NOC 13102: Payroll administrators

The employment outlook will be Good for payroll administrators (NOC 13102) in Newfoundland and Labrador for the 2025-2027 period.

The following factors contributed to this outlook:

Employment decline will lead to the loss of a few positions.

Several positions will become available due to retirements.

There are a moderate number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

An ongoing need for payroll services across businesses and departments will support work in this occupation. However, increased use of technology and outsourcing of certain payroll services could lessen job growth. Many employers require a diploma in payroll, accounting, or business administration. Knowledge of payroll software, online payroll services, and ability to use spreadsheet applications are normally required.

Here are some key facts about payroll administrators in Newfoundland and Labrador:

Approximately 1,300 people work in this occupation.

Payroll administrators mainly work in the following sectors:

Construction (NAICS 23): 11%

Accounting, tax preparation, bookkeeping and payroll services (NAICS 5412): 10%

Federal government public administration (NAICS 911): 10%

Hospitals (NAICS 622): 7%

Food, beverage and tobacco product manufacturing (NAICS 311, 312): 7%

The distribution of full-time and part-time workers in this occupation is:

Full-time workers: 91% compared to 83% for all occupations

Part-time workers: 9% compared to 17% for all occupations

76% of payroll administrators work all year, while 24% work only part of the year, compared to 56% and 43% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 45 weeks compared to 40 weeks for all occupations.

Less than 5% of payroll administrators are self-employed compared to an average of 8% for all occupations.

The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:

Men: 15% compared to 51% for all occupations

Women: 85% compared to 49% for all occupations

The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:

no high school diploma: less than 5% compared to 11% for all occupations

high school diploma or equivalent: 16% compared to 27% for all occupations

apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 13% compared to 17% for all occupations

college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 54% compared to 23% for all occupations

bachelor's degree: 12% compared to 14% for all occupations

university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: less than 5% compared to 7% for all occupations

The employment outlook will be Good for payroll administrators (NOC 13102) in New Brunswick for the 2025-2027 period.

The following factors contributed to this outlook:

Employment growth will lead to a moderate number of new positions.

Several positions will become available due to retirements.

There are a small number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

Payroll clerks are employed across most industries, as they perform tasks that are required in all firms.

Knowledge of payroll software, human resources functions and online payroll systems are usual required, as well as advanced spreadsheet skills. An understanding of income and payroll tax rules, employment standards and strong client service skills could improve job prospects.

The automation and digital transformation of payroll functions might lead to many of the duties relating to this occupation being consolidated with other administrative roles. As roles change, payroll clerks may be asked to take on more duties.

Payroll Compliance Practitioner (PCP) certification will enhance job prospects.

Most job opportunities will arise in New Brunswick’s three largest urban centres (Fredericton, Moncton and Saint John), where most business services are concentrated.

Here are some key facts about payroll administrators in New Brunswick:

Approximately 2,700 people work in this occupation.

Payroll administrators mainly work in the following sectors:

Federal government public administration (NAICS 911): 24%

Truck transportation (NAICS 484): 6%

Construction (NAICS 23): 6%

Provincial and territorial public administration (NAICS 912): 5%

Hospitals (NAICS 622): 5%

The distribution of full-time and part-time workers in this occupation is:

Full-time workers: 95% compared to 84% for all occupations

Part-time workers: 5% compared to 16% for all occupations

81% of payroll administrators work all year, while 19% work only part of the year, compared to 62% and 38% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 47 weeks compared to 42 weeks for all occupations.

The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:

Men: 12% compared to 52% for all occupations

Women: 88% compared to 48% for all occupations

The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:

no high school diploma: less than 5% compared to 11% for all occupations

high school diploma or equivalent: 19% compared to 30% for all occupations

apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 12% compared to 12% for all occupations

college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 44% compared to 23% for all occupations

bachelor's degree: 19% compared to 16% for all occupations

university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: less than 5% compared to 7% for all occupations

The employment outlook will be Good for payroll administrators (NOC 13102) in Saskatchewan for the 2025-2027 period.

The following factors contributed to this outlook:

Employment growth will lead to several new positions.

Several positions will become available due to retirements.

There are a moderate number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

Base services like accounting, auditing, payroll are tied to general economic conditions and business cycle in the province. A positive economic growth outlook for 2026 and 2027 should support job growth for this occupation.

Strong labour demand in healthcare, construction, and education will offer steady employment for this occupation as these major sectors add to their workforce.

Employment opportunities are influenced by ongoing digital transformation initiatives, including the availability of online services, artificial intelligence, and the automation of back-office processes.

A diploma in payroll, accounting, or business administration, and knowledge of payroll software, online payroll services, as well as ability to use spreadsheet applications are normally required.

Job prospects are strongest in the Regina region.

Here are some key facts about payroll administrators in Saskatchewan:

Approximately 1,550 people work in this occupation.

Payroll administrators mainly work in the following sectors:

Accounting, tax preparation, bookkeeping and payroll services (NAICS 5412): 10%

Hospitals (NAICS 622): 7%

Construction (NAICS 23): 7%

Elementary and secondary schools (NAICS 6111): 6%

Local, municipal, regional, aboriginal and other public administration (NAICS 913-919): 6%

The distribution of full-time and part-time workers in this occupation is:

Full-time workers: 87% compared to 81% for all occupations

Part-time workers: 13% compared to 19% for all occupations

79% of payroll administrators work all year, while 21% work only part of the year, compared to 65% and 35% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 46 weeks compared to 43 weeks for all occupations.

Less than 5% of payroll administrators are self-employed compared to an average of 16% for all occupations.

The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:

Men: 8% compared to 53% for all occupations

Women: 92% compared to 47% for all occupations

The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:

no high school diploma: less than 5% compared to 11% for all occupations

high school diploma or equivalent: 28% compared to 33% for all occupations

apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 15% compared to 15% for all occupations

college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 36% compared to 17% for all occupations

bachelor's degree: 17% compared to 18% for all occupations

university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: less than 5% compared to 7% for all occupations

The employment outlook will be Good for payroll administrators (NOC 13102) in Nunavut for the 2025-2027 period.

The following factors contributed to this outlook:

Employment growth will lead to several new positions.

A moderate number of positions will become available due to retirements.

There are a small number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

Payroll administrators are employed across nearly all industries in Nunavut.

Changes in technology, including the availability of online services, artificial intelligence, and the automation of back-office processes, may slow down job growth and change some job roles.

Here are some key facts about payroll administrators in Nunavut:

Approximately 50 people worked in this occupation in May 2021.

Payroll administrators mainly work in the following sectors:

Public Administration and Defence (NAICS 91): 59%

Other Commercial Services (NAICS 54-56, 81): 12%

Wholesale and Retail Trade (NAICS 41, 44-45): 10%

85% of payroll administrators work all year, while 15% work only part of the year, compared to 72% and 28% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 45 weeks compared to 44 weeks for all occupations.

The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:

Men: 20% compared to 51% for all occupations

Women: 80% compared to 49% for all occupations

The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:

no high school diploma: 19% compared to 37% for all occupations

high school diploma or equivalent: 31% compared to 22% for all occupations

apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: n/a

college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 31% compared to 15% for all occupations

bachelor's degree: n/a

university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: n/a

The employment outlook will be Moderate for payroll administrators (NOC 13102) in Prince Edward Island for the 2025-2027 period.

The following factors contributed to this outlook:

Employment growth will lead to a moderate number of new positions.

A moderate number of positions will become available due to retirements.

There are a small number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

Payroll administrators are employed across all sectors, including government, healthcare, education, and private industry, where they manage employee compensation, benefits, and tax reporting. While automation and self-service payroll systems have streamlined many tasks, the role is evolving to include broader administrative responsibilities, compliance oversight, and data management. Employers typically seek candidates with diplomas in payroll, accounting, or business administration, along with strong skills in payroll software, spreadsheets, and online platforms. Certification from the National Payroll Institute is a valuable asset, and knowledge of tax regulations and employment standards can improve job prospects. For individuals, building digital fluency, attention to detail, and adaptability will be key to thriving in this essential support role.

Here are some key facts about payroll administrators in Prince Edward Island:

Approximately 400 people work in this occupation.

Payroll administrators mainly work in the following sectors:

Federal government public administration (NAICS 911): 30%

Hospitals (NAICS 622): 25%

Accounting, tax preparation, bookkeeping and payroll services (NAICS 5412): 17%

Food, beverage and tobacco product manufacturing (NAICS 311, 312): 6%

Agriculture (NAICS 111, 112, 1151, 1152): 5%

The distribution of full-time and part-time workers in this occupation is:

Full-time workers: 90% compared to 84% for all occupations

Part-time workers: 10% compared to 16% for all occupations

88% of payroll administrators work all year, while 12% work only part of the year, compared to 59% and 41% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 49 weeks compared to 41 weeks for all occupations.

The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:

Men: 12% compared to 51% for all occupations

Women: 88% compared to 49% for all occupations

The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:

no high school diploma: 6% compared to 11% for all occupations

high school diploma or equivalent: 17% compared to 28% for all occupations

apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 9% compared to 11% for all occupations

college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 39% compared to 25% for all occupations

bachelor's degree: 26% compared to 17% for all occupations

university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: less than 5% compared to 8% for all occupations

The employment outlook will be Moderate for payroll administrators (NOC 13102) in Nova Scotia for the 2025-2027 period.

The following factors contributed to this outlook:

Employment growth will lead to a few new positions.

Several positions will become available due to retirements.

There are a small number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

This occupation offers average hiring prospects, with the chances of finding work likely better in Halifax considering both the larger employment base and the availability of specialized firms that offer payroll services. Canadian Payroll Association certification and previous payroll experience are often required. It is now common for payroll activity to be outsourced to companies specializing in this type of work, such as ADP Canada.

Here are some key facts about payroll administrators in Nova Scotia:

Approximately 1,900 people work in this occupation.

Payroll administrators mainly work in the following sectors:

Accounting, tax preparation, bookkeeping and payroll services (NAICS 5412): 20%

Food and beverage stores (NAICS 445): 7%

Construction (NAICS 23): 7%

Air transportation (NAICS 481): 6%

Federal government public administration (NAICS 911): 6%

The distribution of full-time and part-time workers in this occupation is:

Full-time workers: 88% compared to 82% for all occupations

Part-time workers: 12% compared to 18% for all occupations

76% of payroll administrators work all year, while 24% work only part of the year, compared to 62% and 38% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 46 weeks compared to 42 weeks for all occupations.

Less than 5% of payroll administrators are self-employed compared to an average of 11% for all occupations.

The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:

Men: 19% compared to 51% for all occupations

Women: 81% compared to 49% for all occupations

The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:

no high school diploma: less than 5% compared to 10% for all occupations

high school diploma or equivalent: 22% compared to 27% for all occupations

apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 7% compared to 12% for all occupations

college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 36% compared to 22% for all occupations

bachelor's degree: 28% compared to 20% for all occupations

university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: 5% compared to 10% for all occupations

The employment outlook will be Moderate for payroll administrators (NOC 13102) in Ontario for the 2025-2027 period.

The following factors contributed to this outlook:

Employment decline will lead to the loss of some positions.

Several positions will become available due to retirements.

There are a moderate number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

What Types of Employers Are Out There?

Employed across all industries

What are the Main Trends Affecting Employment?

Ongoing need for payroll services across businesses and departments will support work in this occupation

However, greater use of technology and outsourcing of certain payroll services may temper job growth and change some of the job functions

What Skills Do I Need to Succeed?

Completion of college or industry courses in accounting, bookkeeping or payroll administration may be required

The Payroll Compliance Professional (PCP) designation from the National Payroll Institute may be an asset in securing employment.

Here are some key facts about payroll administrators in Ontario:

Approximately 20,850 people work in this occupation.

Payroll administrators mainly work in the following sectors:

Accounting, tax preparation, bookkeeping and payroll services (NAICS 5412): 10%

Construction (NAICS 23): 8%

Management and administrative services (NAICS 55, 56): 5%

Other retail stores (NAICS 44-45, except 445): 5%

The distribution of full-time and part-time workers in this occupation is:

Full-time workers: 90% compared to 81% for all occupations

Part-time workers: 10% compared to 19% for all occupations

80% of payroll administrators work all year, while 20% work only part of the year, compared to 63% and 37% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 47 weeks compared to 43 weeks for all occupations.

Less than 5% of payroll administrators are self-employed compared to an average of 15% for all occupations.

The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:

Men: 13% compared to 52% for all occupations

Women: 87% compared to 48% for all occupations

The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:

no high school diploma: less than 5% compared to 9% for all occupations

high school diploma or equivalent: 22% compared to 25% for all occupations

apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 6% compared to 8% for all occupations

college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 38% compared to 22% for all occupations

bachelor's degree: 25% compared to 24% for all occupations

university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: 6% compared to 13% for all occupations

The employment outlook will be Moderate for payroll administrators (NOC 13102) in Manitoba for the 2025-2027 period.

The following factors contributed to this outlook:

Employment decline will lead to the loss of some positions.

Several positions will become available due to retirements.

There are a moderate number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

Here are some key facts about payroll administrators in Manitoba:

Approximately 2,200 people work in this occupation.

Payroll administrators mainly work in the following sectors:

Accounting, tax preparation, bookkeeping and payroll services (NAICS 5412): 10%

Federal government public administration (NAICS 911): 8%

Construction (NAICS 23): 7%

Computer, electronic and electrical product manufacturing (NAICS 334-335): 6%

The distribution of full-time and part-time workers in this occupation is:

Full-time workers: 90% compared to 81% for all occupations

Part-time workers: 10% compared to 19% for all occupations

79% of payroll administrators work all year, while 21% work only part of the year, compared to 65% and 35% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 46 weeks compared to 43 weeks for all occupations.

Less than 5% of payroll administrators are self-employed compared to an average of 12% for all occupations.

The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:

Men: 11% compared to 53% for all occupations

Women: 89% compared to 47% for all occupations

The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:

no high school diploma: less than 5% compared to 12% for all occupations

high school diploma or equivalent: 31% compared to 31% for all occupations

apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 11% compared to 12% for all occupations

college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 34% compared to 17% for all occupations

bachelor's degree: 17% compared to 20% for all occupations

university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: less than 5% compared to 8% for all occupations

The employment outlook will be Moderate for payroll administrators (NOC 13102) in Alberta for the 2025-2027 period.

The following factors contributed to this outlook:

Employment growth will lead to a few new positions.

Several positions will become available due to retirements.

There are a moderate number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

Here are some key facts about payroll administrators in Alberta:

Approximately 6,700 people work in this occupation.

Payroll administrators mainly work in the following sectors:

Construction (NAICS 23): 14%

Accounting, tax preparation, bookkeeping and payroll services (NAICS 5412): 6%

Other retail stores (NAICS 44-45, except 445): 5%

Local, municipal, regional, aboriginal and other public administration (NAICS 913-919): 5%

The distribution of full-time and part-time workers in this occupation is:

Full-time workers: 89% compared to 80% for all occupations

Part-time workers: 11% compared to 20% for all occupations

76% of payroll administrators work all year, while 24% work only part of the year, compared to 61% and 39% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 46 weeks compared to 42 weeks for all occupations.

Less than 5% of payroll administrators are self-employed compared to an average of 15% for all occupations.

The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:

Men: 9% compared to 53% for all occupations

Women: 91% compared to 47% for all occupations

The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:

no high school diploma: less than 5% compared to 10% for all occupations

high school diploma or equivalent: 25% compared to 28% for all occupations

apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 12% compared to 13% for all occupations

college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 37% compared to 19% for all occupations

bachelor's degree: 18% compared to 21% for all occupations

university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: less than 5% compared to 9% for all occupations

The employment outlook will be Moderate for payroll administrators (NOC 13102) in British Columbia for the 2025-2027 period.

The following factors contributed to this outlook:

Employment growth will lead to a few new positions.

Several positions will become available due to retirements.

There are a small number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

Here are some key facts about payroll administrators in British Columbia:

Approximately 7,850 people work in this occupation.

Payroll administrators mainly work in the following sectors:

Accounting, tax preparation, bookkeeping and payroll services (NAICS 5412): 9%

Construction (NAICS 23): 9%

Other retail stores (NAICS 44-45, except 445): 7%

Hospitals (NAICS 622): 6%

The distribution of full-time and part-time workers in this occupation is:

Full-time workers: 88% compared to 78% for all occupations

Part-time workers: 12% compared to 22% for all occupations

79% of payroll administrators work all year, while 21% work only part of the year, compared to 61% and 39% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 47 weeks compared to 42 weeks for all occupations.

Less than 5% of payroll administrators are self-employed compared to an average of 17% for all occupations.

The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:

Men: 11% compared to 52% for all occupations

Women: 89% compared to 48% for all occupations

The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:

no high school diploma: less than 5% compared to 8% for all occupations

high school diploma or equivalent: 26% compared to 28% for all occupations

apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 11% compared to 13% for all occupations

college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 31% compared to 17% for all occupations

bachelor's degree: 24% compared to 22% for all occupations

university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: less than 5% compared to 12% for all occupations

The employment outlook will be Limited for payroll administrators (NOC 13102) in Quebec for the 2025-2027 period.

The following factors contributed to this outlook:

Employment decline will lead to the loss of some positions.

Several positions will become available due to retirements.

There are a moderate number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

Here are some key facts about payroll administrators in Quebec:

Approximately 8,000 people work in this occupation.

Payroll administrators mainly work in the following sectors:

Accounting, tax preparation, bookkeeping and payroll services (NAICS 5412): 7%

Construction (NAICS 23): 7%

Federal government public administration (NAICS 911): 6%

Management and administrative services (NAICS 55, 56): 6%

Finance, insurance, real estate and leasing (NAICS 52, 53): 6%

The distribution of full-time and part-time workers in this occupation is:

Full-time workers: 91% compared to 82% for all occupations

Part-time workers: 9% compared to 18% for all occupations

77% of payroll administrators work all year, while 23% work only part of the year, compared to 62% and 38% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 46 weeks compared to 43 weeks for all occupations.

Less than 5% of payroll administrators are self-employed compared to an average of 12% for all occupations.

The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:

Men: 14% compared to 52% for all occupations

Women: 86% compared to 48% for all occupations

The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:

no high school diploma: less than 5% compared to 12% for all occupations

high school diploma or equivalent: 18% compared to 19% for all occupations

apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 19% compared to 19% for all occupations

college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 37% compared to 22% for all occupations

bachelor's degree: 21% compared to 17% for all occupations

university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: less than 5% compared to 11% for all occupations

An employment outlook has not been assigned to this occupation in this region due to low levels of employment.