Finding accurate data on accounting salaries can be challenging. With so many factors impacting pay, it's hard to get a clear picture.
This comprehensive guide digs into the numbers to uncover accounting salaries across California. You'll get hard data on pay by experience level, certification, location, job title, and more.
From entry-level accountants to CFOs, we benchmark salaries at top firms. You'll also find projected growth rates and future salary trends in the Golden State.
Introduction to Accounting Salaries in California
California offers strong career opportunities for accountants, with competitive salaries driven by high demand across diverse industries. As the world's fifth largest economy, California needs financial talent to support major companies in technology, healthcare, finance, and more.
Key factors impacting accountant salaries in California include:
- Location - Major metro areas like San Francisco and Los Angeles have the highest salaries
- Experience level - Entry-level vs senior-level roles have vastly different pay
- Industry - Technology and finance jobs pay the most
- CPA certification - Obtaining a CPA license leads to much higher pay
Overall, California presents high-paying accounting jobs, especially in specialized roles or leadership positions. The large economy and abundance of major corporations ensures strong ongoing demand for qualified talent.
Accounting Job Growth and Demand in California
- California projects over 20% job growth for accountants and auditors between 2016 to 2026, faster than the national average according to California's Employment Development Department
- Strong presence of corporations in technology, life sciences, and finance industries drives demand
- High-tax state leads to ongoing need for tax accountants and advisors
- Major metro regions like the San Francisco Bay Area and Greater Los Angeles have the greatest number of open accounting positions
Exploring Accountant Salary California per Hour
Hourly rates for accountants in California reflect the state's diverse industry presence and high cost of living in some metro regions:
- Entry-level general accountants average $25 to $35 per hour
- Staff accountants with a few years experience make around $30 to $45 per hour
- Senior accountants can earn $40 to $60 per hour
- Highly specialized roles like FP&A directors can make over $75 per hour
As a benchmark, the average hourly wage for an accountant in California is $42.40 according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Experience Levels for Accountants in California
Experience greatly impacts accounting salaries in California:
- Entry-level accountants see starting salaries around $45,000 to $55,000 per year
- Staff accountants with 2-5 years earn approximately $65,000 to $75,000
- Senior accountants make $85,000+ on average
- Accounting managers can expect over $100,000 per year
Leadership roles see even higher salaries, especially with CPA certification.
Impact of CPA Certification on Salaries
Obtaining a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) license leads to much higher accounting salaries in California:
- CPAs earn 20-30% more on average
- Senior CPAs make well over $100,000
- High-level CPA executives see $150,000+ salaries
Becoming a CPA requires passing exams and licensure, but the return on investment is significant.
Specialized Accounting Fields and Salaries
Niche accounting roles also pay very well in California's varied industries:
- Audit seniors at tech companies earn $95,000+ on average
- Tax managers can make $120,000+ per year
- FP&A directors at finance firms earn $150,000+
- Controllers across manufacturing, healthcare, and other sectors average $140,000+
Certification as a CPA, CMA, or CIA boosts salaries further within specializations.
In summary, accounting is a high-paying field with bright prospects across California, especially in large metro regions and specialized roles. Salaries directly correlate with experience levels, credentials, and industries.
Can accountants make 300k?
Yes, it is possible for accountants to earn $300,000 or more per year, especially those working in public accounting or executive finance roles. However, salaries at this high level typically require extensive experience, professional qualifications, and a track record of success.
To reach the $300k+ salary range, accountants usually need:
- 6-12+ years of experience in accounting and finance
- A CPA license or other advanced certification
- Specialized expertise in areas like taxation, audit, financial reporting, etc.
- A history of career advancement and increasing responsibility
- Employment at a major public accounting firm, Fortune 500 corporation, or large financial institution
For example, an accounting director or finance controller at a sizable company can potentially earn over $300,000 per year with bonuses. High-earning public accountants are often partners at firms like Deloitte, PwC, KPMG or regional accounting practices. Their compensation includes a share of firm profits in addition to base pay.
However, it's important to note that a $300k accounting salary is well above average. The median pay for accountants and auditors nationwide is closer to $77,250 according to May 2021 Bureau of Labor Statistics data. Only the top 10% of accountants exceed $208,000 per year.
So while high salaries of $300k+ are possible in accounting, they require standing out from the competition to reach upper management or partner status at elite employers. Extensive networking, business development, client/stakeholder management and communication skills also play a key role in commanding premium compensation packages.
What's the highest paid type of accountant?
The highest paid accounting roles are typically in senior leadership positions that require extensive experience. According to salary data, some of the highest paying accounting jobs include:
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CFO: The Chief Financial Officer is the highest ranking financial executive. CFO salaries range from $141,000 to $400,000 per year.
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Audit Partner: Audit partners manage teams that perform financial statement audits. Their salaries range from $215,000 to $360,000 annually.
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Paymaster: Paymasters oversee payroll operations. Their salaries range from $31,000 to $350,000 per year.
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Chief Accounting Officer: CAOs manage all accounting operations. Salaries range from $131,000 to $278,000 per year.
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Vice President of Finance: Finance VPs develop financial strategies. Average salaries exceed $200,000.
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Fund Controller: Fund controllers manage investment fund finances with salaries over $100,000.
In general, accounting salaries rise with seniority, professional certifications like the CPA, and specializations in high demand fields like auditing and corporate finance. Geographic location also impacts salaries, with major metro areas paying more.
How much do accounting majors make in California?
Accounting majors in California have strong earning potential right out of college. According to Payscale, the average starting salary for an entry-level accountant in Los Angeles is $49,750 as of July 2023. With over 20 years of experience, accountants in California can earn upwards of $67,780 on average.
Some key factors that influence accountant salaries in California include:
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Location: Accountants in major metro areas like Los Angeles and San Francisco tend to earn higher salaries. For example, the average salary for an accountant in Los Angeles is $64,000, compared to $62,000 in San Francisco.
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Certifications: Earning certifications like a CPA license typically results in higher pay. CPAs in California earn an average of $79,000 per year.
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Industry: Accountants working in certain industries like tech, finance, and healthcare tend to earn higher salaries in California.
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Company size: Bigger companies and firms tend to offer higher salaries. For example, the Big Four accounting firms in California pay an average base salary of $60,000 for entry-level accountants.
In addition to base pay, many employers offer bonuses and benefits like retirement contributions, healthcare, paid time off, and more. So total compensation for accountants is often much higher than just salary alone.
Overall, accounting is a stable, lucrative career path in California with strong earning potential over time as accountants gain more experience and credentials. The state's thriving industries and large job market create ample opportunities for accountants to advance their careers and earning power.
Which state has the highest paid accountants?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the highest paying states for accountants and auditors in 2022 were:
- District of Columbia, with an average annual salary of $105,240
- New York, with an average salary of $103,620
- New Jersey, with an average salary of $96,750
- Virginia, with an average salary of $94,300
- California, with an average salary of $89,250
The high salaries in these areas are likely driven by the concentration of large corporations and financial services firms located there, as well as the high cost of living. Major metro areas like New York City, San Francisco, and Los Angeles have very competitive job markets for accounting professionals.
California in particular offers strong earning potential for accountants and auditors. The BLS reports the following average salaries for California as of 2022:
- Senior Accountants: $83,010
- Staff Accountants: $77,250
- Accounting Managers: $152,930
The job outlook for accountants in California is also very positive, with a projected 10.7% growth in openings between 2020-2030. This is faster than the 8% national average for the profession.
So while California may not be #1 for accountant salaries nationally, it still offers very lucrative potential. The combination of high pay, abundant job opportunities, and desirable locations make it a prime state for accounting careers.
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Entry-Level Accounting Salaries in California
CPA Starting Salary California: A Benchmark for New Graduates
Newly certified CPAs in California can expect starting salaries ranging from $55,000 to $75,000 on average, depending on the firm and location. Large public accounting firms in major metro areas tend to offer higher starting compensation. For example, the Big Four accounting firms (PwC, EY, Deloitte, KPMG) provide starting salary packages around $70,000 in cities like Los Angeles and San Francisco. Smaller firms may start CPAs around $60,000. This sets a benchmark for career earnings potential.
Accountant-Entry Level Salaries in Metropolitan Areas
There is significant variation in entry-level accountant salaries between different metro regions of California:
- Los Angeles area: $50,000 to $65,000
- San Francisco Bay Area: $55,000 to $75,000
- Sacramento area: $45,000 to $60,000
Cost of living and demand for talent drive higher salaries in places like San Francisco. Recent graduates can expect to earn 10-15% more there compared to other parts of the state.
Junior Accountant Salaries at Top CA Firms
New junior or staff accountants at prestigious California accounting firms can expect starting compensation packages around:
- PwC: $67,000
- EY: $68,000
- Deloitte: $65,000
- KPMG: $63,000
These salaries represent base pay plus signing bonuses. Actual first-year earnings may rise to $75,000+ with performance bonuses.
The Road to Senior Accountant Salary California
The path from entry level to senior accountant typically takes 4-6 years in California. With each promotion, salaries increase by $10,000 to $15,000. A newly minted senior accountant at a Big Four firm can expect to earn around $95,000 to $105,000 in major metro markets. At smaller firms, senior accountants make $80,000 to $90,000 on average.
Senior Accounting Salaries in California
California offers high salaries for accountants, especially those with years of experience and CPA certification. As accountants gain seniority, their compensation tends to increase substantially.
Senior Accountant Salary California: Climbing the Ladder
The average salary for a senior accountant in California is around $85,000 per year. Those with 5-10 years of experience tend to earn in the range of $70,000 to $90,000. Once accountants reach 15-20 years of experience, average salaries exceed $100,000.
Factors like specialized industry expertise, managerial responsibilities, and advanced certifications can boost senior accountant salaries even higher.
CPA Salaries Compared to Non-Certified
Getting a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) license typically leads to much higher salaries in California. On average, CPAs earn over $20,000 more per year than accountants without certification.
The gap widens further for senior roles. Senior accountants with a CPA average around $110,000 per year, while those without certification average $85,000.
Regional Differences in CPA Salaries
Location significantly impacts CPA salaries in California. Those working in major metropolitan areas like San Francisco and Los Angeles earn much higher pay than in rural parts of the state.
For example, average salaries for CPAs in the San Francisco Bay Area exceed $120,000 per year. Meanwhile, CPAs in places like Bakersfield average closer to $90,000 annually.
Senior Accountant Salary in Los Angeles and San Francisco
As California's largest business hubs, Los Angeles and San Francisco offer very lucrative salaries for CPAs and senior accountants:
Los Angeles
- Average Senior Accountant Salary: $95,000
- Average CPA Salary: $115,000
San Francisco
- Average Senior Accountant Salary: $105,000
- Average CPA Salary: $125,000
The abundance of large corporations and high costs of living help drive the premium wages for accountants in these metro regions. Those with specialized industry experience or advanced credentials can potentially earn $140,000+ per year.
In summary, California offers high potential earnings for accountants as they gain seniority and CPA certification, especially in major cities like LA and San Francisco. Developing a strong professional network also provides access to the highest paying accounting and finance roles across various industries.
Accounting Salaries by Position and Location in California
Accounting roles in California offer lucrative salaries, especially in major economic centers like Los Angeles and San Francisco. We break down average compensation figures for key accounting jobs across different regions of the state.
Accounting Assistant Salaries Across California
Accounting assistants in entry-level support roles earn average annual salaries ranging from $35,000 to $45,000 statewide. However, pay scales are higher in expensive metro areas:
- Los Angeles: $38,000 - $50,000
- San Francisco Bay Area: $40,000 - $55,000
- Sacramento: $36,000 - $48,000
As accounting assistants gain experience, salaries can reach up to $60,000 per year in high cost-of-living cities like San Francisco and Los Angeles.
Accounting Specialist and Manager Compensation
More advanced roles like accounting specialists and managers command significantly higher earnings potential:
- Accounting Specialists: $55,000 - $85,000
- Sr. Accountant / Accounting Managers: $75,000 - $120,000
As with assistant roles, the upper range of accounting specialist and manager salaries are found in major metros on the coast:
| City | Salary Range |
|---|---|
| Los Angeles | $80,000 - $130,000 |
| San Francisco | $85,000 - $135,000 |
| Sacramento | $70,000 - $115,000 |
Experience, credentials like CPA certification, and specialized expertise can boost salaries even higher for accounting specialists and managers.
Accounting Director Earnings in the Golden State
Accounting directors represent the top rung of accounting department leadership, reflected in lucrative six-figure salaries:
- Statewide Average: $140,000 - $180,000
- Los Angeles Average: $160,000 - $210,000
- San Francisco Average: $170,000 - $230,000
Strategic directors at major corporations or firms can earn total compensation packages exceeding $300,000 in cities like Los Angeles and San Francisco.
The Pay Scale for Tax & Accounting Administrative Assistants
Administrative assistants providing clerical support in tax and accounting departments earn solid compensation in the range of $42,000 - $60,000 statewide. As with other roles, salaries scale higher in major metros:
- Los Angeles Average: $46,000 - $65,000
- San Francisco Average: $48,000 - $68,000
- Sacramento Average: $44,000 - $62,000
Experience and specialized tax expertise can enable some assistants to reach annual salaries exceeding $70,000.
Account Executive and Financial Analyst Salaries
Two other key accounting-related roles also offer strong earnings potential in California:
- Account Executives: $65,000 - $120,000
- Financial Analysts: $75,000 - $135,000
At top corporations and financial institutions, account executives and analysts with 5+ years of experience can earn $150,000+ in total compensation in metro regions. Performance incentives like bonuses and equity can provide additional income.
In summary, accounting is a highly lucrative field in California, especially for those building careers in major economic hubs like the Bay Area and Southern California. The state provides unmatched salaries for nearly all accounting positions from assistants to directors and executives.
Comparative Analysis of Accountant Salaries in California's Cities
California is home to some of the highest salaries for accountants in the country. Major cities like Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Sacramento offer lucrative opportunities in the accounting and finance fields. This section provides an in-depth comparison of accountant salaries across these key markets.
Accountant Salary Los Angeles: A Market Snapshot
As a massive economic center, Los Angeles provides a robust job market for accountants. The average salary for an accountant in Los Angeles is $68,936 per year. With over 198,000 people employed in accounting and finance, competition for talent is high. This drives salaries up, especially for positions requiring specialized expertise like:
- Certified Public Accountants (CPAs) - Average salary of $80,930
- Senior Accountants - Average salary of $77,502
- Accounting Managers - Average of $103,743
Accounting salaries in Los Angeles vary by role, with higher levels earning significantly more. However, even entry-level accountants make a strong wage.
Accountant Salary San Francisco: High Demand, High Pay
With technology companies and startups flourishing, accountants in the San Francisco area command premium salaries. On average, an accountant in San Francisco earns $81,413 annually. For advanced roles, salaries climb even higher:
- CPAs - Average salary of $92,741
- Controllers - Average salary of $163,042
- Finance Directors - Average salary of $186,119
The abundance of high-growth companies generates substantial demand for accounting talent. This allows accountants to negotiate higher pay due to low unemployment (1.9%) and high competition among employers.
Sacramento's Accounting Salary Landscape
As California's capital, Sacramento offers accountants a more affordable cost of living compared to larger cities. The average salary for an accountant is $60,174 per year. Specific roles tend to pay:
- Entry Level Accountants - Average salary of $47,000
- Senior Accountants - Average salary of $73,582
- Accounting Managers - Average salary of $94,995
With key industries like government, healthcare, and construction, Sacramento provides a stable job market for accountants focused on quality of life over maximizing salaries.
Diverse Accounting Roles and Their Salaries in California
Accounting encompasses a diverse range of specialties, with salaries differing significantly. Some key accounting roles in California include:
Tax Accountants
- Average Salary: $62,921
- Duties: Tax preparation, research, planning, compliance
Forensic Accountants
- Average Salary: $91,459
- Duties: Investigate financial crimes
Budget Analysts
- Average Salary: $80,880
- Duties: Annual budget preparation, cost analysis
This demonstrates the wide variety of critical finance roles accountants can fill while earning competitive salaries, especially in California's thriving job market.
Salaries at Top California Accounting Employers
We highlight some of the top places to work in accounting across California with salary ranges.
State of California Accountant Salaries: Public vs. Private Sector
The State of California offers competitive salary and benefit packages to attract top accounting talent to public sector roles. According to self-reported data on Glassdoor, the average base pay for an Accountant at the State of California is $55,000 per year, with additional compensation and bonuses bringing total pay to around $65,000.
By comparison, the average base salary for an Accountant at a private California company is $62,000, with total compensation closer to $75,000 when additional pay components are factored in. However, larger national and global accounting firms tend to offer higher salaries to lure talent.
For example, the Big Four accounting firms (Deloitte, EY, KPMG and PwC) provide starting salaries for entry-level Accountants between $55,000-$65,000 in California, extending up to $95,000+ for Managers and Senior Managers.
So while California's state salaries may be lower than private sector, they offer good work-life balance, job security and benefits like pensions that some view as tradeoffs. Those seeking higher pay may look to large multi-national accounting firms.
Golden 1 Credit Union Accountant Salaries
As the leading credit union in California with over $135 billion in assets, Golden 1 invests heavily in its accounting and finance teams.
According to Glassdoor salary data, the average base pay for an Accountant at Golden 1 Credit Union is approximately $77,000 per year. With bonuses and other additional compensation factored in, total pay can reach upwards of $95,000 annually.
More experienced accounting professionals like Senior Accountants and Accounting Managers make between $85,000 to $120,000+ per year on average. Golden 1 is known to offer generous 401(k) matching contributions, healthcare benefits, paid time off allowances and remote work options.
This competitive compensation, along with a positive work culture and good work-life balance, make Golden 1 a sought-after employer for accountants in California.
Sutter Health Accountant Salaries: The Healthcare Perspective
As one of the largest healthcare providers in California, Sutter Health offers attractive salary and benefit packages to recruit skilled accountants and finance talent.
According to self-reported data on Glassdoor, base salaries for Accountants at Sutter Health average around $77,000 per year. With additional bonuses and other pay components added, total compensation ranges from $85,000 up to $100,000+ annually.
More specialized finance roles like Financial Analysts and Senior Accountants make between $95,000 to $115,000+ per year in base and total pay.
Along with competitive salaries, Sutter Health is praised for its comprehensive health benefits, retirement savings plans, paid time off allowances and professional development opportunities.
For those interested in healthcare accounting and finance, Sutter Health presents an appealing choice given its above-average compensation, strong brand reputation and good work culture.
Moss Adams LLP Accountant Salaries: A Firm Comparison
As one of the largest accounting firms in California and the US, Moss Adams offers very competitive salaries and benefits to attract top talent.
According to Glassdoor data, base pay for entry-level Staff Accountants at Moss Adams averages between $55,000 to $65,000 per year. With bonuses and profit-sharing, total compensation ranges from $60,000 up to $75,000 annually.
At the senior level, Manager and Senior Manager salaries range from $110,000 to $170,000+ when factoring in bonuses, commissions and equity ownership opportunities.
Compared to California's other large firms like BDO, Grant Thornton and Marcum LLP, Moss Adams is considered an above-average payer, with greater compensation potential for those in managerial and leadership roles.
Along with its attractive pay and benefits, Moss Adams is lauded for its culture, work-life balance, and career advancement opportunities.
Emerging Employers: CSU Sacramento and CiminoCare Controller Salaries
While not as widely recognized as other large employers, both CSU Sacramento and CiminoCare offer competitive salary and benefit packages for certain accounting roles.
According to Glassdoor, the average base salary for an Accountant at CSU Sacramento is $55,000 per year, extending up to $75,000 annually when bonuses and other pay is included. More specialized finance positions like Budget Analysts and Financial Analysts make between $65,000 to $95,000+ per year.
As a leading senior healthcare provider in Northern California, CiminoCare offers an average base salary of $120,000+ for its Controller positions in cities like Sacramento, Fresno and San Francisco. With strong year-end bonuses, total pay can reach up to $140,000 - $160,000+ for Controllers.
So while they aren't considered marquee employers yet, both CSU Sacramento and CiminoCare present attractive salary offerings across certain high-demand accounting and finance roles in California.
Future Outlook for Accounting Salaries in California
Accounting is a stable and growing profession in California. As businesses continue expanding and the economy grows, demand for qualified accountants is projected to increase steadily.
Projected Salary Growth Rates
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, accountant and auditor salaries in California are expected to grow by 5-7% annually over the next decade. This outpaces the national average. High costs of living and strong job growth in major metro areas are key drivers.
New Accounting Job Opportunities
California's thriving technology, financial services, healthcare, and renewable energy sectors are creating new high-paying accounting roles yearly. Positions in data analytics, business intelligence, financial planning, and more will become abundant.
Impact of Technology and Automation
While automation is replacing more routine accounting tasks, new technologies are also augmenting accountants' capabilities. Accountants are spending less time on data entry and more on strategic analysis and advising functions. Leveraging analytics tools and emerging technologies will be key skills.
In summary, accounting is a promising profession in California with positive salary growth and job prospects on the horizon, especially for accountants specializing in high value skills. Adaptability and technological fluency will be vital to stay competitive.
