Payroll clerk

What does a payroll administrator do? – Tasks and work environment

Payroll administrators are responsible for ensuring that salary payments are accurate and made on time to employees within an organization. Tasks include salary calculation, handling absences, vacations, benefits, and taxes, as well as reporting to authorities. The role also involves interpreting collective agreements and employment law, answering employee questions, and managing payroll systems. The work is primarily performed in an office, often in close collaboration with HR and finance departments, and requires high precision and integrity.

Salary development over time

Payroll administrators have experienced stable and positive salary growth in recent years. In 2022, the average salary was 35,800 SEK per month, increasing to 37 900 SEK in 2023. In 2024, the average salary has reached 39 000 SEK, representing a total increase of approximately 9% over three years. This development reflects an increased demand for qualified payroll administration and a growing focus on accurate salary management among employers. The salary increase can also be linked to digitalization and rising requirements for specialized competence in the field, while the shortage of experienced payroll administrators positively affects the market for the profession.

Payroll administrator salary – comprehensive overview

• Average salary: 39 000 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 32,500 SEK/month (men), 33,000 SEK/month (women)
• Highest salary: 46,000 SEK/month (men), 42,800 SEK/month (women)
• Hourly wage (average): 234 SEK/hour
• Gender difference: Women earn 97% of what men do
• Regional differences: Slight variations occur, but larger cities tend to have slightly higher salaries

Education and qualifications

To work as a payroll administrator, post-secondary education in payroll, finance, or HR is usually required. Many employers prefer applicants with a vocational college degree or equivalent experience, and it is common to supplement education with certifications and specialized courses in payroll systems and employment law. Practical experience and the ability to work accurately with figures are especially meritorious.

• Vocational college program: 1.5–2 years, often focused on payroll or personnel administration
• Certification: Examples include SRF Payroll Specialist or other industry-specific certificates
• Internship: Common component of education, often 10–20 weeks
• Prerequisites: Upper secondary school diploma, sometimes specific courses in economics or administration
• Online courses and self-study: Possible as supplements to formal education

Common benefits and compensations

Payroll administrators often have access to benefits such as wellness allowances, occupational pensions, flexitime, remote work options, and opportunities for skills development through internal and external training. Other common compensations include subsidized lunches, extra vacation days, and collective agreement-based insurances.

Competition and challenges

The job market for payroll administrators is characterized by a paradoxical situation with both high demand and recruitment difficulties. Despite many available positions, high requirements are placed on candidates' expertise in legislation, collective agreements, and digital payroll systems. Digitalization and automation are changing the tasks, requiring continuous skills development and adaptability. Additional challenges include the high pace during payroll runs and the need for accuracy and discretion when handling sensitive personal data.

Tips for those aspiring to become payroll administrators

To succeed as a payroll administrator, it is good to be meticulous and organized, as the work requires precision in figures and documentation. It is also important to be service-minded and have a good attitude, since the role involves many contacts with employees and managers. The ability to quickly understand laws, collective agreements, and new systems is crucial, so a willingness to continuously learn new things is a great asset. Managing stress and working towards deadlines are also valuable, especially during payroll periods. An interest in technology facilitates when new payroll systems and digital tools are introduced, and analytical skills help identify and correct errors in payroll processing. Finally, integrity and discretion are essential qualities, as the work often involves handling confidential information.

Key facts about Payroll Administrators

• Education level: Post-secondary education, often vocational college 1.5–2 years
• Work form: Full-time, office-based
• Demand: Large opportunities for work nationwide
• Special skills: Payroll systems, employment law, collective agreements
• Job openings: Approximately 758 in Sweden (2024)

Career paths and future prospects

After 3–5 years in the profession, a payroll administrator can develop into roles such as payroll specialist, payroll manager, or HR administrator with increased responsibilities. There are also opportunities for specialization in system management or consultancy assignments. Forecasts from the Employment Service indicate that the job market is expected to remain good, with many opportunities and unchanged demand over the next five years. Digitalization and changing regulations mean the need for updated skills is expected to persist, providing good prospects for long-term career development within the field.

Frequently asked questions about Payroll Administrators

• What is the average salary of a payroll administrator?
  - The average salary is 39 000 SEK per month.
• Are there salary differences between men and women?
  - Yes, women earn on average 38 900 SEK while men earn 40 200 SEK, which means women earn approximately 97% of men's salaries.
• What education is required to become a payroll administrator?
  - Usually, post-secondary education such as a vocational college program in payroll or HR is required.
• What is the job market like for payroll administrators?
  - Opportunities are considered large, with about 758 job openings in the profession.
• What are the lowest and highest salaries in the profession?
  - The lowest salary is 32,500 SEK and the highest is 46,000 SEK per month, depending on experience and education.
• What personal qualities are important for a payroll administrator?
  - Accuracy, service-mindedness, integrity, and the ability to handle stress and meet deadlines.
• What benefits are common for payroll administrators?
  - Common benefits include wellness allowances, occupational pensions, flexitime, and remote work options.