Payroll Specialist Jobs in St. Louis, MO

St. Louis, Missouri$47,250 USD/yearFull-time
Updated: April 2026Expert reviewed|Data sourced from BLS, Glassdoor, and industry reports

About Payroll Specialist Jobs in St. Louis

Looking for a Payroll Specialist job in St. Louis? You're in the right place. This guide covers everything you need to know about working as a Payroll Specialist in St. Louis, MO.

We'll show you what you can expect to earn. We'll also share which companies are hiring. Plus, you'll learn about the cost of living and how to get started in your job search.

St. Louis has a strong job market for Payroll Specialists. Many employers are actively looking for talent. Read on to learn how to land your next role.

Payroll Specialist Salary in St. Louis

Entry Level
$30,600
Median
$47,250
Senior Level
$67,275

Payroll Specialist salaries in St. Louis are in line with national averages, offering competitive compensation for the region.

Purchasing power in St. Louis is comparable to the national average, with salaries appropriately scaled to local costs.

Required Skills

Payroll ProcessingTax ComplianceHRIS SystemsAttention to DetailRegulations

Payroll Specialist Job Market in St. Louis

St. Louis, MO is a major regional employment hub for Payroll Specialist professionals. Though smaller than coastal metros, St. Louis offers focused opportunities and often better work-life balance. The city's strong Healthcare and Finance sectors create robust demand for Payroll Specialist talent. The market for Payroll Specialist positions remains stable, with opportunities in both established companies and growing organizations.

Top Companies Hiring Payroll Specialists in St. Louis

Edward JonesStifelCenteneReinsurance Group

Major employers hiring Payroll Specialists in St. Louis include Edward Jones, Stifel, Centene, Reinsurance Group. The strong financial services presence creates consistent demand for experienced Payroll Specialist professionals, with competitive compensation packages. Many companies offer competitive benefits including comprehensive healthcare, and professional development opportunities.

Cost of Living for Payroll Specialists in St. Louis

Living in St. Louis as a Payroll Specialist means navigating a cost of living that's close to the national average. Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment is approximately $1,100/month (39% below the national average). Housing costs are manageable for Payroll Specialist salaries in the area.

90
Cost Index (100=avg)
$1.1K
Avg Rent/Month
Growing
Tech Hub
Tier 2
Market Size

Commuting as a Payroll Specialist in St. Louis

St. Louis Limited public transit options; car recommended for most commutes. The average commute time is 25 minutes. Research employer-specific shuttle services. Consider living close to your workplace. Since transit options are limited, consider living close to your workplace or negotiating flexible hours to avoid peak traffic.

Best neighborhoods for Payroll Specialists in St. Louis: Downtown (Central business district with tech companies); Tech Park/Campus (Suburban office park developments). Downtown is particularly popular among Payroll Specialist professionals due to proximity to major employers and urban amenities.

Tax Considerations in Missouri

Missouri has moderate state income taxes. When evaluating offers, consider total compensation including benefits, not just base salary. Local cost of living typically has more impact on your finances than state tax differences.

Career Outlook for Payroll Specialists

The job outlook for Payroll Specialists in St. Louis is stable. While not experiencing rapid growth, the field maintains steady demand with consistent opportunities for qualified professionals. St. Louis's growing economy creates new positions regularly, often with less competition than coastal tech hubs. In-demand skills include Payroll Processing, Tax Compliance, HRIS Systems, Attention to Detail.

Relocating to St. Louis

St. Louis's affordable cost of living means your Payroll Specialist salary will stretch further than in major coastal cities. Many professionals relocate here for better quality of life.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average Payroll Specialist salary in St. Louis, MO?

The average Payroll Specialist salary in St. Louis, MO is $47,250 per year. Entry-level Payroll Specialists typically start around $30,600, while experienced professionals can earn $67,275 or more. The national average for Payroll Specialist roles is $52,500.

How many Payroll Specialist jobs are available in St. Louis?

St. Louis has a strong job market with regular openings for Payroll Specialist professionals. Major employers hiring Payroll Specialists include Edward Jones, Stifel, Centene, Reinsurance Group. The Healthcare and Finance sectors drive much of the demand in this market.

Is St. Louis a good city for Payroll Specialists?

St. Louis is an very good choice for Payroll Specialists. As a major metro area, it offers abundant opportunities and competitive salaries. The affordable cost of living means salaries go further than in more expensive markets. The city's healthcare industry creates strong demand for finance & accounting professionals.

What skills are most in-demand for Payroll Specialists in St. Louis?

Top skills for Payroll Specialists in St. Louis include Payroll Processing, Tax Compliance, HRIS Systems, Attention to Detail, Regulations. Employers value both technical expertise and soft skills like communication and teamwork.

What is the cost of living for Payroll Specialists in St. Louis?

St. Louis's cost of living is near the national average (90% of baseline). Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment is approximately $1,100/month. Purchasing power in St. Louis is comparable to the national average, with salaries appropriately scaled to local costs.

How is the commute for Payroll Specialists in St. Louis?

St. Louis Limited public transit options; car recommended for most commutes. The average commute is 25 minutes. Research employer-specific shuttle services.

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