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Payroll Contractor Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

LHH US

Certified Payroll/Labor Compliance

Pasadena, CA

$33 - $37/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

Prim

Payroll Coordinator

Irvine, CA

$24.25 - $32.25/hr

Job Overview: Primoris Services Corporation Payroll Coordinator responsible for managing and ... Primoris Services Corporation is a premier specialty contractor providing critical infrastructure ...

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 ...

LHH US

Certified Payroll/Labor Compliance

Pasadena, CA

$33 - $37/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

VOLT

Payroll Specialist

Riverside, CA · On-site

$21 - $23/hr

As a Payroll Specialist you will: * Day to Day Responsibilities * Answer employee questions ... and contracted partners. Frequency varies for text messages. Message and data rates may apply.

LHH US

Certified Payroll Specialist

Mira Loma, CA · On-site

$30 - $34/hr

Coordinate with external stakeholders such as general contractors, subcontractors, unions, and government agencies * Assist with month-end and year-end payroll processing, reporting, and ...

Thuma

Payroll Administrator

San Francisco, CA

$95K - $120K/yr

... EORs, contractor classifications, compliance and payment processes. This Might Describe You * 5+ ... S. payroll laws, tax regulations, and compliance requirements * Experience with payroll systems (e ...

Thuma

Payroll Administrator

San Francisco, CA

$3.0K/wk

... EORs, contractor classifications, compliance and payment processes. This Might Describe You * 5+ ... S. payroll laws, tax regulations, and compliance requirements * Experience with payroll systems (e ...

Anthropic

Director of Payroll

San Francisco, CA · On-site

Direct people management experience - you've managed at least one FTE directly, not just contractors or mentorship relationships * Strong Workday experience - payroll module preferred; HCM with ...

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Showing results 21-40

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 14, 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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a payroll contractor?

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.

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 is a payroll contractor?

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 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 August 2026, with employment types broken down into 71% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 17% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $88,225 per year, or $42.4 per hour.

Certified Payroll/Labor Compliance

LHH US

Pasadena, CA

$33 - $37/hr

Contractor

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 9 days ago

Job description

Certified Payroll Specialist
Location: Pasadena, CA
Pay Rate: $33-37/hour, based on experience
Employment Type: Contract-to-Hire
Schedule: Monday-Friday | 7:00 AM-4:00 PM or 8:00 AM-5:00 PM
We are looking for a detail-driven Certified Payroll Specialist to support construction-related certified payroll operations. This role plays a key part in ensuring payroll accuracy, compliance, and timely reporting while partnering with internal teams, contractors, and subcontractors.
Primary Responsibilities
  • Process weekly certified payroll for employees, including uploads, validations, and report distribution
  • Review and process subcontractor certified payroll submissions for compliance and completeness
  • Maintain organized certified payroll records and project documentation
  • 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
  • Track and update project information using Excel spreadsheets
  • Assist with certified payroll project start-up documentation and onboarding
  • Support preparation of union reports, status letters, and compliance-related documentation
  • Provide backup assistance for certified payroll reporting and distribution as needed
  • Perform general administrative tasks such as filing, copying, and record management
  • Complete additional duties as assigned by the Certified Payroll Manager
Qualifications & Experience
  • Minimum of 2+ years of union payroll experience (construction payroll experience preferred)
  • Prior certified payroll experience strongly preferred but not required
  • At least 2 years of high-volume data entry experience with a strong emphasis on accuracy
  • Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and working knowledge of Microsoft Word
  • Strong 10-key skills with demonstrated accuracy
  • Proven customer service skills with professional and courteous communication
  • Ability to manage multiple priorities with overlapping deadlines
  • Comfortable working in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment
  • Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills
  • Strong ability to learn new systems and adapt quickly
  • Willingness to work overtime or weekends as business needs require
Preferred Systems Experience
  • Familiarity with LCP Tracker and DIR reporting
Pay Details: $33.00 to $37.00 per hour
Search managed by: Allison Lau
Benefit offerings available for our associates include medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, additional voluntary benefits, EAP program, commuter benefits and a 401K plan. Our benefit offerings provide employees the flexibility to choose the type of coverage that meets their individual needs. In addition, our associates may be eligible for paid leave including Paid Sick Leave or any other paid leave required by Federal, State, or local law, as well as Holiday pay where applicable.
Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled
Military connected talent encouraged to apply
To read our Candidate Privacy Information Statement, which explains how we will use your information, please navigate to https://www.lhh.com/us/en/candidate-privacy
The Company will consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records in accordance with federal, state, and local laws and/or security clearance requirements, including, as applicable:
  • The California Fair Chance Act
  • Los Angeles City Fair Chance Ordinance
  • Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers
  • San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance
Massachusetts Candidates Only: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.