Based on the latest Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS data — updated August 12, 2026.
| California | National | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median annual salary | $97,050 | $86,427 | +12% |
| Median hourly wage | $46.66 | $41.55 | +12% |
Adjusted for local price levels (100 = national average), the cost-adjusted median is $87,669.
| City | Median | Entry Level | Experienced | Cost of Living |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco | $123,814 | $85,250 | $162,750 | 244 |
| Oakland | $111,832 | $77,000 | $147,000 | 196 |
| Los Angeles | $102,246 | $70,400 | $134,400 | 173 |
| Long Beach | $95,856 | $66,000 | $126,000 | 153 |
| San Diego | $94,258 | $64,900 | $123,900 | 161 |
| Sacramento | $86,270 | $59,400 | $113,400 | 130 |
| Fresno | $75,886 | $52,250 | $99,750 | 105 |
The median annual salary for a Accountant in California is $97,050, or about $46.66 per hour, according to BLS OEWS data.
The national median for Accountants is $86,427. California is +12% above the national median.
Entry-level accountants in California typically earn from $85,250 depending on the city and employer.
With 175,360 accountant jobs on record and a median salary of $97,050, California offers above-average pay compared to the rest of the country.