ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Payroll Contractor Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Electric Motor Shop & Supply

Payroll Specialist

Fresno, CA · On-site

$20 - $25/hr

Payroll Specialist REPORTS TO: SR. Human Resource Generalist LOCATION: Fresno, CA SALARY: $20.00 ... Established in 1913, Electric Motor Shop is a premier electrical contractor, motor repair shop and ...

Electric Motor Shop & Supply

Payroll Specialist

Fresno, CA · On-site

$20 - $25/hr

Payroll Specialist REPORTS TO: SR. Human Resource Generalist LOCATION: Fresno, CA SALARY: $20.00 ... Established in 1913, Electric Motor Shop is a premier electrical contractor, motor repair shop and ...

High Light Electric Inc

Payroll Clerk

Colton, CA · On-site

$20 - $30/hr

... contractor workforce. We partner with Caltrans, municipalities, transit authorities, and ... THE ROLE The Payroll Clerk is a detail-oriented, compliance-focused support role responsible for ...

R D Olson Construction

Payroll Manager

Irvine, CA · On-site

$75K - $115K/yr

Olson Construction Commercial General Contractor - Hospitality & Multifamily Location: Irvine, CA (On-site) Position Summary We are seeking a hands-on Payroll Manager with direct, in-house payroll ...

R.D. Olson

Payroll Manager

Irvine, CA · On-site

Olson Construction Commercial General Contractor - Hospitality & Multifamily Location: Irvine, CA (On-site)Position SummaryWe are seeking a hands-on Payroll Manager with direct, in-house payroll ...

LHH US

Certified Payroll Specialist

Pasadena, CA · On-site

$33 - $38/hr

Serve as a primary contact for certified payroll inquiries from prime contractors and subcontractors * Monitor and manage incoming emails related to contracts, payroll reporting, and project details

LHH US

Certified Payroll Specialist

Pasadena, CA

$33 - $38/hr

Serve as a primary contact for certified payroll inquiries from prime contractors and subcontractors * Monitor and manage incoming emails related to contracts, payroll reporting, and project details

Bapko Metal Inc

Payroll Manager

Orange, CA · On-site

$100K - $125K/yr

... trusted self-performing contractors specializing in structural steel, miscellaneous steel ... Position Overview: The Payroll Manager is responsible for managing all aspects of payroll ...

BAPKO Metal, Inc.

Payroll Manager

Orange, CA · On-site

$100K - $125K/yr

... trusted self-performing contractors specializing in structural steel, miscellaneous steel ... Position Overview: The Payroll Manager is responsible for managing all aspects of payroll ...

BAPKO METAL INC

Payroll Manager

Orange, CA

$100K - $125K/yr

... trusted self-performing contractors specializing in structural steel, miscellaneous steel ... Position Overview: The Payroll Manager is responsible for managing all aspects of payroll ...

Solomon Page

Payroll Analyst

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$42 - $47/hr

Sub-contracted candidates or candidates that require immediate sponsorship cannot be considered ... Perform payroll adjustments in SAP * Reconcile and audit HR and payroll data * Set up of employee ...

MGE Underground, Inc.

Payroll Assistant

Paso Robles, CA · On-site

$24 - $28/hr

About MGE MGE Underground is a growing utility infrastructure contractor serving utility companies ... Assists with the handling of payroll related projects including year-end preparations ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsPayroll Contractor JobsPayroll Contractor Jobs in California

Payroll Contractor information

See California salary details

$41.5K

$88.2K

$131.3K

How much do payroll contractor jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 1, 2026, the average yearly pay for payroll contractor in California is $88,225.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $70,100.00 and $102,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the typical challenges faced by a Payroll Contractor, and how can they be managed effectively?

Payroll Contractors often encounter challenges such as staying updated with frequently changing tax laws, managing multiple clients with varying payroll systems, and ensuring strict deadlines are met for payroll processing. Effective organization, strong attention to detail, and ongoing professional development are key to managing these challenges. Building good communication with client HR and finance teams also helps streamline data collection and minimize errors, ensuring accurate and timely payroll delivery.

What is the highest paying contractor job?

In the field of payroll contracting, senior payroll managers or payroll directors tend to have the highest earning potential, often earning six-figure salaries due to their expertise in compliance, tax regulations, and payroll systems. These roles typically require extensive experience, certifications such as CPP or FPC, and the ability to manage large teams or complex payroll processes.

Can I put a contractor on payroll?

Payroll contractors are typically classified as independent contractors and are not placed on a company's payroll unless they are reclassified as employees, which involves changing their employment status and benefits. Employers must follow legal guidelines and tax regulations when transitioning a contractor to employee status, often requiring proper documentation and compliance with labor laws. Misclassification can lead to legal and financial penalties.

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

To thrive as a Payroll Contractor, you need expertise in payroll processing, tax regulations, and compliance, typically supported by a degree in accounting, finance, or related field. Familiarity with payroll software such as ADP, Paychex, or QuickBooks and certifications like the Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) are highly valued. Strong attention to detail, confidentiality, and effective communication skills help ensure accurate payroll processing and client satisfaction. These skills are crucial for maintaining legal compliance, minimizing errors, and fostering trust with clients or employers.

How much does a payroll consultant earn?

Payroll contractors typically earn between $20 and $50 per hour, depending on experience, location, and the complexity of payroll systems. Salaries can vary widely, with annual earnings ranging from approximately $40,000 to $100,000 for full-time roles, often requiring knowledge of payroll software and compliance regulations.

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 reaching six figures. These positions often require extensive experience, leadership skills, and knowledge of payroll systems and compliance regulations.

What is the difference between Payroll Contractor vs Payroll Specialist?

AspectPayroll ContractorPayroll Specialist
CredentialsTypically no formal certification required; experience preferredOften requires certifications like CPP or FPC
Work EnvironmentContract basis, often freelance or temporaryFull-time or part-time in an organization
Employer UsageHired by companies for specific payroll projects or seasonal needsEmployed directly by companies to manage payroll processes
Common Search IntentComparing freelance vs in-house payroll rolesUnderstanding payroll job responsibilities and qualifications

The main difference between a Payroll Contractor and a Payroll Specialist lies in employment status and certification. Payroll Contractors are usually temporary or freelance workers without formal payroll certifications, hired for specific projects. Payroll Specialists are typically full-time employees with relevant certifications, managing ongoing payroll functions within a company.

What are Payroll Contractors?

Payroll Contractors are professionals or agencies hired by organizations to manage and process employee payroll on a contract basis. They handle tasks such as calculating wages, withholding taxes, ensuring timely payments, and maintaining payroll records. By outsourcing payroll functions, companies can save time, reduce errors, and stay compliant with legal and tax regulations. Payroll Contractors may also assist with year-end tax forms and reporting. Their services are especially valuable for businesses without a dedicated in-house payroll team.
What are popular job titles related to Payroll Contractor jobs in California? For Payroll Contractor jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Payroll Contractor jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Payroll Contractor jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Payroll Contractor jobs? Cities in California with the most Payroll Contractor job openings:
Payroll Contractor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Payroll Contractor job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 3% Temporary. Highlights an 95% In-person, and 5% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $88,225 per year, or $42.4 per hour.

Workday Technical Payroll Contractor

Interon IT Solutions

San Francisco, CA • On-site

$27.75 - $37.75/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 5 days ago

Job description

We are seeking a Workday Technical Payroll Contractor with Workday Studio expertise to join our team. This role is designed for a technical "heavy hitter" who thrives in a fast-paced, high-velocity environment. Work Arrangement: This position has a strong preference for candidates able to work onsite 3 days per week at our office. This onsite presence is critical for real-time collaboration with our Payroll and Finance stakeholders during high-intensity pay cycles and project sprints. Key Responsibilities ● Advanced Integration Development: Design, build, and maintain complex, bi-directional integrations using Workday Studio, specifically focusing on payroll data exchange with third-party providers. ● High-Speed Troubleshooting: Serve as the technical escalation point for critical payroll errors. Perform rapid root-cause analysis on Studio assembly failures, PECI/PICOF discrepancies, and XML/XSLT issues. ● Complex Configuration: Manage the technical setup of earnings, deductions, and pay groups, utilizing advanced Calculated Fields to handle intricate math and logic requirements. ● Onsite Collaboration: Partner directly with the Payroll team 3 days a week to troubleshoot "live" issues, participate in whiteboard architecture sessions, and lead UAT sessions. ● Data Transformation: Utilize XSLT, Java, and MVEL within Workday Studio to handle sophisticated data mapping and transformation requirements for global payroll compliance. ● Performance Tuning: Optimize existing Studio integrations to ensure they run efficiently within Workday’s runtime limits.
Technical Requirements & Environment Fit Payroll Framework - Deep knowledge of Workday Payroll, including PECI, PICOF, and Cloud Connect. Development Tools - Proficiency in XML, XSLT, XPath, and Web Services (SOAP, REST). Availability - Ability to be onsite 3 days per week (Strongly Preferred).Professional Attributes