How to become a Payroll Manager

Also called: Payroll Administration Manager

Plans, organises, directs, controls and coordinates payroll personnel and process systems to ensure accurate records of payments and benefits.

Main tasks

• Develops systems to process payroll account transactions such as salaries, benefits, garnishments, deductions, taxes and third-party payments
• Oversees processing of payroll changes such as new hires, terminations, raises and system upgrades
• Coordinates timekeeping and payroll systems
• Ensures compliance with relevant laws and internal policies
• Supervises and coaches Payroll Officers and assistants

Ways in

• TAFE and VET: Diploma of Payroll Services (FNS50422); Advanced Diploma of Accounting (FNS60222); Certificate III in Accounts Administration (FNS30322); Diploma of Accounting (FNS50222); Diploma of Business (BSB50120)

Pay · Outlook · AI and this job

• Typical full-time pay: $83,512 a year
• About 52,300 people work in this job group now, and about 55,200 are projected by 2035. (+5.5%)
• Many tasks in this job could be automated by AI. Jobs and Skills Australia rates its automation exposure as high.

Related jobs

• Office Manager
• Financial Institution Manager
• Health Practice Manager
• Legal Practice Manager
• Veterinary Practice Manager
• Real Estate Agency Principal

Not sure this is for you? Take the 2-minute career quiz

Questions people ask

How do I become a Payroll Manager?

Ways in include: Diploma of Payroll Services; Advanced Diploma of Accounting.

How much does a Payroll Manager earn in Australia?

Median full-time pay is $83,512 a year (Jobs and Skills Australia).

Is a Payroll Manager a growing career in Australia?

Yes. Employment is projected to grow 6% by 2035, from about 52,300 to about 55,200 people (Jobs and Skills Australia).

Do you need a degree to become a Payroll Manager?

Not always. 27% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Ways in include: Diploma of Payroll Services; Advanced Diploma of Accounting.

Will AI change the work of a Payroll Manager?

Many tasks in this job could be automated by AI. Jobs and Skills Australia rates its automation exposure as high.

Sources

• Jobs and Skills Australia: Occupation data (ANZSCO), from ABS Labour Force and Census (February 2026), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
• Jobs and Skills Australia: Generative AI Capacity Study, interactive table data (September 2025), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
• Jobs and Skills Australia: Employment Projections (Victoria University) (May 2025 to May 2035), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
• Australian Taxation Office: Taxation Statistics, Individuals Table 15A (2023-24), CC BY 2.5 AU, retrieved 2026-10-04

Updated 2026-10-04