Business & Finance Sacramento, CA Pop. 524,943

Accountant Salary in Sacramento, California

The median accountant salary in Sacramento, CA is $94,258 per year, which is 18.0% above the national median and 14.5% below the California state average.

City Median
$94,258
vs State Avg
$-15,976
vs National
+$14,378
Cost of Living
118%

Accountant Pay in Sacramento: What to Expect (2026)

Sacramento offers a median accountant salary of $94,258, which is $15,976 below the California state average of $110,234. Compared to the national median of $79,880, Sacramento pays above average for this role.

However, Sacramento's cost of living index is 118%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $94,258 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $79,880. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Sacramento should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for accountants in Sacramento spans from $59,472 at the 10th percentile to $156,704 at the 90th percentile — a $97,232 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $61,360, while senior accountants with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $141,600. As a major metro area with a population of 524,943, Sacramento typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Accountant Salary in Sacramento by Experience

In Sacramento, an entry-level accountant earns around $61,360, while experienced professionals earn up to $141,600 per year. The local cost of living index is 118% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$61,360
+$9,360 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$94,400
+$14,400 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$141,600
+$21,600 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Sacramento, CA

Percentile Sacramento
10th Percentile $59,472
25th Percentile $73,986
Median (50th) $94,258
75th Percentile $120,832
90th Percentile $156,704

Accountant Salary in Other California Cities

How to Become a Accountant in Sacramento

Education

Most accountant positions require a bachelor's degree. Sacramento 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 Sacramento may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Accountant Jobs in Sacramento

Browse open accountant positions in Sacramento, CA:

Frequently Asked Questions: Accountant Salary in Sacramento

How much does a Accountant make in Sacramento, CA? ▼
The median accountant salary in Sacramento, California is $94,258 per year, which is 18.0% above the national median of $79,880. Salaries range from $59,472 (10th percentile) to $156,704 (90th percentile).
How much does a Accountant make per hour in Sacramento? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $94,258, a accountant in Sacramento earns approximately $45 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Sacramento compare to the California state average for accountant pay? ▼
Sacramento's median accountant salary of $94,258 is 14.5% below the California state average of $110,234. The local cost of living index is 118% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Sacramento, CA? ▼
Sacramento has a cost of living index of 118% compared to the national average. This means a accountant salary of $94,258 in Sacramento has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a accountant in Sacramento? ▼
Most accountant positions in Sacramento 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.