As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for an Accounts Payable Specialist I in the United States is $55,300 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $27.
However, an Accounts Payable Specialist I's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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An Accounts Payable Specialist 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, and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of an Accounts Payable Specialist 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Accounts Payable Specialist I | 0-2 years | $55,298 |
| AP Analyst II | 2-4 years | $61,887 |
| Accounts Payable Specialist III | 4-7 years | $68,648 |
| AP Operations Supervisor | 7+ years | $73,033 |
| AP Operations Senior Supervisor | 7+ years | $89,341 |
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 Accounts Payable Specialist Is. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Accounts Payable Specialist I salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $61,905. While startup companies pay approximate $52,370.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $52,370 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $55,388 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $59,780 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $61,905 |
For Accounts Payable Specialist I roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 70% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Software & Networking and Financial Services sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 40% above the average. In contrast, Accounts Payable Specialist positions in Media or Transportation typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Accounts Payable Specialist I as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Software & Networking | $77,420 | $37.0 | 40% |
| Financial Services | $71,890 | $35.0 | 30% |
| Insurance | $69,125 | $33.0 | 25% |
| Energy & Utilities | $66,360 | $32.0 | 20% |
| Aerospace & Defense | $63,595 | $31.0 | 15% |
Understanding how an Accounts Payable Specialist 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 August 01, 2026For an Accounts Payable Specialist I, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the AP Analyst II role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $61,900 - a projected growth of 12% over your current level.
Salaries for an Accounts Payable Specialist I can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary from $51,348 in 2023 to around $51,348 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Accounts Payable Specialist I salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2023 |
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| 2024 | $51,348 |
| 2025 |
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| 2026 |
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| 2027 |
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The Software & Networking industry offers the highest average compensation for Accounts Payable Specialist I roles, with salaries approximately 40% above the market median.
The role of an Accounts Payable Specialist can indeed be stressful, primarily due to the responsibility of ensuring timely payments. Missing a payment deadline may result in late fees, altered terms, or damaged vendor relationships. However, with a salary range of $50,000 to $66,000, the compensation reflects the importance and challenges of the position.
The salary for an Accounts Payable Specialist typically ranges from $50,000 to $66,000 annually, with a midpoint of $57,300. This reflects the compensation structure for this role, which may vary based on experience and location.
The salary for an Accounts Payable Specialist ranges from $50,000 to $66,000, with a median salary of $57,300. While this role offers a competitive salary, other high-paying jobs in India for 2025 include Project Manager, Machine Learning Engineer, and Data Scientist, which may offer higher compensation.
The highest salary for an Accounts Payable Specialist is $66,000. In various cities across the United States, salaries can vary, with Washington, DC reporting around $64,444, while other cities like Los Angeles and Denver show lower averages, at approximately $52,981 and $51,717 respectively.
The monthly salary of an Accounts Payable Specialist ranges from ₹41,667 to ₹55,000, with a mid-range salary of approximately ₹47,750. This translates to an annual salary between ₹5,00,000 and ₹6,60,000, with a midpoint around ₹5,73,000.
As of now, the salary for an Accounts Payable Specialist in the United States ranges from $50,000 to $66,000 annually. The average salary is approximately $57,300 per year, which translates to about $27.52 per hour, $1,104 weekly, or $4,785 monthly.
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