LeaderPortfolio
Sarowitz
Steven Sarowitz
Rank #2352
UNITED STATESTechnologyPayroll software

Steven Sarowitz

Net Worth
$1.731B
-0.73% (24h)
Steven Sarowitz is an American entrepreneur and philanthropist, best known as the founder of Paylocity, a leading provider of cloud-based payroll and human capital management software. Born in 1965 or 1966, Sarowitz built a successful career in the technology industry. His wealth stems from Paylocity, which he took public in 2014. Beyond his business achievements, Sarowitz is dedicated to philanthropy, with plans to donate a substantial portion of his wealth. He is also involved in film production through Wayfarer Studios. As of 2024, his net worth is estimated at $1.7 billion.

How to read Steven Sarowitz's profile

Public net-worth figures are estimates. They combine observable inputs—typically listed equity, disclosed transactions, and market prices—with editorial judgment where filings are incomplete (for example, private holdings, debt, or cross-holdings). For Steven Sarowitz, we anchor the narrative to Payroll software and Payroll software, then update the headline number as markets move. The chart on this page is meant to show trajectory, not a certified balance sheet.

When you see $1.731B alongside global rank #2352, interpret it as our best synthesis of widely cited ownership and price signals—not a claim about cash on hand. Estimates can diverge from other publishers because of different treatment of options, trusts, charitable vehicles, or illiquid assets. We document the general approach in methodology and welcome corrections via corrections.

Country (UNITED STATES) and career milestones on this page are curated for reader context; they should be verified against primary sources when used for research. Editorial metadata for this profile is refreshed on a rolling basis, with deeper audits at least annually (last noted cycle: 2026).

Looking for depth? When available, the dossier and timeline sections below add long-form context beyond the headline number—prioritize those modules when evaluating claims about strategy, controversies, or philanthropic commitments.

The Full Dossier

Early Life

Steve Sarowitz was born in 1965 or 1966. Limited information is available about his early life and childhood.

Rise to Success

Sarowitz's career is defined by his founding of Paylocity in 1997. He had previously worked at other payroll companies. Paylocity, under his leadership, experienced substantial growth, becoming a prominent provider of payroll and human capital management solutions. The company went public in March 2014.

Key Business Strategies

Sarowitz's vision was to fill a gap in the market by providing a solution with in-house like technology supported by the service and liability protection of an outsourcing solution. He has been instrumental in Paylocity's adoption of cutting-edge technologies.

Philanthropy

Sarowitz is an international philanthropist. He and his wife helm the Julian Grace Foundation, supporting over 50 causes worldwide, with a focus on programs for orphans, foster children, and refugees. He plans to donate a significant portion of his wealth to charitable causes.

Career Timeline

2019

Named Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year

Awarded the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year® 2019 in the Midwest region

2014

Paylocity IPO

Paylocity went public.

1997

Founded Paylocity

Founded the company as Ameripay Payroll Ltd. in the Chicago area, which was later renamed Paylocity.

1987

Graduated from the University of Illinois

Earned a Bachelor's Degree in Economics.

Philanthropic Impact

Community ImpactUndisclosed

Julian Grace Foundation

Supports various causes worldwide, including programs for orphans, foster children, and refugees

Community ImpactUndisclosed

Wayfarer Foundation

Dedicated to community impact on a global scale.

Key Business Ventures & Holdings

CompanyStakeValue
Paylocity28.00%

Net Worth History

In-Depth Analysis

Early Life

Steve Sarowitz was born in 1965 or 1966. Limited information is available about his early life and childhood.

Rise to Success

Sarowitz's career is defined by his founding of Paylocity in 1997. He had previously worked at other payroll companies. Paylocity, under his leadership, experienced substantial growth, becoming a prominent provider of payroll and human capital management solutions. The company went public in March 2014.

Key Business Strategies

Sarowitz's vision was to fill a gap in the market by providing a solution with in-house like technology supported by the service and liability protection of an outsourcing solution. He has been instrumental in Paylocity's adoption of cutting-edge technologies.

Philanthropy

Sarowitz is an international philanthropist. He and his wife helm the Julian Grace Foundation, supporting over 50 causes worldwide, with a focus on programs for orphans, foster children, and refugees. He plans to donate a significant portion of his wealth to charitable causes.

Data Sources & Methodology

Figures for Steven Sarowitz are synthesized from the sources below and cross-checked against our net worth methodology. Estimates may lag market moves; see corrections to report discrepancies.