Accountant salary in California
A strong career option in California — with programs that take 2 to 4 years to complete.
Median pay · May 2025
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
$97,050/ yr
$8,088 / mo · $46.66 / hr
↑ $13,370 above the national median ($83,680)
Pay by experience
Entry
$61,776
Median
$97,050
Experienced
$160,514
Demand
Stable
Program length
2 to 4 years
Projected growth
+4.6%
Annual openings
124,200
Market trajectory
BLS national wage benchmarks
How California compares to the national wage trend
California median
$97,050
2025 national
$83,680
2024 national
$81,680
↑ +2.4% change in national average wages for this field over the last year.
Job demand & outlook
+4.6% projected growth through 2034
124,200 average annual openings nationwide for Accountants.
Source: BLS Employment Projections
Where this career can take you
A clear progression path, with real salary growth at each step
- State Certificate$50,559
- Professional Certification / Diploma$53,771
- Professional Certification / Bootcamp$88,192
- Associate Degree$80,408
Is this career change worth it?
A simple look at what it costs vs what you gain
What it typically costs
- Average training cost$13,315
- Time to complete2 to 4 years
- Credential earnedProfessional Certification / Bootcamp
What you get back
- Starting salary$61,776
- Median salary$97,050
- Experienced salary$160,514
At an entry wage of $61,776, most Accountants break even on the $13,315 training investment in about 3 months of work.
How to become an Accountant in California
A clear path from where you are to where you want to be
Find an Accountant program in California
Browse certified training programs. Most Accountant tracks complete in 2 to 4 years and average $13,315 in tuition.
Earn your Professional Certification / Bootcamp
Complete coursework, finish required clinical or lab hours, and pass the exam required for a Professional Certification / Bootcamp in California.
Get hired in California
With roughly 124,200 Accountant openings each year nationwide, graduates often find employment within 30–90 days in California.
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Frequently asked questions
The median salary for an Accountant in California is $97,050 per year, which is $46.66 per hour. Entry level positions typically start around $61,776 while experienced Accountants can earn up to $160,514 annually.
Next step
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