As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for an AP/AR Clerk I in the United States is $43,290 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $21.
However, an AP/AR Clerk I's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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An AP/AR Clerk 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 AP/AR Clerk 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 |
|---|---|---|
| AP/AR Clerk I | 0-1 years | $43,244 |
| Accounts Payable/Receivable Processing Coordinator II | 1-3 years | $51,984 |
| Accounts Payable/Receivable Processing Coordinator III | 3-5 years | $56,224 |
| Accounts Payable/Receivable Operations Supervisor | 5+ years | $71,042 |
| Accounts Payable/Receivable Operations Senior Supervisor | 5+ years | $91,063 |
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 AP/AR Clerk Is. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Customer Service | 5.11% |
| Credit Card | 3.96% |
| Accounting Software | 1.1% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Property Management
|
$53,680 |
24%
|
|
Process Improvement
|
$48,052 |
11%
|
|
Innovation
|
$47,186 |
9%
|
|
Back Office
|
$47,186 |
9%
|
|
Coordination
|
$46,753 |
8%
|
|
Analysis
|
$45,887 |
6%
|
AP/AR Clerk I salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $48,461. While startup companies pay approximate $40,997.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $40,997 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $43,359 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $46,797 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $48,461 |
For AP/AR Clerk I roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 43% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Software & Networking and Financial Services sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 18% above the average. In contrast, AP/AR Clerk positions in Hospitality & Leisure or Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view AP/AR Clerk I as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Software & Networking | $51,082 | $25.0 | 18% |
| Financial Services | $49,783 | $24.0 | 15% |
| Internet | $49,783 | $24.0 | 15% |
| Aerospace & Defense | $48,485 | $23.0 | 12% |
| Pharmaceuticals | $48,052 | $23.0 | 11% |
Understanding how an AP/AR Clerk 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 AP/AR Clerk I, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Accounts Payable/Receivable Processing Coordinator II role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $52,000 - a projected growth of 20% over your current level.
Salaries for an AP/AR Clerk I can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $43,220 in 2023 to around $42,224 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of AP/AR Clerk I salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $43,220 |
| 2024 | $42,506 |
| 2025 | $42,224 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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The Software & Networking industry offers the highest average compensation for AP/AR Clerk I roles, with salaries approximately 18% above the market median.
In New York City, accounts payable clerks earn between $42,190 and $52,290 annually, with a median salary of $46,790. This range reflects the varying levels of experience and responsibilities within the role.
The highest paying jobs in the US government vary, but positions like Program Manager and Medical Officer often lead the list. For roles such as AP/AR Clerk, salaries range from a minimum of $42,190 to a mid-point of $46,790, with a maximum of $52,290, reflecting the diverse pay scales across federal positions.
To get into Accounts Payable/Accounts Receivable (AP/AR), you typically need at least four years of relevant accounting experience in a small to medium-sized corporate setting. Strong technical skills with integrated accounting software are essential. Salaries for AP/AR Clerks range from $42,190 to $52,290, with a midpoint of $46,790, reflecting the demand for skilled professionals in this field.
A degree in Business Administration is one of the most common among office clerks. This degree provides a solid foundation in business operations and management, which is essential for the diverse responsibilities of clerks. With salaries ranging from $42,190 to $52,290, this qualification can lead to a rewarding career in accounts payable and receivable.
A degree is typically required for accounts receivable positions. An associate degree in accounting or billing is the minimum requirement, while a bachelor's degree is preferred. Salaries for AP/AR Clerks range from $42,190 to $52,290, with a median salary of $46,790, reflecting the importance of education in this field.
The salary data for an AP/AR Clerk indicates a minimum salary of $42,190, a mid-range salary of $46,790, and a maximum salary of $52,290. Compared to other clerks, such as those in the Indian Army earning ₹6.3 Lakhs per year, AP/AR Clerks have a competitive salary range, though specific bank clerks may earn higher.
Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
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