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Temporary Payroll Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Palomar Health

Temporary-Payroll Specialist

San Marcos, CA · On-site

$24 - $32.50/hr

... Temporary Shift Day Hours Per Shift 8 Hours Per Pay Period 80 Position at Palomar Health Description Responsible for timely and accurate production and distribution of payroll using Palomar Health ...

Solomon Page

Payroll Administrator

Carlsbad, CA · On-site

$25 - $30/hr

We are partnered with a name brand company seeking a temporary Payroll Administrator for 4 weeks with possibility of conversion. Pay rate: $25-$30/hour. Responsibilities * Process end-to-end payroll ...

Solomon Page

Payroll Analyst

Los Angeles, CA · 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 ...

Ohlone College

Payroll Officer (Temporary)

Fremont, CA · On-site

$38.23 - $42.16/hr

Payroll Officer (Temporary) at Ohlone College Share on X Print Application Deadline 8/17/2026 11:59 PM Pacific Date Posted 7/24/2026 Contact Human Resources (510) 659-6088 Number of Openings 1 Salary ...

PDS Health

Temporary Specialist, Payroll

Irvine, CA · On-site

$69K - $83K/yr

Overview The Payroll Specialist supports the Provider Payroll Team, ensuring accurate and timely payment to providers according to their contracts. This includes managing all or part of the tasks ...

PDS Health

Temporary Specialist, Payroll

Irvine, CA · On-site

$69K/yr

The Payroll Specialist supports the Provider Payroll Team, ensuring accurate and timely payment to providers according to their contracts. This includes managing all or part of the tasks required to ...

Insperity

Temporary Associate Payroll Specialist I

Brea, CA · On-site

$24.25 - $33.25/hr

Temporary Associate Payroll Specialist Summary This position is responsible for receiving payroll information from assigned clients and/or Payroll Specialists and provides support. This role resolves ...

Insperity

Temporary Associate Payroll Specialist I

Brea, CA · On-site

$24.25 - $33.25/hr

Temporary Associate Payroll Specialist Summary This position is responsible for receiving payroll information from assigned clients and/or Payroll Specialists and provides support. This role resolves ...

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All JobsPayroll JobsTemporary Payroll JobsTemporary Payroll Jobs in California

Temporary Payroll information

See California salary details

$13

$21

$30

How much do temporary payroll jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average hourly pay for temporary payroll in California is $21.94, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.75 and $24.42 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a temporary payroll position?

Temporary payroll positions involve managing the payroll process for a company or organization on a short-term basis. These roles may include tasks such as processing employee payments, handling tax deductions, maintaining payroll records, and ensuring compliance with labor laws. Temporary payroll professionals are often hired to cover staff absences, assist during busy periods, or help with special projects like year-end reporting. They play a crucial role in ensuring employees are paid accurately and on time, even when regular staff are unavailable.

What are some common challenges faced in a temporary payroll position, and how can they be managed effectively?

In a temporary payroll role, a common challenge is quickly adapting to new payroll systems and company-specific procedures within a short timeframe. Temporary payroll professionals must also ensure accuracy under tight deadlines and handle confidential employee data with care. Effective communication with HR and finance teams helps clarify any discrepancies and ensures smooth payroll processing. To manage these challenges, it's important to be proactive in asking questions, leveraging available training resources, and maintaining strong organizational skills.

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

To thrive as a Temporary Payroll Specialist, you need a solid understanding of payroll processes, attention to detail, and familiarity with labor laws, often supported by prior payroll experience or relevant coursework. Experience with payroll software such as ADP, Paychex, or QuickBooks, as well as proficiency in Microsoft Excel, is typically required. Strong organizational skills, discretion with confidential information, and effective communication make someone stand out in this position. These skills are crucial for ensuring payroll accuracy, legal compliance, and smooth coordination within the organization, especially during busy or transitional periods.

What is the difference between Temporary Payroll vs Payroll Specialist?

AspectTemporary PayrollPayroll Specialist
CredentialsNone required, on-the-job trainingTypically requires payroll certifications or related experience
Work EnvironmentTemporary assignments, often in multiple companiesPermanent position within a company or organization
Employer UsageUsed by staffing agencies and companies for short-term needsHired directly by companies for ongoing payroll management
Search/Comparison IntentTemporary Payroll vs Payroll Specialist

Temporary Payroll roles focus on short-term payroll processing, often filled through staffing agencies, with minimal credentials required. Payroll Specialists are permanent employees with specific payroll certifications, managing ongoing payroll functions within a company. The main difference lies in employment type and experience level, with Temporary Payroll roles offering flexibility and quick staffing solutions, while Payroll Specialists provide consistent, in-depth payroll management.

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

The most popular types of Payroll jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Temporary Payroll jobs?

Cities in California with the most Temporary Payroll job openings:

Temporary Payroll jobs near you
Infographic showing various Temporary Payroll job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $45,625 per year, or $21.9 per hour.

Benefits & Payroll Manager

Agility Recruiting

San Francisco, CA • On-site

$88K - $121K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision

Re-posted 3 days ago

Job description

Temporary Payroll and Benefits Manager Opportunity

A well established nonprofit is looking for a Temporary Payroll and Benefits Manager to own full cycle, biweekly payroll in Paylocity, from tax reporting and involuntary deductions to audit ready recordkeeping, giving someone the chance to run payroll end to end rather than just a piece of it.

This role comes with some real teeth: payroll experience within a unionized environment, applying CBA terms to compensation and overtime, plus deep CA labor law knowledge and hands on experience with San Francisco specific ordinances like HCSO. It's a strong fit for someone who wants their compliance expertise to actually be used, not just checked off a list.

On the benefits side, this is a chance to lead, not just administer, full benefits programs across medical, dental, vision, FSA/commuter, life, and disability, with direct ownership of invoice reconciliation, premium auditing, and a seat at the table with the insurance broker on plan design and renewals.

Looking for 4+ years of combined payroll and benefits management experience; SHRM certification is a strong plus.