Accountant Salary in California
Accountants in California earn an average of $93,653 per year across 6 metro areas. This is +17.2% higher than the national average.
Average Salary
$93,653
per year
Hourly Rate
$45.03
per hour
vs National
+17.2%
$79,880 national
Salary Range
$61,245
to $135,952
Cost of Living Adjusted Salary
Nominal Salary
$93,653
Cost of Living Index
142
100 = national average
Adjusted Salary
$65,953
purchasing power equivalent
After adjusting for California's cost of living (above average), a Accountant's salary of $93,653 has the purchasing power of $65,953 in an average-cost area.
Accountant Salary by City in California
| City | Median Salary | Hourly Rate | Entry Level (P10) | Senior (P90) | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| San Jose, CA | $108,908 | $52.36/hr | $70,192 | $154,620 | 1,360 |
| San Francisco, CA | $107,216 | $51.55/hr | $72,468 | $150,345 | 1,812 |
| Los Angeles, CA | $90,920 | $43.71/hr | $59,484 | $136,573 | 1,909 |
| San Diego, CA | $88,774 | $42.68/hr | $57,617 | $129,654 | 1,327 |
| Sacramento, CA | $84,001 | $40.39/hr | $55,109 | $122,142 | 1,022 |
| Riverside, CA | $82,098 | $39.47/hr | $52,597 | $122,376 | 1,105 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS Survey, 2026. Sorted by median salary (highest first).
California vs National Average
Accountant Salary Comparison
Employment in California
There are approximately 8,535 Accountants employed across 6 metro areas in California.
Key Industries: Technology, Entertainment & Media, Agriculture
State Income Tax: 1% - 13.3%
Accountant Salary Range in California
Entry Level (10th Percentile)
$61,245
Starting salary for new Accountants
Median (50th Percentile)
$93,653
Mid-career Accountant salary
Senior (90th Percentile)
$135,952
Top earners in the field
Related Occupations in California
Financial Analyst
$116,115
avg in CA
+$22,462 vs Accountant
Personal Financial Advisor
$115,314
avg in CA
+$21,661 vs Accountant
Management Analyst
$114,276
avg in CA
+$20,623 vs Accountant
Market Research Analyst
$87,049
avg in CA
-$6,604 vs Accountant
Human Resources Specialist
$78,612
avg in CA
-$15,041 vs Accountant
Accountant Salary in Neighboring States
Compare Accountant salaries in California with nearby states to find the best opportunities.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Accountant salary in California?
The average Accountant salary in California is $93,653 per year ($45.03/hour) based on 2026 data across 6 metro areas. This is 17.2% above the national average of $79,880.
What is the highest paying city for Accountants in California?
San Jose, CA is the highest paying city for Accountants in California, with a median salary of $108,908 per year. The lowest paying metro area is Riverside, CA at $82,098.
What is the salary range for Accountants in California?
Accountant salaries in California range from $61,245 (entry-level, 10th percentile) to $135,952 (experienced, 90th percentile). The median salary is $93,653 per year.
About This Data
Salary data is sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey. State-level averages are calculated from metro area data within California. Figures represent 2026 estimates and may not reflect all employers or self-employed workers. Cost of living adjustments use regional indices to provide purchasing power context.