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Compensation Manager, Paymaster, Supervisor (Pay and Benefits / Payroll)
In Canada, the federal government groups and organizes occupations based on a National Occupational Classification (NOC) system. This alis occupation may not reflect the entire NOC group it is part of. Data for the NOC group can apply across multiple occupations.
The NOC system is updated every 5 years to reflect changes in the labour market. Government forms and labour market data may group and refer to an occupation differently, depending on the system used.
Here is how this occupation has been classified over time.
2006 NOC
2006 NOC-S
2011 NOC
2016 NOC
2021 NOC
2023 OaSIS
Payroll managers lead and provide strategic direction for payroll staff, such as payroll administrators, benefit administrators, timekeepers, and time entry clerks They ensure employees receive company pay accurately and on time. To supervise the day-to-day operation of their unit, they:
In general, payroll managers:
Payroll managers need to understand employment legislation to:
Payroll managers act as a liaison between other departments. They:
Payroll managers may also:
Some payroll managers perform other roles in human resources or accounting. This typically happens in small- to medium-sized organizations. In smaller organizations, payroll managers are asked to process payroll in a hands-on capacity. For details about these other occupations, see the Human Resources Professional, Accountant, and Accounting Technician occupational profiles.
Payroll managers typically work in offices.
Work is usually full time within a regular workweek. They may need to work overtime during busier periods.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2006 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
Interest in co-ordinating the work of clerks and activities with other units and departments; and in submitting progress reports, in ensuring smooth operation of computer systems and equipment and in arranging for maintenance and and repair work
Interest in supervising the activities of workers; and in implementing efficient working processes, identifying training needs, resolving work-related problems, establishing work schedules and procedures, and authorizing routine payments, credits, deposits and withdrawals
Interest in training workers in job duties and company policies
To identify or change your interest codes, complete the Interests Exercise in CAREERinsite.
The interest code helps you figure out if you’d like to work in a particular occupation.
It’s based on the Canadian Work Preference Inventory (CWPI), which measures 5 occupational interests: Directive, Innovative, Methodical, Objective, and Social.
Each set of 3 interest codes for this NOC group is listed in order of importance.
A code in capital letters means it’s a strong fit for the occupation.
A code in all lowercase letters means the fit is weaker.
Payroll managers need:
Payroll managers should enjoy:
They should be comfortable supervising, training, and motivating their staff.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
This chart shows which job skills are currently in highest demand for this occupational group. It was created using this occupation's 103 most recent Alberta job postings, collected between Nov 30, 2023 and Jul 18, 2025.
Review these skills to learn:
| Tasks: Co-ordinate activities with other work units or departments | 88 |
|---|---|
| Tasks: Prepare and submit reports | 87 |
| Tasks: Ensure accuracy of financial transactions | 86 |
| Tasks: Resolve work related problems | 81 |
| Tasks: Co-ordinate, assign and review work | 78 |
| Tasks: Train workers in duties and policies | 73 |
| Tasks: Requisition or order materials, equipment and supplies | 63 |
| Attention to detail | 60 |
| Tasks: Ensure smooth operation of equipment | 58 |
| Experience: 1 year to less than 2 years | 53 |
Payroll managers must have at least a college diploma in accounting, bookkeeping, or a related subject. However, more employers now require a university degree in finance, human resources, or business administration.
Payroll managers need to have knowledge of standard office software. They also need to understand:
The National Payroll Institute has a database of approved schools and courses.
The following schools offer programs or courses that are related to this occupation but are not required to enter the field.
To expand or narrow your program options, visit Post-Secondary Programs and start your search with:
Completing a program does not guarantee entrance into an occupation. Before enrolling in an education program, prospective students should look into various sources for education options and employment possibilities. For example, contact associations and employers in this field.
Some employers require payroll certification, especially when managing larger teams. Having multiple certifications is an asset.
The designation of Payroll Leadership Professional (PLP), previously the designation of Certified Payroll Manager (CPM) is available from the National Payroll Institute, previously the Canadian Payroll Association To obtain the PLP, candidates need to have:
For more information, visit NPI.
The designation of Certified Human Resources Professional (CHRP) is available from the Human Resources Professional Association (HRPA). To obtain the CHRP, candidates need to have:
For more information, visit HRPA.
Source: 2021-2025 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
Payroll managers work for organizations in the public and private sectors.
Generally, payroll managers start as payroll administrators. Prospective managers typically need at least 5 or 6 years of payroll experience.
This section shows the industries where the majority of people in this occupation work. The data is based on the 2016 Census.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.
Supervisors, finance and insurance office workers
2016 NOC: 1212
78.1% of people in this occupational group work in:
NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.
This section shows the short-term demand forecasted for this occupation in Alberta over a 3-year period. It also shows the number of people employed in the occupation.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2021 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.
Source: 2024-2026 Alberta Short-Term Employment Forecast
NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.
To see data for all occupations, visit Occupations in Demand.
This section shows the employment outlook for this occupation in Alberta over a 5-year period.
Employment outlook is influenced by a wide variety of factors including:
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.
Source: 2021-2025 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
Annual growth is from 2021 to 2025. New positions created each year are in addition to job openings created by employment turnover.
NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.
Payroll managers are part of the larger 2011 National Occupational Classification 1212: Supervisors, finance, and insurance office workers. For data on how much those from this occupational group earned last year in Alberta or throughout Canada, visit the Canada Job Bank.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2021 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
Unless otherwise noted, the data shown here is for all industries and all regions in Alberta.
All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production), and other forms of compensation.
To see the full survey data for this NOC group, visit the wage profile.
Other wage sources
To make an informed wage and salary decision, research other wage sources [pdf] to supplement this data.
High Reliability, represents a CV of less than or equal to 6.00% and 30 survey observations and/or represents 50% or more of all estimated employment for the occupation.
| Wages* | Low (5th percentile) | High (95th percentile) | Average | Median |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting | $20.00 | $109.89 | $39.11 | $35.38 |
| Overall | $24.84 | $77.88 | $43.02 | $40.35 |
| Top | $25.48 | $137.36 | $47.32 | $41.35 |
Swipe left and right to view all data. Scroll left and right to view all data.
* All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production) and other forms of compensation.
Pay brackets for hourly wages
| ALL INDUSTRIES | $85,753 |
|---|---|
| Oil & Gas Extraction | $110,220 |
| Construction | $75,717 |
| Retail Trade | $58,747 |
| Transportation and Warehousing | $62,451 |
| Information, Culture, Recreation | $79,291 |
| Finance, Insurance, Real Estate, Leasing | $94,024 |
| Health Care & Social Assistance | $55,333 |
| Other Services (Repair, Personal Services and Related) | $64,446 |
| Public Administration | $84,967 |
Canada Job Bank website: www.jobbank.gc.ca
The Canadian Payroll Association website: www.payroll.ca
Get information and referrals about career, education, and employment options from Alberta Supports.
Updated Mar 31, 2025. The information contained in this profile is current as of the dates shown. Salary, employment outlook, and educational program information may change without notice. It is advised that you confirm this information before making any career decisions.
