Accountant salary in California
Accountants in California earn a median $97,050 a year, 16% above the national median of $83,680. That ranks #6 of 51 states. After taxes, a single filer keeps about $71,062.
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025, SOC 13-2011. Taxes for tax year 2026.
| Yearly | Monthly | Every 2 weeks | Hourly | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median pay | $97,050 | $8,088 | $3,733 | $46.66 |
| Average pay | $103,760 | $8,647 | $3,991 | $49.88 |
| Take-home (median) | $71,062 | $5,922 | $2,733 | $34.16 |
Where the money goes
| Item | Per year |
|---|---|
| Federal income tax | $12,521 |
| Social Security and Medicare | $7,424 |
| California income tax and state programs | $6,042 |
| Take-home | $71,062 |
California's prices are 11% above the U.S. average, so the median take-home buys what $64,182 buys in an average-priced state. The California minimum wage is $16.90; the median accountant earns 2.8 times that.
Accountant pay in California vs. neighboring states
| State | Median salary | Take-home | Buying power |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | $97,050 | $71,062 | $64,182 |
| Arizona | $79,970 | $63,492 | $63,065 |
| Nevada | $81,600 | $66,236 | $66,250 |
| Oregon | $85,800 | $61,912 | $59,899 |
Frequently asked questions
- How much do accountants make in California?
- The median salary is $97,050 a year ($46.66 an hour), and the average is $103,760, per BLS data for May 2025.
- How much do accountants take home in California?
- About $71,062 a year after federal and California taxes, or $2,733 every two weeks, for a single filer at the median salary.
- Do accountants earn more in California than the national average?
- California ranks #6 of 51 for median pay, 16% above the U.S. median of $83,680. Adjusted for prices and taxes it ranks #35.