AP Clerk Salary in 2025

Accounts Payable (AP) Clerks play a vital role in the financial operations of businesses, ensuring that bills and invoices are processed accurately and on time. As the economy continues to evolve, the demand for skilled AP Clerks is expected to remain strong in 2025. This article provides a detailed overview of the expected salary for AP Clerks in 2025, the factors that influence earnings, and the job market trends. Additionally, we will explore the benefits, job outlook, and necessary certifications or education that impact an AP Clerk’s salary.

1. AP Clerk Salary in 2025: An Overview

In 2025, the salary for Accounts Payable Clerks is expected to range between $40,000 to $60,000 annually. This salary range can vary based on factors like experience, industry, company size, and geographical location. AP Clerks are in high demand across various industries, including healthcare, manufacturing, and retail, due to their role in maintaining accurate financial records and ensuring timely payment processing.

2. Factors That Influence AP Clerk Earnings

Several factors contribute to the salary of an Accounts Payable Clerk. These include:

• Experience: As with most jobs, experience plays a significant role in determining salary. AP Clerks with several years of experience or specialized expertise can command higher salaries than those starting in the field.
• Industry: The industry an AP Clerk works in can have a considerable impact on salary. Clerks working in larger, more financially complex companies, or in industries with higher profit margins (such as finance or tech), can expect higher wages than those in smaller businesses or non-profits.
• Location: Geographical location is another key factor. AP Clerks working in major metropolitan areas, such as New York, Los Angeles, or Chicago, can expect higher salaries due to the cost of living and competition for skilled workers. Smaller towns or rural areas typically offer lower salaries.
• Education and Certification: While a high school diploma is often sufficient for entry-level positions, those with a degree in accounting or finance, or certifications like the Certified Accounts Payable Professional (CAPP), may earn higher salaries.

3. Average Salary Range for AP Clerks in 2025

The salary for AP Clerks in 2025 will depend on their experience, skills, and the company they work for. Below is the expected salary range based on experience level:

• Entry-Level (0-2 Years): $35,000 – $45,000 per year. Entry-level AP Clerks typically have a high school diploma or an associate degree in accounting. They are responsible for basic tasks such as processing invoices and handling routine accounts payable transactions.
• Mid-Level (3-5 Years): $45,000 – $55,000 per year. With a few years of experience, AP Clerks take on more complex tasks, such as reconciling accounts, handling vendor disputes, and assisting with month-end close processes.
• Experienced (5+ Years): $55,000 – $65,000 per year. Experienced AP Clerks or those in supervisory roles (such as Accounts Payable Manager) can expect to earn salaries at the higher end of the scale. They are responsible for managing the full accounts payable process and may oversee a team.

4. Salary by Industry for AP Clerks

The salary of an Accounts Payable Clerk can vary depending on the industry they work in. Here is a breakdown of the average salary by industry in 2025:

• Healthcare: AP Clerks working in the healthcare sector can earn between $45,000 and $60,000 per year, with larger hospitals and healthcare providers offering higher wages due to the complexity of their financial systems.
• Finance & Insurance: The finance and insurance sectors typically offer the highest salaries for AP Clerks, ranging from $50,000 to $65,000 annually, due to the high volume of transactions and the need for financial expertise.
• Retail: AP Clerks in the retail industry can expect salaries ranging from $40,000 to $50,000 per year, depending on the size of the company and its operations.
• Manufacturing: Salaries for AP Clerks in the manufacturing industry range from $45,000 to $55,000, with larger manufacturing companies offering higher pay due to the increased volume of invoices and payments.

5. Benefits and Job Outlook for AP Clerks

Benefits:

• Health Insurance: Most companies offer comprehensive health insurance packages, including medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• Retirement Plans: Many employers offer 401(k) plans with company matching contributions, helping employees build their retirement savings.
• Paid Time Off (PTO): AP Clerks typically receive paid vacation, sick leave, and holiday time off, which varies by company.
• Job Stability: Due to the essential nature of accounts payable tasks, AP Clerks enjoy relatively high job stability. The need for accurate financial record-keeping ensures a consistent demand for skilled professionals.

Job Outlook:

• Positive Job Growth: The job outlook for AP Clerks is expected to remain strong through 2025, with an anticipated growth rate of 4% to 6% in the next decade. This growth is attributed to the increasing complexity of financial management and the need for businesses to maintain accurate and up-to-date financial records.
• Automation Impact: While automation tools are becoming more prevalent in the accounting industry, AP Clerks are still needed to manage complex transactions and provide oversight, which reduces the risk of errors in automated systems.

6. Education and Certifications That Impact Salary

While most AP Clerks only need a high school diploma or associate degree in accounting or finance, higher education and certifications can significantly boost salary potential:

• Education: An associate degree or bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or business administration can improve job prospects and lead to higher salaries.
• Certifications: Obtaining certifications like the Certified Accounts Payable Professional (CAPP) or Certified Bookkeeper (CB) can demonstrate expertise in the field and lead to higher earning potential and career advancement.
• Continuing Education: AP Clerks who pursue additional training in accounting software (e.g., QuickBooks, SAP) or in financial management can also increase their earning potential.

Conclusion

The salary for Accounts Payable Clerks in 2025 is expected to be competitive, ranging from $40,000 to $60,000, depending on factors like experience, industry, and location. With a positive job outlook and numerous opportunities for career growth, an AP Clerk position can offer long-term job security and potential for advancement. Those looking to increase their salary can benefit from pursuing higher education, certifications, and continuing education in accounting and finance. The demand for skilled AP Clerks remains strong as businesses continue to prioritize accurate financial management and timely payment processing.