A payroll number is a unique identification code assigned to each employee within an organization’s payroll system. It’s used to manage payroll processing, track wages, benefits, taxes, and ensure accuracy in salary payments. This number helps HR and finance departments identify employees easily, especially in large companies. It’s usually internal and may appear on payslips, employment documents, or digital HR systems. Though not always needed by the employee, it plays a key role in back-office payroll functions.