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Entry Level Accounts Payable Clerk Salary in the United States

How much does an Entry Level Accounts Payable Clerk make in the United States?

As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for an Entry Level Accounts Payable Clerk in the United States is $50,201 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $24.

However, an Entry Level Accounts Payable Clerk's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $57,652
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $46,301 to $54,101
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $42,750
Salary Factors Salary-Boosting Skills Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Key Factors That Influence Entry Level Accounts Payable Clerk Salaries

An Entry Level Accounts Payable Clerk'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.

How Experience Level Affects Entry Level Accounts Payable Clerk Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of an Entry Level Accounts Payable Clerk'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:

  • Accounts Payable Coordinator I (0-1 years): $44,854
  • Entry Level Accounts Payable Clerk (1-3 years): $50,156
  • Accounts Payable Coordinator III (3-5 years): $55,601
  • AP Operations Supervisor (5+ years): $73,033
  • AP Operations Senior Supervisor (5+ years): $89,338
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Accounts Payable Coordinator I0-1 years$44,854
Entry Level Accounts Payable Clerk1-3 years$50,156
Accounts Payable Coordinator III3-5 years$55,601
AP Operations Supervisor5+ years$73,033
AP Operations Senior Supervisor5+ years$89,338
View as Graph

How Do Entry Level Accounts Payable Clerk Salaries Vary from State to State?

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 Entry Level Accounts Payable Clerks. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $55,601.
  • California: $55,401.
  • Massachusetts: $54,601.

Top Paying Cities for Entry Level Accounts Payable Clerks

Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:

  • San Jose: $63,301
  • San Francisco: $62,601
  • Oakland: $61,301

What Skills Can Increase an Entry Level Accounts Payable Clerk's Salary?

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Customer Service (Mentioned in 3.25% Job Postings): Customer service is the provision of service to customers before, during and after a purchase. The perception of success of such interactions is dependent on employees "who can adjust themselves to the personality of the guest". Customer service concerns the priority an organization assigns to customer service relative to components such as product innovation and pricing. In this sense, an organization that values good customer service may spend more money in training employees than the average organization or may proactively interview customers for feedback. From the point of view of an overall sales process engineering effort, customer service plays an important role in an organization's ability to generate income and revenue. From that perspective, customer service should be included as part of an overall approach to systematic improvement. One good customer service experience can change the entire perception a customer holds towards the organization.
  • General Ledger (Mentioned in 2.08% Job Postings): Creating and keeping track of business transactions and activities to monitor financial operations.
  • Accounting Software (Mentioned in 1.13% Job Postings): Accounting software makes it easier for business owners to manage financial procedures, performing financial tasks correctly and quickly.
Skills Demand Percentage
Customer Service 3.25%
General Ledger 2.08%
Accounting Software 1.13%
See More Skills

What skills can make your compensation higher?

Mastering certain specialized skills can lead to a significant increase in pay. Here are examples of skills and the potential impact they can have on an Entry Level Accounts Payable Clerk's salary.

  • Concur: Can increase your salary by up to 6%.
  • Presentation: Can increase your salary by up to 6%.
  • Innovation: Can increase your salary by up to 5%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
Concur $53,213
6%
Presentation $53,213
6%
Innovation $52,711
5%
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Entry Level Accounts Payable Clerk Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Entry Level Accounts Payable Clerk salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $56,102. While startup companies pay approximate $47,456.

Entry Level Accounts Payable Clerk Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $47,456
Growth Stage 51~500 $50,190
Established 501~5000 $54,173
Enterprise 5000+ $56,102

Entry Level Accounts Payable Clerk Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Entry Level Accounts Payable Clerk roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 40% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Biotechnology and Pharmaceuticals sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 20% above the average. In contrast, Entry Level Accounts Payable Clerk positions in Hospitality & Leisure or Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Entry Level Accounts Payable Clerk as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for an Entry Level Accounts Payable Clerk

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Biotechnology$60,241$29.020%
Pharmaceuticals$59,237$28.018%
Energy & Utilities$57,731$28.015%
Financial Services$57,731$28.015%
Chemicals$55,221$27.010%

How Education impacts an Entry Level Accounts Payable Clerk's Salary?

Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Entry Level Accounts Payable Clerks enter the field with a Associate's Degree 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 Entry Level Accounts Payable Clerk with a Associate's Degree is between $47,952 and $50,665).

Entry Level Accounts Payable Clerk Salaries by Degree Level

Typical Education for Entry Level Accounts Payable Clerk
Degree Level % of user with this level of education
No Diploma 1.1%
High School 38.3%
Associates 25.9%
Bachelors 32.2%
Masters 2.3%
Doctorate 0.2%
View as Graph

Entry Level Accounts Payable Clerk Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how an Entry Level Accounts Payable Clerk'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 September 01, 2026
$46,301
Average $50,201/year
$54,101
$3,858
Average $4,183/month
$4,508
$890
Average $965/week
$1,040
$22
Average $24/hour
$26
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $54,101 $4,508 $1,040 $26
Average $50,201 $4,183 $965 $24
25th Percentile $46,301 $3,858 $890 $22

Entry Level Accounts Payable Clerk Salary Growth & Career Path

Entry Level Accounts Payable Clerk

Next Role

Advancement

For an Entry Level Accounts Payable Clerk, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Accounts Payable Coordinator III role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $55,700 - a projected growth of 11% over your current level.

Most common benefits for Entry Level Accounts Payable Clerk

  • Social Security
  • 401 (k)
  • Disability
  • Healthcare
  • Pension
  • Time Off (days)

Common company salaries for Entry Level Accounts Payable Clerk

Here are companies hiring for Entry Level Accounts Payable Clerk and their salaries, click below for more details.

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FAQ about Entry Level Accounts Payable Clerk

1. What industry pays the highest salary for Entry Level Accounts Payable Clerk?

The Biotechnology industry offers the highest average compensation for Entry Level Accounts Payable Clerk roles, with salaries approximately 20% above the market median.

2. What is the best Entry Level salary?

The best entry-level salary for an Accounts Payable Clerk ranges from $45,901 to $56,201, with a mid-salary of $50,801. While other roles like Paralegals and Environmental Engineers may offer higher salaries, the Accounts Payable Clerk position provides a solid starting point in the accounting field.

3. Is accounting clerk stressful?

The role of an Entry Level Accounts Payable Clerk can be stressful, influenced by the work environment and specific job responsibilities. Additionally, individual personality traits play a significant role in managing stress. With a salary range from $45,901 to $56,201, the financial rewards may help mitigate some of the stress associated with the position.

4. Which is harder, accounts payable or receivable?

Accounts receivable is generally seen as easier than accounts payable. While accounts receivable focuses on tracking money owed by customers, accounts payable requires managing the company's obligations to suppliers and creditors, which can be more intricate. For entry-level accounts payable clerks, salaries range from $45,901 to $56,201, with a midpoint of $50,801.

5. How much do accounting clerks make in the US?

Entry Level Accounts Payable Clerks in the US typically earn between $45,901 and $56,201 annually, with a median salary of $50,801. This reflects a competitive wage for those starting in the accounting field, providing a solid foundation for career growth.

6. Do you need experience to be an accounts payable clerk?

To become an accounts payable clerk, a high school diploma or GED is required, while a bachelor's degree in accounting or finance is advantageous. Previous experience in accounts payable is preferred but not mandatory. The salary for an entry-level position typically ranges from $45,901 to $56,201, with a midpoint of $50,801.

7. Is accounting a good career in USA?

Accounting can be a rewarding career in the USA, with entry-level positions like Accounts Payable Clerks offering salaries ranging from $45,901 to $56,201. The profession ranks #11 in Best Business Jobs, reflecting its strong job prospects and stability. This blend of financial security and career growth makes accounting an appealing choice.

Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.

We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)

With the most extensive online, real-time compensation data available, Salary.com helps you pinpoint your exact pay target.

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