As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for an Accounting Clerk (Accountant I) in the United States is $51,570 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $25.
However, an Accounting Clerk (Accountant I)'s salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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An Accounting Clerk (Accountant 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 Clerk (Accountant 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:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Payroll C... Level Accounting Clerk (Accountant I) | $44,979 |
| Accountin... Level Accounting Clerk (Accountant I) | $50,283 |
| Payroll C... Level Accounting Clerk (Accountant I) | $56,396 |
| Payroll C... Level Accounting Clerk (Accountant I) | $62,011 |
| Payroll T... Level Accounting Clerk (Accountant I) | $88,061 |
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 Clerk (Accountant I)s. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Customer Service | 5.77% |
| HRIS | 2.15% |
| Workday | 1.32% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Process Improvement
|
$55,696 |
8%
|
|
ADP Workforce Now
|
$55,180 |
7%
|
|
Business Administration
|
$54,149 |
5%
|
|
Workday
|
$53,633 |
4%
|
|
Analytical Skills
|
$53,633 |
4%
|
|
Collaboration
|
$53,633 |
4%
|
For Accounting Clerk (Accountant I) roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 60% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Energy & Utilities and Financial Services sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 30% above the average. In contrast, Accounting Clerk (Accountant I) positions in Transportation or Retail & Wholesale typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Accounting Clerk (Accountant I) as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Energy & Utilities | $67,041 | $32.0 | 30% |
| Financial Services | $67,041 | $32.0 | 30% |
| Internet | $67,041 | $32.0 | 30% |
| Pharmaceuticals | $67,041 | $32.0 | 30% |
| Software & Networking | $67,041 | $32.0 | 30% |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Accounting Clerk (Accountant I)s 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 Clerk (Accountant I) with a High School Diploma or Technical Certificate is between $52,098 and $55,707).
Accounting Clerk (Accountant I) Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 1.8% |
| High School | 43.6% |
| Associates | 24.1% |
| Bachelors | 27.9% |
| Masters | 2.5% |
| Doctorate | 0.1% |
Understanding how an Accounting Clerk (Accountant 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, 2026Salaries for an Accounting Clerk (Accountant I) can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $43,377 in 2023 to around $43,216 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Accounting Clerk (Accountant I) salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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|
| 2023 | $43,377 |
| 2024 | $43,552 |
| 2025 | $43,216 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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The Energy & Utilities industry offers the highest average compensation for Accounting Clerk (Accountant I) roles, with salaries approximately 30% above the market median.
Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
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