountant
Required CredentialsBasic payroll processing knowledge, sometimes certifications like ADP or PaychexAccounting degree, CPA or similar certifications often preferred
Work EnvironmentPayroll departments, HR teams, or outsourced payroll firmsAccounting firms, finance departments, or freelance accounting roles
Employer & Industry UsageUsed across industries for payroll managementUsed in finance, accounting, and auditing sectors
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding payroll-specific roles and contractsComparing accounting roles and contract work

Contract Payroll roles focus on processing employee wages, tax deductions, and compliance, often requiring payroll-specific certifications. Contract Accountant positions involve broader accounting responsibilities, financial analysis, and often require accounting degrees and certifications. While both are contract-based finance roles, Contract Payroll is specialized in payroll management, whereas Contract Accountants handle comprehensive accounting tasks.

Do contract jobs pay higher?

Contract payroll jobs often pay higher hourly rates compared to permanent positions to compensate for the lack of benefits and job security. However, total compensation may be lower over time due to the absence of benefits like health insurance and retirement plans. Pay rates can also vary based on industry, skill level, and project duration.

What is contract payroll?

Contract payroll refers to the process of managing and processing payroll for employees who are hired on a contract basis rather than as permanent staff. This involves handling payments, withholding taxes, and ensuring compliance with labor laws specific to contract workers. Contract payroll can be managed internally by a company or outsourced to specialized payroll service providers. It helps businesses remain flexible with staffing while ensuring contractors are paid correctly and on time.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Contract Payroll Specialist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Contract Payroll Specialist, you need a solid understanding of payroll processes, tax regulations, and relevant labor laws, often backed by experience in finance or accounting and sometimes a payroll certification like CPP. Familiarity with payroll software systems such as ADP, Paychex, or QuickBooks is typically required to efficiently manage payroll tasks. Excellent attention to detail, discretion, and strong communication skills help ensure accuracy and maintain confidentiality while collaborating with employees and management. These skills are crucial for ensuring timely and compliant payroll processing, which supports employee satisfaction and organizational integrity.
More about Contract Payroll jobs
What cities are hiring for Contract Payroll jobs? Cities with the most Contract Payroll job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Payroll jobs? The most popular types of Payroll jobs are:
What states have the most Contract Payroll jobs? States with the most job openings for Contract Payroll jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Contract Payroll jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Contract Payroll jobs are:
Contract Payroll jobs near you
Infographic showing various Contract Payroll job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Full Time, 17% Temporary, and 33% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $56,982 per year, or $27.4 per hour.

Payroll Specialist (contract)

Kiwa

Houston, TX • Hybrid

$22.50 - $30.50/hr

Temporary

Posted 6 days ago

Job description

Job SummaryPPI Quality & Engineering is partnering with Kiwa North America to hire a Payroll Specialist for a temporary, project-based assignment to ensure continuity of payroll operations during a transition period.About the role

The Payroll Specialist role requires recent ADP Workforce Now experience and the ability to quickly assume ownership of payroll operations, effectively leverage the available knowledge transfer period, independently process payroll, and document procedures and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to support business continuity. Based on business needs, organizational growth, and individual performance, there may be an opportunity to be considered for future full-time employment.

Location: Houston, TX 77024

Key Responsibilities

  • Independently process established multi-state payroll using ADP Workforce Now.
  • Ensure accurate and timely payroll processing in compliance with federal, state, and local regulations.
  • Participate in a knowledge transfer to capture critical payroll processes, dependencies, institutional knowledge, and undocumented procedures.
  • Perform payroll reconciliations and resolve payroll discrepancies.
  • Process employee changes, garnishments, taxes, deductions, and payroll adjustments within established payroll processes.
  • Generate payroll reports and support month-end, year-end, and audit activities.
  • Document end-to-end payroll workflows and develop Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to support business continuity.
  • Identify opportunities to improve payroll efficiency, documentation, and internal controls.
Do you have what it takes?

Required

  • 3+ years of hands-on payroll processing experience
  • Recent experience processing payroll using ADP Workforce
  • Experience processing established multi-state payroll
  • Strong knowledge of payroll tax regulations and federal, state, and local wage and hour compliance
  • Advanced Microsoft Excel skills
  • Demonstrated ability to document processes and develop Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
  • Excellent analytical, organizational, and documentation skills

Preferred

  • Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) certification
What can you expect from us in return?
  • An opportunity to make an immediate impact by ensuring continuity of critical payroll operations during a key transition period.
  • A temporary, project-based assignment anticipated to last approximately 1-3 months, with the potential for extension or future full-time employment based on business needs, organizational growth, and individual performance.
  • A collaborative, professional work environment with a structured knowledge transfer to support a successful transition.
  • Exposure to a dynamic, global organization and the opportunity to contribute to process improvements and the development of payroll standard operating procedures (SOPs).
  • A hybrid work schedule following the initial training and knowledge transfer period, based on business needs.
Employment Type: TEMPORARY

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