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Audit Associate I Salary in the United States

How much does an Audit Associate I make in the United States?

As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for an Audit Associate I in the United States is $59,872 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $29.

However, an Audit Associate I's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $68,700
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $53,521 to $64,493
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $47,739
Salary Factors Salary-Boosting Skills Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Key Factors That Influence Audit Associate I Salaries

An Audit Associate 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.

How Experience Level Affects Audit Associate I Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of an Audit Associate 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:

  • Audit Associate I (0-2 years): $59,872
  • Audit Associate II (2-4 years): $104,495
  • Audit Associate III (4-7 years): $121,243
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Audit Associate I0-2 years$59,872
Audit Associate II2-4 years$104,495
Audit Associate III4-7 years$121,243
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How Do Audit Associate Is 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 Audit Associate Is. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $66,290.
  • California: $66,039.
  • Massachusetts: $65,159.

Top Paying Cities for Audit Associate I

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: $75,517
  • San Francisco: $74,690
  • Oakland: $73,116

Audit Associate I Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Audit Associate I salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $66,909. While startup companies pay approximate $56,599.

Audit Associate I Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $56,599
Growth Stage 51~500 $59,859
Established 501~5000 $64,610
Enterprise 5000+ $66,909

Audit Associate I Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Audit Associate I roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 36% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Biotechnology and Financial Services sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 15% above the average. In contrast, Audit Associate positions in Transportation or Hospitality & Leisure typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Audit Associate I as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for an Audit Associate I

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Biotechnology$68,853$33.015%
Financial Services$68,853$33.015%
Pharmaceuticals$68,254$33.014%
Insurance$67,057$32.012%
Energy & Utilities$65,859$32.010%

Audit Associate I Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how an Audit Associate 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 September 01, 2026
$53,521
Average $59,872/year
$64,493
$4,460
Average $4,989/month
$5,374
$1,029
Average $1,151/week
$1,240
$26
Average $29/hour
$31
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $64,493 $5,374 $1,240 $31
Average $59,872 $4,989 $1,151 $29
25th Percentile $53,521 $4,460 $1,029 $26

Audit Associate I Salary Growth & Career Path

Audit Associate I

Next Role

Advancement

Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As an Audit Associate 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
Audit Associate II $104,495 75%
Data Analytics Consultant II $104,495 75%
Financial Modeling Consultant II $104,495 75%
Professional Services Specialist II $77,118 29%

Most common benefits for Audit Associate I

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

Common company salaries for Audit Associate I

Here are companies hiring for Audit Associate I and their salaries, click below for more details.

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FAQ about Audit Associate I

1. Where can an Audit Associate I earn the most?

An Audit Associate I's earning potential can vary widely depending on several factors, including location, industry, experience, education, and the specific employer. According to the latest salary data by Salary.com, an Audit Associate I earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of an Audit Associate I is $75,517.

2. What is the highest pay for Audit Associate I?

The highest pay for Audit Associate I is $68,700.

3. What is the lowest pay for Audit Associate I?

The lowest pay for Audit Associate I is $47,739.

4. What are the responsibilities of Audit Associate I?

Responsible for providing audit services to clients according to auditing standards and regulatory requirements. Performs audits on financial accounts to ensure the validity of financial data. Reviews client's internal processes, transactions, documentation, and systems to validate compliance, evaluate effectiveness, identify issues, and prepare reports and recommendations for remediation as needed. Requires a bachelor's degree. Typically reports to a manager. Work is closely managed. Works on projects/matters of limited complexity in a support role. Typically requires 0-2 years of related experience.

5. What industry pays the highest salary for Audit Associate I?

The Biotechnology industry offers the highest average compensation for Audit Associate I roles, with salaries approximately 15% above the market median.

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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