Bookkeeper Salary in California
Bookkeepers in California earn an average of $58,021 per year across 6 metro areas. This is +16.4% higher than the national average.
Average Salary
$58,021
per year
Hourly Rate
$27.89
per hour
vs National
+16.4%
$49,860 national
Salary Range
$37,594
to $84,073
Cost of Living Adjusted Salary
Nominal Salary
$58,021
Cost of Living Index
142
100 = national average
Adjusted Salary
$40,860
purchasing power equivalent
After adjusting for California's cost of living (above average), a Bookkeeper's salary of $58,021 has the purchasing power of $40,860 in an average-cost area.
Bookkeeper Salary by City in California
| City | Median Salary | Hourly Rate | Entry Level (P10) | Senior (P90) | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| San Jose, CA | $69,475 | $33.40/hr | $44,650 | $101,133 | 1,495 |
| San Francisco, CA | $66,355 | $31.90/hr | $43,424 | $97,366 | 2,194 |
| Los Angeles, CA | $55,821 | $26.84/hr | $37,691 | $82,429 | 2,035 |
| San Diego, CA | $54,945 | $26.42/hr | $35,382 | $79,358 | 1,399 |
| Sacramento, CA | $51,646 | $24.83/hr | $33,164 | $72,681 | 1,219 |
| Riverside, CA | $49,884 | $23.98/hr | $31,251 | $71,469 | 1,319 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS Survey, 2026. Sorted by median salary (highest first).
California vs National Average
Bookkeeper Salary Comparison
Employment in California
There are approximately 9,661 Bookkeepers employed across 6 metro areas in California.
Key Industries: Technology, Entertainment & Media, Agriculture
State Income Tax: 1% - 13.3%
Bookkeeper Salary Range in California
Entry Level (10th Percentile)
$37,594
Starting salary for new Bookkeepers
Median (50th Percentile)
$58,021
Mid-career Bookkeeper salary
Senior (90th Percentile)
$84,073
Top earners in the field
Related Occupations in California
Bookkeeper Salary in Neighboring States
Compare Bookkeeper salaries in California with nearby states to find the best opportunities.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Bookkeeper salary in California?
The average Bookkeeper salary in California is $58,021 per year ($27.89/hour) based on 2026 data across 6 metro areas. This is 16.4% above the national average of $49,860.
What is the highest paying city for Bookkeepers in California?
San Jose, CA is the highest paying city for Bookkeepers in California, with a median salary of $69,475 per year. The lowest paying metro area is Riverside, CA at $49,884.
What is the salary range for Bookkeepers in California?
Bookkeeper salaries in California range from $37,594 (entry-level, 10th percentile) to $84,073 (experienced, 90th percentile). The median salary is $58,021 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.