Business & Finance San Diego, CA Pop. 1,386,932

Accountant Salary in San Diego, California

The median accountant salary in San Diego, CA is $113,430 per year, which is 42.0% above the national median and 2.9% above the California state average.

City Median
$113,430
vs State Avg
+$3,196
vs National
+$33,550
Cost of Living
142%

Accountant Pay in San Diego: What to Expect (2026)

San Diego offers a median accountant salary of $113,430, which is $3,196 above the California state average of $110,234. Compared to the national median of $79,880, San Diego pays above average for this role.

However, San Diego's cost of living index is 142%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $113,430 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $79,880. Housing, transportation, and food costs in San Diego should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for accountants in San Diego spans from $71,568 at the 10th percentile to $188,576 at the 90th percentile — a $117,008 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $73,840, while senior accountants with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $170,400. As a major metro area with a population of 1,386,932, San Diego typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Accountant Salary in San Diego by Experience

In San Diego, an entry-level accountant earns around $73,840, while experienced professionals earn up to $170,400 per year. The local cost of living index is 142% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$73,840
+$21,840 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$113,600
+$33,600 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$170,400
+$50,400 vs national

Salary Percentiles in San Diego, CA

Percentile San Diego
10th Percentile $71,568
25th Percentile $89,034
Median (50th) $113,430
75th Percentile $145,408
90th Percentile $188,576

Accountant Salary in Other California Cities

San Francisco, CA
$145,382
Pop. 873,965
San Jose, CA
$134,198
Pop. 1,013,240
Los Angeles, CA
$116,625
Pop. 3,898,747
Sacramento, CA
$94,258
Pop. 524,943

How to Become a Accountant in San Diego

Education

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

Find Accountant Jobs in San Diego

Browse open accountant positions in San Diego, CA:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Accountant Salary in San Diego

How much does a Accountant make in San Diego, CA? ▼
The median accountant salary in San Diego, California is $113,430 per year, which is 42.0% above the national median of $79,880. Salaries range from $71,568 (10th percentile) to $188,576 (90th percentile).
How much does a Accountant make per hour in San Diego? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $113,430, a accountant in San Diego earns approximately $55 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does San Diego compare to the California state average for accountant pay? ▼
San Diego's median accountant salary of $113,430 is 2.9% above the California state average of $110,234. The local cost of living index is 142% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in San Diego, CA? ▼
San Diego has a cost of living index of 142% compared to the national average. This means a accountant salary of $113,430 in San Diego has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a accountant in San Diego? ▼
Most accountant positions in San Diego 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.