Payroll Analyst Jobs in Washington
Payroll Analyst jobs in Washington are consistently active, with strong demand driven by the state's deep concentration of technology, aerospace, healthcare, and global retail headquarters. Most openings are concentrated in the Seattle metro, Bellevue, and Redmond, where established employers like Amazon, Boeing, and Providence Health and Services maintain large finance and HR operations and hire payroll analysts at every level from entry through senior. Multi-state payroll compliance, Workday and ADP configuration, and equity compensation processing are among the most sought-after specialties. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Job Description
The Department of Neurology has an outstanding opportunity for a Payroll Analyst to join their team.
About this Opportunity
Reporting to the Human Resources Department Manager, the Payroll Analyst is responsible for administering and overseeing complex payroll, compensation, and leave activities for Department of Neurology faculty, staff, and trainees. This position serves as a departmental subject-matter expert on payroll and compensation administration and is responsible for ensuring employees are paid accurately, timely, and in compliance with University, School of Medicine, state, and federal requirements.
In addition to operational payroll responsibilities, the position conducts HR and workforce analytics to support departmental planning and leadership decision-making. This includes compensation and internal equity analysis, workforce and turnover metrics, internal auditing, employee service and milestone data, and other HR reporting and analysis.
Key Responsibilities
Payroll & Leave Management – 50%
- Manage complex payroll activities for Department of Neurology faculty, staff, and trainees by independently performing payroll review, reconciliation, statistical and data analysis, and problem resolution.
- Ensure payroll transactions are accurate, timely, and compliant with University, School of Medicine, state, and federal requirements. Identify discrepancies and independently research and resolve complex payroll issues.
- Manage and analyze faculty and staff compensation actions, including salary changes, costing allocations, hospital funding, practice plan compensation, additional compensation, temporary pay increases, retention increases, and other compensation elements.
- Maintain a comprehensive understanding of School of Medicine faculty compensation structures and analyze changes to faculty compensation and distributions, including X/Y/Z salary components, clinical and administrative compensation, costing allocations, hospital funding, and other applicable compensation elements.
- Exercise independent judgment and advanced analytical skills to research complex payroll, compensation, and leave questions and recommend accurate, compliant, and fiscally responsible solutions.
- Review payroll and compensation transactions for accuracy and consistency with approved appointment, salary, FTE, funding, and compensation documentation.
- Serve as a departmental resource for faculty, staff, managers, and leadership regarding payroll, compensation, and leave policies and procedures.
- Provide guidance to faculty and staff regarding leave options and associated payroll impacts, including FMLA, Washington Paid Family and Medical Leave, unpaid leaves of absence, FTE changes, and other leave programs based on the applicable employment category.
- Coordinate complex payroll and leave matters with central UW and School of Medicine partners as appropriate and ensure necessary departmental documentation and approvals are maintained.
Reports, Analysis & Process Improvement – 20%
- Develop and maintain centralized tracking mechanisms to monitor payroll components, compensation elements, leave activity, funding changes, and related transactions for Department of Neurology faculty, staff, and trainees.
- Prepare recurring and ad hoc reports and perform comparative and trend analyses related to payroll, compensation, leave, and other HR activities to support departmental planning and decision-making.
- Conduct in-depth analyses of payroll, compensation, and leave processes to identify risks, discrepancies, inefficiencies, and opportunities for improvement; recommend and implement appropriate solutions.
- Develop and maintain internal controls, standard operating procedures, and departmental workflows to ensure payroll, compensation, and leave processes are accurate, efficient, and compliant with University and School of Medicine requirements.
- Identify departmental operational needs and independently recommend, design, and implement improvements to payroll, compensation, and leave workflows.
- Perform routine audits and reconciliations of payroll and compensation data and proactively identify and resolve inconsistencies.
- Develop and maintain training materials, standard operating procedures, guides, and other resources related to payroll, compensation, and leave administration.
HR Analytics – 20%
- Develop, maintain, and analyze workforce and HR data for the Department of Neurology to support compensation planning, workforce management, internal equity, and strategic decision-making.
- Conduct faculty and staff compensation analyses, including tracking departmental salary averages and ranges, reviewing internal salary relationships, evaluating equity and salary compression, and providing comparative data to support compensation decisions.
- Prepare compensation analyses and supporting documentation for proposed salary adjustments, retention increases, in-grade salary increases, temporary pay increases, additional compensation, and other faculty and staff compensation requests.
- Compile and analyze data to support annual compensation processes, including merit increases and other departmental or University salary programs.
- Develop and maintain workforce metrics related to employee turnover, retention, vacancies, length of service, and other key employment trends. Analyze changes over time and identify trends or areas requiring further review.
- Track employee service anniversaries, length of service, appointment dates, and other employment milestones to support workforce planning, reporting, and employee recognition activities.
- Conduct routine internal audits of HR, payroll, compensation, position, and employee data to identify discrepancies, maintain data integrity, and support compliance with University and School of Medicine requirements.
- Develop dashboards, reports, and other analytical tools that provide department leadership with meaningful workforce and compensation information.
- Prepare recurring and ad hoc HR reports and analyses for departmental HR and administrative leadership to support workforce planning, budgeting, compensation review, recruitment, retention, and organizational decision-making.
Other Duties as Assigned – 10%
- Provide cross-coverage and back-up support for Department of Neurology HR operations during staff absences, vacancies, periods of increased workload, and other operational needs to ensure continuity of critical HR functions.
- Provide back-up support for staff HR activities, including recruitment and hiring, position and compensation actions, employee changes, onboarding and offboarding, and related HR transactions and processes.
- Provide back-up support for faculty appointments and academic HR activities, including new appointments, reappointments, promotions, appointment changes, and coordination of required School of Medicine and University processes.
- Assist with faculty and staff onboarding and appointment-related activities as needed, including coordination and tracking of required documentation and approvals.
Required Qualifications
To be considered for this opportunity your application must demonstrate you meet both the minimum qualifications and additional qualifications listed below. Equivalent education and/or experience may substitute for minimum qualifications except when there are legal requirements, such as a license, certification, and/or registration.
Minimum Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Business, Public Administration, or related field and two years or more of payroll and fiscal administration experience.
- Applicants who do not meet these qualifications WILL NOT be forwarded to the Hiring Manager.
Desired Qualification
- Knowledge of and familiarity with University policies, procedures, and systems (Workday, FIS, CTM)
- Knowledge of Washington State employment law and University of Washington human resource, payroll, leave policies
- Payroll, time and leave, HR experience in an academic setting Some understanding of the fellow appointment and management processes within the School of Medicine at the University of Washington and relationships with outside institutions (Seattle Children's Hospital, Seattle Children's Research Institute, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, etc.)
Application Requirement
This recruitment requires a cover letter. Applications that do not include a cover letter will not be forwarded to the hiring department. Please address the following in your cover letter:
- Describe your experience with payroll, compensation, time and leave, or related HR and financial processes. Provide an example of a complex payroll, compensation, or financial issue you identified, analyzed, and helped resolve.
Working Conditions
- This is a hybrid position that may require up to three days per week in the office to support in-person business needs.
- This role involves working in a shared office space with additional team members.
Compensation, Benefits and Position Details
Pay Range Minimum:
$61,200.00 annualPay Range Maximum:
$78,000.00 annualOther Compensation:
Benefits:
For information about benefits for this position, visit https://www.washington.edu/jobs/benefits-for-uw-staff/Shift:
First Shift (United States of America)Temporary or Regular?
This is a regular positionFTE (Full-Time Equivalent):
100.00%Union/Bargaining Unit:
Not ApplicableAbout the UW
Working at the University of Washington provides a unique opportunity to change lives – on our campuses, in our state and around the world.
UW employees bring their boundless energy, creative problem-solving skills and dedication to building stronger minds and a healthier world. In return, they enjoy outstanding benefits, opportunities for professional growth and the chance to work in an environment known for its diversity, intellectual excitement, artistic pursuits and natural beauty.
Our Commitment
The University of Washington is committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful and welcoming community for all. As an equal opportunity employer, the University considers applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship, sex, pregnancy, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, disability, or veteran status consistent with UW Executive Order No. 81 .
To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact the Disability Services Office at 206-543-6450 or dso@uw.edu .
Applicants considered for this position will be required to disclose if they are the subject of any substantiated findings or current investigations related to sexual misconduct at their current employment and past employment. Disclosure is required under Washington state law .
Job Description
The Department of Neurology has an outstanding opportunity for a Payroll Analyst to join their team.
About this Opportunity
Reporting to the Human Resources Department Manager, the Payroll Analyst is responsible for administering and overseeing complex payroll, compensation, and leave activities for Department of Neurology faculty, staff, and trainees. This position serves as a departmental subject-matter expert on payroll and compensation administration and is responsible for ensuring employees are paid accurately, timely, and in compliance with University, School of Medicine, state, and federal requirements.
In addition to operational payroll responsibilities, the position conducts HR and workforce analytics to support departmental planning and leadership decision-making. This includes compensation and internal equity analysis, workforce and turnover metrics, internal auditing, employee service and milestone data, and other HR reporting and analysis.
Key Responsibilities
Payroll & Leave Management – 50%
- Manage complex payroll activities for Department of Neurology faculty, staff, and trainees by independently performing payroll review, reconciliation, statistical and data analysis, and problem resolution.
- Ensure payroll transactions are accurate, timely, and compliant with University, School of Medicine, state, and federal requirements. Identify discrepancies and independently research and resolve complex payroll issues.
- Manage and analyze faculty and staff compensation actions, including salary changes, costing allocations, hospital funding, practice plan compensation, additional compensation, temporary pay increases, retention increases, and other compensation elements.
- Maintain a comprehensive understanding of School of Medicine faculty compensation structures and analyze changes to faculty compensation and distributions, including X/Y/Z salary components, clinical and administrative compensation, costing allocations, hospital funding, and other applicable compensation elements.
- Exercise independent judgment and advanced analytical skills to research complex payroll, compensation, and leave questions and recommend accurate, compliant, and fiscally responsible solutions.
- Review payroll and compensation transactions for accuracy and consistency with approved appointment, salary, FTE, funding, and compensation documentation.
- Serve as a departmental resource for faculty, staff, managers, and leadership regarding payroll, compensation, and leave policies and procedures.
- Provide guidance to faculty and staff regarding leave options and associated payroll impacts, including FMLA, Washington Paid Family and Medical Leave, unpaid leaves of absence, FTE changes, and other leave programs based on the applicable employment category.
- Coordinate complex payroll and leave matters with central UW and School of Medicine partners as appropriate and ensure necessary departmental documentation and approvals are maintained.
Reports, Analysis & Process Improvement – 20%
- Develop and maintain centralized tracking mechanisms to monitor payroll components, compensation elements, leave activity, funding changes, and related transactions for Department of Neurology faculty, staff, and trainees.
- Prepare recurring and ad hoc reports and perform comparative and trend analyses related to payroll, compensation, leave, and other HR activities to support departmental planning and decision-making.
- Conduct in-depth analyses of payroll, compensation, and leave processes to identify risks, discrepancies, inefficiencies, and opportunities for improvement; recommend and implement appropriate solutions.
- Develop and maintain internal controls, standard operating procedures, and departmental workflows to ensure payroll, compensation, and leave processes are accurate, efficient, and compliant with University and School of Medicine requirements.
- Identify departmental operational needs and independently recommend, design, and implement improvements to payroll, compensation, and leave workflows.
- Perform routine audits and reconciliations of payroll and compensation data and proactively identify and resolve inconsistencies.
- Develop and maintain training materials, standard operating procedures, guides, and other resources related to payroll, compensation, and leave administration.
HR Analytics – 20%
- Develop, maintain, and analyze workforce and HR data for the Department of Neurology to support compensation planning, workforce management, internal equity, and strategic decision-making.
- Conduct faculty and staff compensation analyses, including tracking departmental salary averages and ranges, reviewing internal salary relationships, evaluating equity and salary compression, and providing comparative data to support compensation decisions.
- Prepare compensation analyses and supporting documentation for proposed salary adjustments, retention increases, in-grade salary increases, temporary pay increases, additional compensation, and other faculty and staff compensation requests.
- Compile and analyze data to support annual compensation processes, including merit increases and other departmental or University salary programs.
- Develop and maintain workforce metrics related to employee turnover, retention, vacancies, length of service, and other key employment trends. Analyze changes over time and identify trends or areas requiring further review.
- Track employee service anniversaries, length of service, appointment dates, and other employment milestones to support workforce planning, reporting, and employee recognition activities.
- Conduct routine internal audits of HR, payroll, compensation, position, and employee data to identify discrepancies, maintain data integrity, and support compliance with University and School of Medicine requirements.
- Develop dashboards, reports, and other analytical tools that provide department leadership with meaningful workforce and compensation information.
- Prepare recurring and ad hoc HR reports and analyses for departmental HR and administrative leadership to support workforce planning, budgeting, compensation review, recruitment, retention, and organizational decision-making.
Other Duties as Assigned – 10%
- Provide cross-coverage and back-up support for Department of Neurology HR operations during staff absences, vacancies, periods of increased workload, and other operational needs to ensure continuity of critical HR functions.
- Provide back-up support for staff HR activities, including recruitment and hiring, position and compensation actions, employee changes, onboarding and offboarding, and related HR transactions and processes.
- Provide back-up support for faculty appointments and academic HR activities, including new appointments, reappointments, promotions, appointment changes, and coordination of required School of Medicine and University processes.
- Assist with faculty and staff onboarding and appointment-related activities as needed, including coordination and tracking of required documentation and approvals.
Required Qualifications
To be considered for this opportunity your application must demonstrate you meet both the minimum qualifications and additional qualifications listed below. Equivalent education and/or experience may substitute for minimum qualifications except when there are legal requirements, such as a license, certification, and/or registration.
Minimum Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Business, Public Administration, or related field and two years or more of payroll and fiscal administration experience.
- Applicants who do not meet these qualifications WILL NOT be forwarded to the Hiring Manager.
Desired Qualification
- Knowledge of and familiarity with University policies, procedures, and systems (Workday, FIS, CTM)
- Knowledge of Washington State employment law and University of Washington human resource, payroll, leave policies
- Payroll, time and leave, HR experience in an academic setting Some understanding of the fellow appointment and management processes within the School of Medicine at the University of Washington and relationships with outside institutions (Seattle Children's Hospital, Seattle Children's Research Institute, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, etc.)
Application Requirement
This recruitment requires a cover letter. Applications that do not include a cover letter will not be forwarded to the hiring department. Please address the following in your cover letter:
- Describe your experience with payroll, compensation, time and leave, or related HR and financial processes. Provide an example of a complex payroll, compensation, or financial issue you identified, analyzed, and helped resolve.
Working Conditions
- This is a hybrid position that may require up to three days per week in the office to support in-person business needs.
- This role involves working in a shared office space with additional team members.
Compensation, Benefits and Position Details
Pay Range Minimum:
$61,200.00 annualPay Range Maximum:
$78,000.00 annualOther Compensation:
Benefits:
For information about benefits for this position, visit https://www.washington.edu/jobs/benefits-for-uw-staff/Shift:
First Shift (United States of America)Temporary or Regular?
This is a regular positionFTE (Full-Time Equivalent):
100.00%Union/Bargaining Unit:
Not ApplicableAbout the UW
Working at the University of Washington provides a unique opportunity to change lives – on our campuses, in our state and around the world.
UW employees bring their boundless energy, creative problem-solving skills and dedication to building stronger minds and a healthier world. In return, they enjoy outstanding benefits, opportunities for professional growth and the chance to work in an environment known for its diversity, intellectual excitement, artistic pursuits and natural beauty.
Our Commitment
The University of Washington is committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful and welcoming community for all. As an equal opportunity employer, the University considers applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship, sex, pregnancy, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, disability, or veteran status consistent with UW Executive Order No. 81 .
To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact the Disability Services Office at 206-543-6450 or dso@uw.edu .
Applicants considered for this position will be required to disclose if they are the subject of any substantiated findings or current investigations related to sexual misconduct at their current employment and past employment. Disclosure is required under Washington state law .
See All 11 Payroll Analyst Jobs in Washington
Find roles in Washington that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Payroll Analyst JobsPayroll Analyst Jobs by City in Washington
Where Washington roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Payroll Analyst Job Market in Washington
A snapshot from current Washington openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Retail
- Technology & Software
What Washington Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in payroll analyst jobs across Washington.
- Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, human resources, or a related business field
- Hands-on experience with enterprise payroll systems such as Workday, ADP, or Ceridian
- Working knowledge of Washington State payroll tax requirements and L&I reporting
- Proficiency in Excel including pivot tables, VLOOKUP, and payroll reconciliation formulas
- Familiarity with multi-state payroll processing and cross-border compliance across the Pacific Northwest
- FPC or CPP certification from the American Payroll Association preferred by mid-level employers
Payroll Analyst Jobs in Washington: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a payroll analyst in Washington?
Most payroll analyst roles in Washington require a bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, or human resources, though some employers accept an associate degree paired with relevant experience. Washington does not issue a state-specific payroll license, so employers rely heavily on the Fundamental Payroll Certification or Certified Payroll Professional credential from the American Payroll Association as a hiring signal. Candidates who also demonstrate knowledge of Washington's industrial insurance and paid family and medical leave systems stand out in local hiring pools.
How much do payroll analysts make in Washington?
Payroll analysts in Washington earn a median of about $64,560 a year, based on May 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data, ranging from around $50,220 for the lowest 10% to over $89,290 for the top 10%. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and employer.
Which companies hire payroll analysts in Washington?
Employers hiring payroll analysts in Washington right now include Whatnot, Okta, and Graham Construction, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of October 2026. Washington's concentration of large technology, aerospace, and healthcare headquarters means payroll teams here often handle complex equity compensation, shift-differential pay, and multi-state compliance alongside standard processing cycles.
Which Washington cities have the most payroll analyst jobs?
Seattle, Renton, and Bellevue have the most payroll analyst openings in Washington. The Seattle metro dominates because it is home to the regional or global headquarters of major technology, retail, and healthcare employers whose large, multi-state workforces require dedicated payroll teams, and Bellevue and Redmond add to that concentration as dense corporate corridors adjacent to Seattle.
Are there remote payroll analyst jobs in Washington?
Yes, and more than most fields. About 80% of payroll analyst openings tied to Washington are remote or hybrid as of October 2026, reflecting the desk-based, data-driven nature of the work. Tasks such as running payroll cycles, reconciling tax filings, and managing system configurations are well suited to remote environments, while on-site presence is more common during implementation projects or audit periods.
How can I get hired as a payroll analyst in Washington with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is moving from a payroll coordinator or HR generalist role at a mid-sized Washington employer, where hands-on system experience substitutes for an analyst title on a resume. Large Washington employers in healthcare, including Providence and UW Medicine, and technology firms in the Seattle and Bellevue corridor regularly hire payroll or HR operations associates as stepping stones to analyst positions. Earning the Fundamental Payroll Certification before applying gives candidates a concrete credential that offsets a limited work history.
Where can I find and apply to payroll analyst jobs in Washington?
You can find and apply to payroll analyst jobs in Washington on Migrate Mate, which lists current Washington openings updated regularly. Scan the roles below, identify the ones that match your experience and preferred location or remote arrangement, and apply directly to each posting without creating an account or signing up for anything.
See All 11 Payroll Analyst Jobs in Washington
Find roles in Washington that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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