Payroll Specialist Salary in Tacoma, WA (2026)

Updated 84 days ago · 4 observed active listings

The salary landscape for Payroll Specialists in Tacoma, WA, showcases a wide range due to varying levels of experience and the strong demand for this role. With an average trimmed salary of $80,486, entry-level professionals can expect to start around $60,000, reflecting the competitive job market. This demand is fueled by the presence of active employers like Oak Harbor Freight Lines and Columbia Bank, which are looking for skilled individuals to manage payroll complexities amidst a growing economy.

$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 salary distribution shows a heavy concentration of positions at the $60,000 and $80,000 marks, indicating that many employers are looking for candidates with foundational skills but are also prepared to pay for those with several years of experience.
The significant difference between the 25th percentile ($60,000) and the 75th percentile ($100,000) suggests that there is a clear advancement path, where professionals can increase their earnings by gaining experience and additional skills over 2-3 years.
The full salary range from $20,000 to $140,000 highlights the disparity in roles available, from entry-level positions to specialized roles that require advanced knowledge, reflecting the skills scarcity in this field.
The presence of large employers in sectors such as logistics and banking indicates a robust job market for Payroll Specialists, which drives up salary offers to attract talent amidst regional cost of living pressures.
The relatively few open positions (4) implies that while there is a steady demand for Payroll Specialists, competition among employers is strong, suggesting they may be willing to offer competitive salaries to secure the right candidates.

Current Payroll Specialist Jobs in Tacoma

Payroll Specialist I

Oak Harbor Freight Lines · Auburn, King County

$62,400 – $74,880
Armed Security-Part Time

Cascadia Global Security · University Place, Pierce County

$58,240 – $62,400
HR Payroll Specialist

Columbia Bank · University Place, Pierce County

$50,529 – $50,529
Armed Security-Part Time

Cascadia Global Security · Tacoma, Pierce County

$43,184 – $43,184

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average Payroll Specialist salary in Tacoma, WA?

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

How many Payroll Specialist jobs are available in Tacoma?

There are currently 4 open Payroll Specialist positions in Tacoma, WA.

What factors affect Payroll Specialist salaries in Tacoma?

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

Other Salaries in Tacoma

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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