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Payroll Analyst Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Payroll Analyst

Roseville, CA ยท On-site

$37 - $40/hr

We are looking for an experienced Payroll Analyst to support a growing engineering organization in Roseville, California. This Long-term Contract opportunity is ideal for a detail-oriented payroll ...

Payroll Analyst

Los Angeles, CA ยท Hybrid

$70K - $84K/yr

Payroll Analyst Reports to: Senior Payroll Manager Anticipated Hiring Range: $70,304 - $84,000 Annually Classification: Full-time, 40 hours, exempt, benefits eligible Schedule: Hybrid 1-3 day/week in ...

Payroll Analyst

Los Angeles, CA ยท On-site

$70K - $84K/yr

Payroll Analyst Reports to: Senior Payroll Manager Anticipated Hiring Range: $70,304 - $84,000 Annually Classification: Full-time, 40 hours, exempt, benefits eligible Schedule: Hybrid 1-3 day/week in ...

POSITION SUMMARY The Payroll Analyst is responsible for processing, auditing, and analyzing payroll to ensure accuracy and timely delivery of employee compensation. The role maintains data integrity ...

Payroll Analyst

Mojave, CA ยท On-site

$85K - $128K/yr

A Payroll Analyst plays a key role in ensuring accurate, timely, and compliant payroll operations for all employees. This position supports the full payroll cycle by maintaining employee data ...

Payroll Analyst

Placerville, CA ยท On-site

$30.86 - $37.04/hr

POSITION SUMMARY The Payroll Analyst is responsible for processing, auditing, and analyzing payroll to ensure accuracy and timely delivery of employee compensation. The role maintains data integrity ...

Payroll Analyst II

Diamond Bar, CA ยท On-site

$82K - $118K/yr

Payroll Analyst II The Payroll Analyst II will administer and oversee all aspects of domestic payroll processing. This role will serve as the first point of contact for all payroll, tax, and par ...

Payroll Analyst

Los Angeles, CA ยท On-site

$42 - $47/hr

Our client, a global media company, is looking for a temporary Payroll Analyst to join their team! This will be a fully onsite role working out of their office in Hollywood. The successful candidate ...

Payroll Analyst

Compton, CA ยท On-site

$78K - $94K/yr

Perform payroll-related research and analysis at the request of the Payroll Manager. Maintain internal relationship with Human Resources department, including mutual process dependencies, information ...

Senior Payroll Analyst Location: San Jose, CA (onsite) Ayar Labs is shattering AI data bottlenecks by moving data at the speed of light. As pioneers of co-packaged optics (CPO), we are using light ...

SUMMARY The HR & Payroll Analyst is responsible for managing payroll operations and supporting key HR functions, including payroll accounting, labor cost analysis, HRIS administration, 401(k) ...

Payroll Analyst

San Francisco, CA ยท On-site

$100K - $132K/yr

S. payroll is executed with 100% accuracy and compliance. This role is far more than data entry; you will be the technical lead for Workday payroll auditing, the subject matter expert for Leave of ...

Payroll Analyst

San Francisco, CA ยท On-site

$86K - $103K/yr

Run payroll across US entities and states: salaried, hourly, and everything a 24/7 multi-site workforce generates. * Own the payroll close: reconciliations, accruals, and the tie-out to the general ...

The Senior Payroll Analyst is responsible for ensuring accurate, timely, and compliant payroll processing while serving as a subject matter expert for payroll operations, payroll systems, and ...

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Payroll Analyst information

See California salary details

$17

$33

$53

How much do payroll analyst jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for payroll analyst in California is $33.59, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $26.35 and $37.26 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a payroll analyst do?

A payroll analyst maintains payroll accounts and processes accounting paperwork. As a payroll analyst, your job duties may include preparing payroll audits, creating garnishment reports, and advising the payroll department on complex transactions. You may also coordinate with other departments such as human resources and finance, complete new employment verification, and communicate any changes in payroll to employees. The career requires extensive knowledge of the laws and regulations in your state concerning employee compensation.

What does a payroll analyst do?

A Payroll Analyst is responsible for ensuring that employees are paid accurately and on time by processing payroll, auditing records, and maintaining compliance with relevant laws and regulations. They analyze payroll data, resolve discrepancies, and prepare reports for management. Payroll Analysts also stay updated on tax regulations and company policies to ensure payroll processes run smoothly and efficiently.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a payroll analyst, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Payroll Analyst, you need a solid understanding of payroll processes, tax regulations, and accounting principles, often supported by a relevant degree or certification such as the Certified Payroll Professional (CPP). Familiarity with payroll software (e.g., ADP, SAP, Paychex) and advanced Excel skills are typically required. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and strong communication skills set exceptional Payroll Analysts apart. These competencies ensure accurate payroll processing, compliance with regulations, and clear communication with employees and management.

How does a payroll analyst typically collaborate with HR and Finance teams?

Payroll Analysts work closely with both HR and Finance departments to ensure accurate and timely payroll processing. They often coordinate with HR to verify employee information, benefits, and timekeeping records, while partnering with Finance to reconcile payroll data, manage budgets, and support audits. Strong communication and collaboration skills are essential, as Payroll Analysts frequently act as a bridge between departments to resolve discrepancies and streamline payroll-related processes.

What is the difference between Payroll Analyst vs Payroll Specialist?

AspectPayroll AnalystPayroll Specialist
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in finance, accounting, or related field; certifications like CPP or FPC beneficialHigh school diploma or equivalent; certifications like CPP or FPC preferred
Work EnvironmentOffice setting, often in finance or HR departmentsOffice environment, typically within HR or payroll departments
Employer & Industry UsageUsed across various industries including corporate, healthcare, and governmentCommonly found in retail, healthcare, and corporate sectors
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding roles, responsibilities, and qualificationsClarifying job duties and required skills

While both Payroll Analysts and Payroll Specialists work within payroll departments, Payroll Analysts focus more on analyzing payroll data, ensuring compliance, and improving processes. Payroll Specialists handle day-to-day payroll processing, data entry, and employee inquiries. The roles often overlap, but Analysts typically require more analytical skills and certifications.

Are payroll analysts in demand?

Payroll analysts are in demand due to the ongoing need for accurate employee compensation processing and compliance with tax laws. Organizations across various industries seek professionals skilled in payroll software, data analysis, and regulatory knowledge to ensure efficient payroll operations.

Do you need a degree to be a payroll analyst?

A degree is not always required to become a payroll analyst, but many employers prefer candidates with a bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, or a related field. Relevant skills such as proficiency with payroll software, attention to detail, and understanding of payroll laws are also important for the role.

What are the most commonly searched types of Payroll Analyst jobs in California?

The most popular types of Payroll Analyst jobs in California are:

What job categories do people searching Payroll Analyst jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Payroll Analyst jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Payroll Analyst jobs?

Cities in California with the most Payroll Analyst job openings:

What are popular job titles related to Payroll Analyst jobs in CA?

For Payroll Analyst jobs in CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Payroll Analyst job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 79% Physical, 8% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $69,876 per year, or $33.6 per hour.

Payroll Analyst

Roseville, CA โ€ข On-site

Robert Half
Recruiting and Staffing Servicesย โ€ขย 10K+ employees

$37 - $40/hr

Temporary

Posted 5 days ago


Job description

We are looking for an experienced Payroll Analyst to support a growing engineering organization in Roseville, California. This Long-term Contract opportunity is ideal for a detail-oriented payroll analyst who brings strong knowledge of California regulations, experience handling payroll across multiple states, and the ability to work onsite in a fast-paced environment. The person in this role will help strengthen payroll operations, support payroll system-related projects, and ensure accurate, compliant processing for a large employee population.
Responsibilities:
• Oversee payroll activities for employees across California and other states, maintaining accuracy, timeliness, and compliance with applicable laws.
• Partner with human resources, finance, information technology, and business leaders to coordinate payroll system implementation efforts and support a smooth rollout.
• Apply in-depth knowledge of California payroll rules, including overtime, wage and hour standards, meal and rest break requirements, and payroll tax obligations.
• Configure and validate payroll elements such as earnings, deductions, taxes, benefits, time records, and reporting outputs within payroll systems.
• Perform testing, issue resolution, and process troubleshooting related to payroll workflows, integrations, and system functionality.
• Assess existing payroll procedures, identify control gaps or compliance risks, and recommend practical improvements to strengthen operations.
• Support data conversion and system integration activities to help ensure payroll information is transferred accurately and completely.
• Process full-cycle payroll for a large workforce while maintaining detailed records and responding to payroll-related questions as needed.• Demonstrated experience managing full-cycle payroll in a high-volume environment, including payroll populations of 500 or more employees.
• Strong working knowledge of California payroll laws and multistate payroll practices.
• Hands-on experience with ADP Workforce Now and other payroll platforms used for processing, testing, and reporting.
• Ability to support payroll implementations, including configuration review, data validation, and user acceptance testing.
• Solid understanding of payroll components such as taxes, deductions, benefits, timekeeping, and compliance reporting.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to identify discrepancies and resolve payroll issues efficiently.
• Availability to work onsite 40 hours per week in Roseville, California.

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About Robert Half

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Founded in 1948, Robert Half pioneered the idea of professional talent solutions to connect opportunities at great companies with highly skilled job seekers. As business needs changed, we evolved to offer specialized talent solutions for finance and accounting, technology, administrative and customer support, creative and marketing, and legal fields. In 2002, we introduced our subsidiary, Protiviti, a global independent risk consulting and internal audit service, to support companies as they faced more strategic business challenges.

Industry

Recruiting and staffing services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

San Ramon, CA, US

Year founded

1948