Research Summary. Leveraging a combination of publicly available government data and insights from thousands of recent job postings, the Zippia data team has developed updated salary estimates for accounts payable clerk positions across the United States. This analysis identifies the highest-paying roles within the accounts payable profession based on average annual salaries.
Here is a summary of our findings regarding the highest-paying accounts payable clerk roles:
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Accounts Payable Supervisor ranks as the highest-paid accounts payable clerk, with an average salary of $60,000 and an hourly rate of approximately $28.85.
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The second highest-paying role is Accounts Payable Lead, earning an average salary of $58,000.
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The average salary for an accounts payable clerk is $40,000 per year, translating to about $19.23 per hour.
Table Of Contents: Background | Table | Methodology | FAQs
Background
Choosing a career path can be challenging, and while salary is an important factor to consider, it should not be the sole consideration. If you’re aiming for a career as an accounts payable clerk, understanding which roles offer the highest pay can help you strategize your career development.
Here are the top salaries for different types of accounts payable clerks:
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Accounts Payable Supervisor
Average Salary: $60,000
An accounts payable supervisor oversees the timely payment of expense vouchers and vendor invoices while ensuring the accuracy of financial records. Reporting to the head of the accounting department, they manage the accounts payable team and assist in budget management. Key skills required include leadership, strong communication, adaptability, and attention to detail.
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Accounts Payable Lead
Average Salary: $58,000
Accounts payable leads direct a team responsible for managing the company’s short-term debts. They evaluate vendor invoices, prepare payments, and assist in resolving discrepancies related to purchase orders. A strong understanding of financial reporting and vendor relations is essential for this role.
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Account Payables Analyst
Average Salary: $56,000
Accounts payable analysts focus on managing and processing invoices and payments, ensuring accuracy and timeliness. They coordinate across departments, identify errors, and compile reports to support financial decision-making.
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Accounting Associate
Average Salary: $52,000
Accounting associates support the accounting department’s operations, managing invoices, updating accounts, and assisting with financial reporting and audits. Strong analytical skills and knowledge of accounting principles are necessary for success in this role.
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Accounting Administrator
Average Salary: $49,500
Accounting administrators manage account statements, deposits, and financial discrepancies, ensuring organized records for audits. Effective communication and analytical skills are vital for handling financial transactions accurately.
Below is a complete table of the average pay for various accounts payable clerk roles, followed by a detailed explanation of our methodology.
Highest-Paying Types Of Accounts Payable Clerks
Methodology
Zippia utilizes publicly available data from government sources, including the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Foreign Labor Certification Data Center (FLC), and the Office of Personnel Management (OPM), to generate salary estimates.
Our data science team also examines recent job postings and company-released resources to ensure our salary information is current. After gathering the data, they calculate a weighted average for each job title. For detailed insights into our salary estimation process, please refer to our methodology page.
Highest-Paying Types Of Accounts Payable Clerk Jobs FAQs
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What is the highest-paid accounts payable clerk job?
The highest-paid accounts payable clerk job is an accounts payable supervisor. Accounts Payable Supervisors earn an average salary of $60,000, which equates to approximately $28.85 per hour.
Accounts payable supervisors are responsible for ensuring timely payments of expense vouchers and vendor invoices while maintaining accurate financial records. They manage the accounts payable team and assist in budget oversight, requiring strong leadership, communication, and analytical skills.
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What is a good salary for an accounts payable clerk?
A good salary for an accounts payable clerk is $40,000 or more. The average accounts payable clerk salary stands at $40,000, meaning that individuals earning this amount or more are receiving above-average compensation.
However, keep in mind that salaries can vary significantly based on location, as companies often adjust their pay scales according to the cost of living. Research the average salary in your area for your level of expertise to get a clearer picture of your compensation.
If you’re just beginning your career as an accounts payable clerk, the average entry-level salary is around $28,000. Therefore, don’t compare your entry-level salary to the $40,000 average, as this figure includes clerks across all experience levels.
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Do Accounts Payable Clerk jobs pay well?
Accounts payable clerk jobs can vary in pay. While the average accounts payable clerk salary is $40,000, some positions offer higher compensation, especially for experienced professionals. Many accounts payable clerks can earn significantly more, with the top 10% earning an average of $60,000 annually.
Compensation for accounts payable clerks will depend on factors such as experience, industry, and location. Conduct thorough research on the salary range for accounts payable clerks in your area and negotiate your pay accordingly based on this information.
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Where do accounts payable clerks get paid the most?
Accounts Payable Clerks earn the highest salaries in Connecticut. In Connecticut, the average annual salary for accounts payable clerks is approximately $46,000, with an hourly wage of around $22.12.
Following Connecticut, the states with the highest-paid accounts payable clerks include Alaska, Washington, and New York, with average salaries around $45,500, $44,000, and $45,300 respectively.
The cities offering the highest salaries for accounts payable clerks are:
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Washington, DC – $50,000
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Boston, MA – $48,000
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San Francisco, CA – $47,000
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Author
Chris Kolmar is a co-founder of Zippia and the editor-in-chief of the Zippia career advice blog. He has hired over 50 people in his career, been hired five times, and wants to help you land your next job. His research has been featured on the New York Times, Thrillist, VOX, The Atlantic, and a host of local news. More recently, he's been quoted on USA Today, BusinessInsider, and CNBC.
