Accountant Salary in California
Based on 175K+ workers in California
Median Annual Salary (CA)
$97,050
$46.659/hr
vs National Average
$82,597
+17.5% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$62K – $161K
175K employed in California
Accountants working in California earn a median salary of $113,781 per year, based on data from 96 workers in the state. While this represents a solid income for the profession, it falls approximately 7% below the national average for accountants. Salaries in the field typically range up to $126,968 annually for experienced professionals.
Several factors influence accountant salary in California, including years of experience, specific industry, company size, and certifications like CPA status. Geographic location within California also plays a role, as salaries tend to be higher in major metropolitan areas like San Francisco and Los Angeles. Educational background and specialized expertise in areas such as tax or audit can further impact earning potential.
Salary Distribution — Accountant in California
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $61,770 |
| 25th percentile | $75,810 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $97,050 |
| 75th percentile | $125,850 |
| 90th percentile | $160,520 |
Top H-1B Employers for Accountant in California
Companies that filed the most H-1B (LCA) applications for this role in California — ranked by application count.
| # | Employer | Applications | Median Wage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ernst & Young U.S. LLP | 239 | $118,643 |
| 2 | Deloitte Tax LLP | 33 | $112,400 |
| 3 | Deloitte & Touche LLP | 16 | $119,717 |
| 4 | Standish Management US, LLC | 14 | $85,000 |
| 5 | Macias Gini & O'Connell LLP | 11 | $82,763 |
Source: U.S. Department of Labor OFLC LCA Disclosure Data, FY2026.
Historical Salary Trend — Accountant in California vs National
| Year | Median Salary (United States) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $83,640 |
| 2023 | $92,160 |
| 2024 | $96,360 |
| 2025 | $97,050 |
| Year | California Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $83,640 | $73,060 |
| 2023 | $92,160 | $76,751 |
| 2024 | $96,360 | $79,712 |
| 2025 | $97,050 | $82,597 |
Accountant Salary by Experience Level in California
Accountant Salary in Other States
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do accountants make in California?
- The median salary for accountants in California is $113,781 per year, or approximately $55 per hour. This is about 7.2% lower than the national average for accountants.
What is the salary range for accountants in California?
- Accountant salaries in California reach up to $126,968 at the high end. The salary range data shows there are opportunities for higher-earning positions within the state.
Is California's accountant salary above or below the national average?
- California's accountant salary is 7.2% below the national average, with a median of $113,781 per year compared to higher rates in other states.
How many accountants are employed in California?
- There are approximately 96 accountants employed in California according to current employment data, indicating the size of the profession in the state.