As of July 01, 2026, the average salary for an Accounting Assistant I in the United States is $42,900 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $21.
However, an Accounting Assistant I's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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An Accounting Assistant I's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location, education, and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of an Accounting Assistant I's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:
| Job Role | Years of Experience | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Accounting Assistant I | 0-1 years | $42,889 |
| Accounting Assistant II | 1-3 years | $48,663 |
| Accounting Assistant III | 3-5 years | $54,743 |
| Accounting Assistant IV | 5-7 years | $61,160 |
| Accounting Operations Supervisor | 7+ years | $89,544 |
What Am I Worth?
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Accounting Assistant Is. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Customer Service | 2.23% |
| Credit Card | 2.75% |
| Microsoft Excel | 1.21% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Consulting
|
$48,477 |
13%
|
|
Finance and Accounting
|
$48,477 |
13%
|
|
Presentation
|
$48,477 |
13%
|
|
Financial Reporting
|
$48,048 |
12%
|
|
Analytical Skills
|
$47,619 |
11%
|
|
Commitment
|
$47,619 |
11%
|
Accounting Assistant I salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $47,983. While startup companies pay approximate $40,580.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $40,580 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $42,919 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $46,337 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $47,983 |
For Accounting Assistant I roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 30% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Aerospace & Defense and Healthcare sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 15% above the average. In contrast, Accounting Assistant positions in Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit or Hospitality & Leisure typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Accounting Assistant I as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aerospace & Defense | $49,335 | $24.0 | 15% |
| Healthcare | $48,048 | $23.0 | 12% |
| Business Services | $47,190 | $23.0 | 10% |
| Insurance | $46,332 | $22.0 | 8% |
| MFG Nondurable | $45,903 | $22.0 | 7% |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Accounting Assistant Is enter the field with a High School Diploma or Technical Certificate degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.
According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for an Accounting Assistant I with a High School Diploma or Technical Certificate is between $42,136 and $44,813).
Accounting Assistant I Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 2.0% |
| High School | 29.4% |
| Associates | 25.8% |
| Bachelors | 37.6% |
| Masters | 4.8% |
| Doctorate | 0.3% |
Understanding how an Accounting Assistant I's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
Last Updated on July 01, 2026Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As an Accounting Assistant I, you have the following paths for advancement. The table below compares the salary raises for common next-step roles. By comparing these figures, you can choose the career path that best meets your financial goals.
| Next Step Role | Estimate Salary | Projected Raise |
|---|---|---|
| Bookkeeper/Accounting Assistant | $43,900 | 2% |
| Customer Account Adjustments Clerk II | $42,700 | 0% |
| Accounting Assistant II | $48,700 | 14% |
| Plant General and Cost Accounting Manager | $117,400 | 174% |
Salaries for an Accounting Assistant I can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $43,239 in 2023 to around $43,123 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Accounting Assistant I salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $43,239 |
| 2024 | $43,241 |
| 2025 | $43,123 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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The Aerospace & Defense industry offers the highest average compensation for Accounting Assistant I roles, with salaries approximately 15% above the market median.
The salary for an Accounting Assistant typically ranges from KES 41,400 to KES 51,900 annually. The average salary is around KES 46,000 per year. This reflects the compensation for this role in the current market.
The highest paid assistant job varies, but roles like Executive Assistant to the CEO and Legal Administrative Assistant often top the list. For example, an Accounting Assistant can expect a salary range from $41,400 to $51,900, with a mid-salary of $46,000, reflecting the competitive nature of administrative positions in 2024.
Accounting assistants provide essential administrative support to accountants or accounting departments. Their tasks include filing, handling mail, making bank deposits, maintaining bank records, managing invoices, tracking project expenses, and bookkeeping. The salary for this role typically ranges from $41,400 to $51,900, with a mid-range salary of $46,000.
An Accounting Assistant typically earns between $41,400 and $51,900 annually, with a median salary of around $46,000. Recent data shows salaries for similar roles in the UK ranging from £24K to £40K, indicating a competitive market for accounting positions.
Career Trajectory: Accounting assistants with a bachelor's degree in accounting or a related field can advance to positions such as staff accountant, auditor, or accounting manager. With CPA certification, they may also become certified public accountants (CPAs). Salaries for accounting assistants range from $41,400 to $51,900, with a median of $46,000.
Accountants in the USA can earn a decent salary, with Accounting Assistants making between $41,400 and $51,900. The mid-range salary is approximately $46,000. While this may vary based on experience and location, it indicates that accounting roles can provide a stable income.
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