As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for an AP/Payroll Manager in the United States is $104,779 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $50.
However, an AP/Payroll Manager's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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An AP/Payroll Manager'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 AP/Payroll Manager'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 |
|---|---|
| Accounts ... Level AP/Payroll Manager | $69,781 |
| Accounts ... Level AP/Payroll Manager | $74,238 |
| Accounts ... Level AP/Payroll Manager | $90,815 |
| AP/Payrol... Level AP/Payroll Manager | $102,788 |
| Accounts ... Level AP/Payroll Manager | $146,009 |
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/Payroll Managers. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Leadership | 4.07% |
| Internal Control | 1.89% |
| Business Administration | 0.95% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Presentation
|
$113,161 |
8%
|
|
Coaching
|
$112,114 |
7%
|
|
Project Management
|
$111,066 |
6%
|
|
Initiative
|
$111,066 |
6%
|
|
Collaboration
|
$110,018 |
5%
|
|
Procurement
|
$110,018 |
5%
|
For AP/Payroll Manager 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, AP/Payroll Manager positions in Hospitality & Leisure or Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view AP/Payroll Manager as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Software & Networking | $146,691 | $71.0 | 40% |
| Financial Services | $136,213 | $65.0 | 30% |
| Biotechnology | $130,974 | $63.0 | 25% |
| Pharmaceuticals | $125,735 | $60.0 | 20% |
| Internet | $120,496 | $58.0 | 15% |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many AP/Payroll Managers 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 AP/Payroll Manager with a Associate's Degree is between $99,813 and $107,532).
AP/Payroll Manager Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 1.1% |
| High School | 32.1% |
| Associates | 18.3% |
| Bachelors | 39.0% |
| Masters | 9.3% |
| Doctorate | 0.2% |
Understanding how an AP/Payroll Manager'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 AP/Payroll Manager can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $109,914 in 2023 to around $106,675 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of AP/Payroll Manager salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $109,914 |
| 2024 | $108,452 |
| 2025 | $106,675 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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The Software & Networking industry offers the highest average compensation for AP/Payroll Manager roles, with salaries approximately 40% above the market median.
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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