Payroll Specialist Jobs in Arlington, TX
Payroll specialists are essential in Arlington, where large hourly workforces make accurate, on-time pay a serious operational challenge. GM Arlington Assembly runs thousands of hourly employees on shift schedules, Six Flags processes huge seasonal payrolls, and Texas's lack of a state income tax gives payroll staff a somewhat simpler withholding picture that still demands mastery of federal and multi-state rules for employers like D.R. Horton.
Current Payroll Specialist Openings in Arlington, TX
Listings marked External are sponsored openings provided by the Jobs2Careers network.
Top Arlington Employers Hiring Payroll Specialists
Payroll roles in Arlington cluster among large-workforce and multi-location employers:
- General Motors Arlington Assembly - high-volume hourly manufacturing payroll.
- D.R. Horton - multi-state corporate payroll from its Arlington HQ.
- Six Flags Over Texas - large seasonal and full-time payroll processing.
- City of Arlington - municipal payroll for thousands of employees.
- Arlington ISD - school district payroll administration.
- Payroll and PEO firms - third-party payroll providers serving DFW businesses.
Payroll Specialist Salaries in Arlington
- Entry-level payroll specialist: about 44,000 to 52,000 dollars per year.
- Experienced specialist (3 to 7 years): about 54,000 to 66,000 dollars.
- Senior payroll specialist or lead: about 68,000 to 80,000 dollars.
These are estimates that vary by employer and payroll complexity. Larger Arlington employers add benefits, retirement matching, and certification reimbursement, and multi-state payroll roles typically pay at the higher end.
How to Become a Payroll Specialist in Arlington
Most roles ask for an associate or bachelor's degree in accounting or business, plus payroll or bookkeeping experience. Tarrant County College offers accounting and payroll coursework, and the American Payroll Association's FPC or CPP certifications strengthen candidacy. Familiarity with systems like ADP, Workday, or Paylocity is a major plus for Arlington employers.
What the Job Involves
Payroll specialists calculate wages, process timecards, handle deductions and garnishments, ensure tax compliance, and resolve pay discrepancies. In Arlington's large hourly employers, that means managing shift differentials, overtime, and high transaction volumes each pay cycle.
Skills Employers Look For
- Accuracy with numbers and deadlines
- Knowledge of payroll tax and wage law
- Proficiency with payroll software like ADP or Workday
- Strong Excel and data skills
- Confidentiality and attention to detail
Career Path and Advancement
Arlington payroll specialists often advance to payroll supervisor, payroll manager, or into broader accounting or HRIS roles. Earning the CPP credential and mastering multi-state payroll opens doors at the metro's largest corporate employers.
Related Careers in Arlington
Payroll specialists in Arlington often explore these related paths:
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you need a degree to be a payroll specialist in Arlington?
Most employers prefer an associate or bachelor's in accounting or business, but strong payroll or bookkeeping experience can substitute at some companies.
Does Texas having no state income tax make payroll easier in Arlington?
It simplifies state withholding, but specialists still master federal taxes, and multi-state employers like D.R. Horton require knowledge of other states' rules too.
Which payroll software should I learn for Arlington jobs?
ADP, Workday, Paylocity, and UKG are widely used by Arlington employers. Hands-on experience with any major system is a strong advantage.
Is payroll certification worth it in Arlington?
Yes. The American Payroll Association's FPC and CPP credentials are valued by larger Arlington employers and can boost pay and advancement.
Which Arlington employers hire the most payroll specialists?
Large hourly-workforce employers like GM Arlington Assembly and Six Flags, plus corporate D.R. Horton, the City of Arlington, and Arlington ISD, keep payroll demand steady.
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