Payroll Specialist Salary in Lincoln, NE (2026)

Updated 82 days ago · 5 observed active listings

If you have received a job offer as a Payroll Specialist in Lincoln, it's essential to consider the local market dynamics that shape salary expectations. The trimmed average salary of $80,486 may seem enticing, but examining the full range and percentiles reveals crucial insights about your negotiation position. With a competitive job market and a range that extends from $20,000 to $140,000, understanding where you sit in that distribution can help you gauge whether your offer aligns with your skills and experience.

$80,486

Average Salary

$20,000

Low End

$140,000

High End

Open Positions

Salary Distribution

$20,000

$40,000

171

$60,000

285

$80,000

359

$100,000

343

$120,000

158

$140,000

122

Key Insights

The wide P10–P90 spread ($20,000–$140,000) reflects varying demand for Payroll Specialists at different experience levels, indicating that while entry-level roles are abundant, there is a scarcity of seasoned professionals who can command higher salaries.
The salary distribution shows a significant concentration of positions at the $60,000 and $80,000 levels, suggesting that many employers are seeking candidates with foundational skills, while more advanced roles are less common, creating potential upward pressure on salaries for experienced candidates.
Active employers such as Cardinal Health and Bryan Health contribute to a competitive labor market, driving salaries higher as they vie for skilled professionals in a limited talent pool, particularly in the healthcare and governmental sectors prevalent in Lincoln.
The difference between the 25th percentile ($60,000) and the 75th percentile ($100,000) underscores a notable wage gap, indicating that candidates with specialized skills or certifications may secure significantly higher compensation, revealing opportunities for negotiation.
Cost of living in Lincoln, while generally lower than in larger metropolitan areas, still influences salary offerings as companies strive to attract talent without overly inflating their payroll budgets.

Current Payroll Specialist Jobs in Lincoln

Senior Specialist, Payroll

Cardinal Health · State House, Lancaster County

$78,909 – $78,909
Payroll Spec

Canon USA & Affiliates · State House, Lancaster County

$66,767 – $66,767
Payroll Specialist

Bryan Health · State House, Lancaster County

$58,463 – $58,463
Nurse Staffing Coord - 40 hrs/wk, 11am - 7:30 pm Mon - Fri, weekends as needed

Madonna Rehabilitation Hospital · Lincoln, Lancaster County

$49,619 – $49,619
Payroll Specialist

State of Nebraska · Lincoln, Lancaster County

$28,229 – $28,229

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average Payroll Specialist salary in Lincoln, NE?

The average Payroll Specialist salary in Lincoln, NE is $80,486 per year, with a range from $20,000 to $140,000.

How many Payroll Specialist jobs are available in Lincoln?

There are currently 5 open Payroll Specialist positions in Lincoln, NE.

What factors affect Payroll Specialist salaries in Lincoln?

Payroll Specialist salaries in Lincoln vary based on experience level, company size, industry sector, certifications, and demand. Cost of living in Lincoln also plays a significant role in compensation levels.

Other Salaries in Lincoln

Controller $49,533 avg Restaurant Manager $35,522 avg Manufacturing Engineer $96,369 avg Human Resources Manager $78,560 avg Bookkeeper $45,171 avg Surgical Technologist $76,471 avg Interpreter Translator $83,010 avg IT Project Manager $109,277 avg

Payroll Specialist Salaries in Other Cities

Atlanta, GA $80,486 avg Cleveland, OH $80,486 avg Bellevue, WA $80,486 avg Fort Worth, TX $94,322 avg San Diego, CA $80,486 avg Arlington, VA $80,486 avg Mesa, AZ $80,486 avg Richmond, VA $91,940 avg