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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 ...

Ohlone College

Payroll Officer (Temporary)

Fremont, CA · On-site

$38.23 - $42.16/hr

... payroll processes, policies and procedures. Employment Status * This is a temporary position, limited to a maximum of 165 working days within a fiscal year. * This position is not eligible for ...

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

$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 ...

Elite Forces Staffing

Be Seen First

Payroll Administrator

Fullerton, CA · On-site

$29 - $30/hr

Payroll Administrator | Temp-to-Permanent We're hiring an experienced Payroll Administrator for a full-time, temp-to-permanent opportunity in Fullerton, CA ! Pay: $29-$30/hr Location: Fullerton ...

LHH US

Payroll Coordinator

Pasadena, CA · On-site

$30 - $33/hr

Temporary-to-Hire Compensation: $30.00-$33.00 Hourly Our client, a well-established organization in Pasadena, is seeking a detail-oriented Payroll Coordinator to join their team on a temp-to-hire ...

Transition Staffing Group

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Payroll Specialist

San Diego, CA · On-site

$70K - $75K/yr

Experience processing multi-state payroll and working with a major enterprise payroll system (such ... temp

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All JobsPayroll JobsTemporary Payroll JobsTemporary Payroll Jobs in California

Temporary Payroll information

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How much do temporary payroll jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 20, 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.

Temporary-Payroll Specialist

Palomar Health

San Marcos, CA • On-site

$24 - $32.50/hr

Temporary

PTO

Re-posted 6 hours ago

Palomar Health rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 16 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Responsible for timely and accurate production and distribution of payroll using Palomar Health's software and procedures. Ensures the timely distribution of accurate data into Palomar Health's financial systems. Provides excellent customer service to internal and external customers on payroll and timecard related issues in accordance with Palomar Health's customer service standards. Assists in educating timecard approvers and timekeepers on timecard review and approval procedures, processes and system. Provides timely responses to all payroll related inquires. Processes and/or assists with the processing of Palomar Health's bi-weekly payroll. Communicates with employees and other departments to answer questions and resolve problems. Researches, analyzes and resolves payroll related problems or questions by collecting and analyzing information. Runs reports from time & attendance system and payroll system and reviews and balances reports to ensure accuracy of payroll processing. Accurately process manual checks, voids, reversals, and adjustment requests into the payroll system, including time and PTO accruals, per department procedure. Provides support for account reconciliation concerning reversals, stop pays and partial ACH reissues as processed. Prepares and/or assists with preparation of timely and accurate tax (state and federal), FICA, and W-2 reports, forms, and mailings. Processes wage garnishments and liens in accordance with federal and state laws. Maintains up-to-date payroll knowledge including state and federal wage and payroll law and informs management of changes needed to ensure compliance. Prepare and/or assists in the preparation of periodic/special reports for government agencies, tax authorities, department requests etc. Responds to various audit and tax agency queries and requests. Understands, interprets, and assists in the development of procedures for improving the overall efficiency and performance of the payroll department. Performs other duties and special projects as assigned. Ability and willingness to consistently adhere to Palomar Health's mission and vision statement, department policies and behavior standards. Speak and read English at a level that is sufficient to satisfactorily perform the essential functions of the position. Knowledge of standard office equipment (i.e., calculator, fax, photocopier) and personal computer and computer software skills (i.e., MS Windows, Excel, Access, Word, Powerpoint, internet, e-mail). Windows computer skills including proficient use of keyboarding, use of mouse or keys for functions such as selecting items, use of drop down menus, scroll bars, opening folders, copying and similar operations required upon employment or within the 1st two weeks of employment to perform the essential functions of the job. Performs other duties as assigned. Follows Palomar Health rules, policies, procedures, applicable laws and standards. Carries out the mission, vision, and quality commitment of Palomar Health.Job Requirements
Minimum Education: High School Diploma and/or combination of education and experience with specialized vocational training and experiencePreferred Education: Bachelor's Degree in Accounting or BusinessMinimum Experience: 2 years business clerical and 2 years payroll processing
Experience with Windows, Excel, Access and Word softwarePreferred Experience: 3 years of high volume, customer focused payroll processing , preferably in the healthcare industry using an Enterprise type software package such as Lawson and API Time and AttendanceRequired Certification: Not ApplicablePreferred Certification: Not ApplicableRequired License: Not ApplicablePreferred License: Not ApplicableEmployment Type: Temporary

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