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Penn State University Payroll Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The Pennsylvania State University

$23.25 - $31.50/hr

CURRENT PENN STATE STUDENT (not employed previously at the university) and seeking employment with ... payroll researcher. Provide support to our research activity on the structure and function of SARS ...

Shake Smart Inc

Penn State University

State College, PA · On-site

Shake Smart is a growing nutrition brand specializing in freshly made protein shakes, convenient meal replacements, and healthy on the the go foods. Shake Smart is owned and managed by a young group ...

Shake Smart

Penn State University

State College, PA · On-site

Shake Smart is a growing nutrition brand specializing in freshly made protein shakes, convenient meal replacements, and healthy on the the go foods. Shake Smart is owned and managed by a young group ...

The Pennsylvania State University

$23.25 - $31.50/hr

CURRENT PENN STATE STUDENT (not employed previously at the university) and seeking employment with ... The Center for Eukaryotic Gene Regulation invites applications for a part-time wage-payroll ...

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Penn State University Payroll information

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$42K

$89.4K

$133K

How much do penn state university payroll jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 25, 2026, the average yearly pay for penn state university payroll in the United States is $89,396.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $71,000.00 and $104,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is Penn State University payroll?

Penn State University Payroll is the department responsible for processing and distributing employee compensation for all faculty, staff, and student workers at Penn State. This includes managing paychecks, direct deposits, tax withholdings, and compliance with federal and state regulations. The Payroll office also handles questions about timesheets, W-2 forms, and salary deductions. Their goal is to ensure that all university employees are paid accurately and on time while maintaining confidentiality and compliance.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a payroll specialist at Penn State University?

To excel as a Payroll Specialist at Penn State University, you need a solid understanding of payroll processes, accounting principles, and compliance regulations, often supported by a degree in accounting or a related field. Familiarity with payroll software such as Workday, PeopleSoft, or similar HRIS systems, and certifications like the Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) are highly beneficial. Attention to detail, strong organizational abilities, and effective communication are vital soft skills for managing sensitive information and working with diverse stakeholders. These competencies ensure payroll accuracy, compliance with university and legal standards, and timely resolution of payroll issues.

What are some common challenges faced by payroll professionals at a large university like Penn State, and how can candidates prepare for them?

Payroll professionals at a large institution like Penn State University often handle complex payroll processes for a diverse employee base, including faculty, staff, and student workers. Challenges can include navigating different pay schedules, ensuring compliance with various state and federal regulations, and resolving discrepancies quickly. Candidates can prepare by familiarizing themselves with multi-state payroll laws, gaining experience with payroll software systems (such as Workday), and developing strong attention to detail and communication skills to effectively collaborate with HR and finance departments.

What is the difference between Penn State University Payroll vs Penn State University Human Resources?

AspectPenn State University PayrollPenn State University Human Resources
Primary ResponsibilitiesProcessing employee wages, managing payroll records, ensuring compliance with tax lawsRecruitment, employee relations, benefits administration, policy development
Required CredentialsPayroll certification, accounting or finance backgroundHR certifications, degree in human resources or related field
Work EnvironmentOffice setting, finance or administrative departmentOffice setting, HR department
Employer & Industry UsageUsed across university departments for payroll processingUsed across university departments for HR management

While Penn State University Payroll focuses on employee compensation and payroll processing, Penn State University Human Resources handles broader employee management, including recruitment and benefits. Both roles are essential within the university's administrative structure but serve distinct functions.

More about Penn State University Payroll jobs

What job categories do people searching Penn State University Payroll jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Penn State University Payroll jobs are:

Penn State University Payroll jobs near you
Infographic showing various Penn State University Payroll job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 72% Full Time, 24% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $89,396 per year, or $43 per hour.

Part-Time Wage Payroll

University Park, PA • On-site

Penn State University
51 - 200 employees

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 104 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

232nd of 622 rated colleges and universities

People enjoy working here

Good employer

Recommended by students

Learn more about Penn State Universityexternal

$23 - $31.25/hr

Part-time

Re-posted 19 days ago

Job description

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:
  • CURRENT PENN STATE EMPLOYEE (faculty, staff, technical service, or student), please login to Workday to complete the internal application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
  • CURRENT PENN STATE STUDENT (not employed previously at the university) and seeking employment with Penn State, please login to Workday to complete the student application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
  • If you are NOT a current employee or student, please click "Apply" and complete the application process for external applicants.

Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location. For additional information on remote work at Penn State, see Notice to Out of State Applicants.
JOB DESCRIPTION AND POSITION REQUIREMENTS
The research lab of Dr. Katsuhiko Murakami in the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at Penn State is seeking a wage payroll researcher.
Provide support to our research activity on the structure and function of SARS-CoV_2 main protease complexes by cryo-electron microscopy and biochemical methods.
The successful applicant should be an undergraduate student majoring biochemistry or molecular biology. Applications must be submitted electronically and include a curriculum vitae. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.
BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES
Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.
CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS
Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here.
EEO IS THE LAW
Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473.
The Pennsylvania State University is committed to and accountable for advancing equity, respect, and belonging. We embrace individual uniqueness, as well as a culture of belonging that supports equity initiatives, leverages the educational and institutional benefits of inclusion in society, and provides opportunities for engagement intended to help all members of the community thrive. We value belonging as a core strength and an essential element of the university's teaching, research, and service mission.
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