As of July 01, 2026, the average salary for an Accounts Payable Director in the United States is $189,407 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $91.
However, an Accounts Payable Director's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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An Accounts Payable Director'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 Accounts Payable Director'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 |
|---|---|
| Accountin... Level Accounts Payable Director | $115,260 |
| Accountin... Level Accounts Payable Director | $156,820 |
| Accounts ... Level Accounts Payable Director | $190,808 |
| Vice Pres... Level Accounts Payable Director | $229,598 |
| SVP of Ac... Level Accounts Payable Director | $286,728 |
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 Accounts Payable Directors. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Leadership | 6.34% |
| Client Service | 1.91% |
| General Ledger | 1.44% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Client Management
|
$217,818 |
15%
|
|
Medical Communications
|
$215,924 |
14%
|
|
Business Development
|
$210,242 |
11%
|
|
Client Relationship
|
$210,242 |
11%
|
|
Consulting
|
$206,454 |
9%
|
|
Insight
|
$204,560 |
8%
|
For Accounts Payable Director roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 100% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Software & Networking and Transportation sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 50% above the average. In contrast, Accounts Payable Director positions in Retail & Wholesale or Telecom typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Accounts Payable Director as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Software & Networking | $284,110 | $137.0 | 50% |
| Transportation | $274,640 | $132.0 | 45% |
| Biotechnology | $265,170 | $127.0 | 40% |
| Chemicals | $255,699 | $123.0 | 35% |
| Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit | $246,229 | $118.0 | 30% |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Accounts Payable Directors enter the field with a Bachelor'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 Accounts Payable Director with a Bachelor's Degree is between $187,800 and $199,187).
Accounts Payable Director Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 1.0% |
| High School | 7.7% |
| Associates | 8.1% |
| Bachelors | 48.3% |
| Masters | 33.4% |
| Doctorate | 1.5% |
Understanding how an Accounts Payable Director'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 July 01, 2026Salaries for an Accounts Payable Director can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $161,084 in 2023 to around $154,067 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Accounts Payable Director salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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|
| 2023 | $161,084 |
| 2024 | $156,642 |
| 2025 | $154,067 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
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|
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Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
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