How Do I Become a Pay Administrator?

The criteria you will have to meet to become a pay administrator generally depends on the company with which you seek employment. You will typically need a high school diploma to land this job, though some employers may prefer candidates with college degrees instead. You might also need extensive payroll processing experience to get started in this career. Once you do become a pay administrator, earning payroll certification may help you find more job opportunities or earn promotions faster.

Educational requirements for payroll administrators vary from employer to employer. At minimum, however, you will likely need a high school diploma or a General Educational Development® (GED®) diploma to become a pay administrator. Some employers, however, may prefer job candidates who have college degrees instead. In such a case, you may do well to earn an associate's degree in business, accounting, finance, payroll administration, or a related major. Additionally, you may find that there are some jobs available that only require a high school diploma or associate's degree, but earning a bachelor's degree may help you compete against other job candidates and open the doors for advancement opportunities.

Many employers prefer to hire experienced individuals for pay administrator positions. For example, a prospective employer may require you to have at least three years of experience before you can become a pay administrator. To meet this requirement, you can start out in an entry-level position in a company's payroll processing department and then work your way up to meeting your job goals. This is not your only option, however, as you can also gain payroll experience with one company and then use that experience to help you land a job with another.

While education and experience are important when you want to become a pay administrator, the skills you have to offer an employer may also influence your ability to land this job and succeed in the required tasks. Among the skills you will likely need are communication skills, both written and oral; organizational skills; and the ability to pay attention to detail. Problem-solving ability, the ability to follow directions, and a willingness to maintain confidentiality may prove important as well. Additionally, math and computer skills are usually vital.

Once you become a pay administrator, you can opt to seek payroll certification. Earning this type of certification may help you if you ever decide to leave your current job or want to earn a promotion or higher pay. In many jurisdictions, this type of certification is voluntary and involves proving that you have suitable training or experience as a payroll professional. You may also have to pass an exam or a series of exams to qualify. The criteria for certification varies depending on the certifying organization.