Business & Finance Los Angeles, CA Pop. 3,898,747

Accountant Salary in Los Angeles, California

The median accountant salary in Los Angeles, CA is $116,625 per year, which is 46.0% above the national median and 5.8% above the California state average.

City Median
$116,625
vs State Avg
+$6,391
vs National
+$36,745
Cost of Living
146%

Accountant Pay in Los Angeles: What to Expect (2026)

Los Angeles offers a median accountant salary of $116,625, which is $6,391 above the California state average of $110,234. Compared to the national median of $79,880, Los Angeles pays above average for this role.

However, Los Angeles's cost of living index is 146%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $116,625 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $79,880. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Los Angeles should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for accountants in Los Angeles spans from $73,584 at the 10th percentile to $193,888 at the 90th percentile — a $120,304 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $75,920, while senior accountants with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $175,200. As a major metro area with a population of 3,898,747, Los Angeles typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Accountant Salary in Los Angeles by Experience

In Los Angeles, an entry-level accountant earns around $75,920, while experienced professionals earn up to $175,200 per year. The local cost of living index is 146% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$75,920
+$23,920 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$116,800
+$36,800 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$175,200
+$55,200 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Los Angeles, CA

Percentile Los Angeles
10th Percentile $73,584
25th Percentile $91,542
Median (50th) $116,625
75th Percentile $149,504
90th Percentile $193,888

Accountant Salary in Other California Cities

San Francisco, CA
$145,382
Pop. 873,965
San Jose, CA
$134,198
Pop. 1,013,240
San Diego, CA
$113,430
Pop. 1,386,932
Sacramento, CA
$94,258
Pop. 524,943

How to Become a Accountant in Los Angeles

Education

Most accountant positions require a bachelor's degree. Los Angeles and the surrounding California area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

GAAPTax PreparationFinancial AnalysisQuickBooksExcelAuditing

Job Outlook

Nationally, accountant employment is projected to grow 4% over the next decade (as fast as average). Demand in Los Angeles may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Accountant Jobs in Los Angeles

Browse open accountant positions in Los Angeles, CA:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Accountant Salary in Los Angeles

How much does a Accountant make in Los Angeles, CA? ▼
The median accountant salary in Los Angeles, California is $116,625 per year, which is 46.0% above the national median of $79,880. Salaries range from $73,584 (10th percentile) to $193,888 (90th percentile).
How much does a Accountant make per hour in Los Angeles? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $116,625, a accountant in Los Angeles earns approximately $56 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Los Angeles compare to the California state average for accountant pay? ▼
Los Angeles's median accountant salary of $116,625 is 5.8% above the California state average of $110,234. The local cost of living index is 146% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Los Angeles, CA? ▼
Los Angeles has a cost of living index of 146% compared to the national average. This means a accountant salary of $116,625 in Los Angeles has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a accountant in Los Angeles? ▼
Most accountant positions in Los Angeles require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include GAAP, Tax Preparation, Financial Analysis, QuickBooks. The job market is projected to grow 4% nationally over the next decade.