Payroll Tax Specialist

Makes sure the taxes taken out of paychecks are correct and paid to the government on time.

A day in the life

You file quarterly payroll tax returns for 12 states and fix a notice about a late payment.

Pay over a career

Starting
$42k
Typical
$55k
High
$75k

Approximate: anchored on Bureau of Labor Statistics data for a broader job group.

Training

High school diploma, about 0 years after high school. High school diploma or associate; CPP certification.

Ways in: On-the-job training, Certification, 2-year college. Training cost: Under $15k.

Majors to look at: Accounting.

Outlook

Shrinking. Declining with payroll automation.

Will it last? Our AI estimate

High risk for 10 years. Payroll platforms like ADP and Gusto calculate and file payroll taxes automatically; fewer specialists needed per company.

Start now, in high school

Classes: Accounting, Computer applications, Personal finance, Algebra.

Official data: O*NET occupation 43-3051.

More Tax careers

Career Universe is an early version. Pay, training and AI-risk figures are estimates to start your own research, not verified facts. The research was written with AI research assistants, checked by validation scripts and spot-checked by hand. Check anything important with schools, employers and official sources. How the numbers work.