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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Project Cost Accountant in California is $86,347 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $42.
However, a Project Cost Accountant's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Project Cost Accountant Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $93,641 | $7,803 | $1,801 | $45 |
| Average | $86,347 | $7,196 | $1,661 | $42 |
| 25th Percentile | $79,216 | $6,601 | $1,523 | $38 |
RED Digital Cinema - Foothill Ranch, CA
Cross Resource Group - City of Industry, CA
Stardom Employment Consultants - Fresno, CA
GCM San Jose - San Jose, CA
A Project Cost Accountant's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Project Cost Accountant's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here’s how the average salary grows at different career stages:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Cost Acco... Level Project Cost Accountant | $74,385 |
| Project C... Level Project Cost Accountant | $87,832 |
| Cost Acco... Level Project Cost Accountant | $104,263 |
| Cost Acco... Level Project Cost Accountant | $120,700 |
| Cost Acco... Level Project Cost Accountant | $118,112 |
What Am I Worth?
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Project Cost Accountants. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:
For Project Cost Accountant roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 50% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Software & Networking and Insurance sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 25% above the average. In contrast, Project Cost Accountant positions in Hospitality & Leisure or Transportation typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Project Cost Accountant as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Software & Networking | $107,933 | $52.0 | 25% |
| Insurance | $103,616 | $50.0 | 20% |
| Pharmaceuticals | $103,616 | $50.0 | 20% |
| Financial Services | $99,299 | $48.0 | 15% |
| Aerospace & Defense | $94,981 | $46.0 | 10% |
Understanding how a Project Cost Accountant's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $93,641 | $7,803 | $1,801 | $45 |
| Average | $86,347 | $7,196 | $1,661 | $42 |
| 25th Percentile | $79,216 | $6,601 | $1,523 | $38 |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Project Cost Accountant job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
Key Skilled Personnel
City of Industry, CA
Key Skilled Personnel | City of Industry, CA
Job Description. Job Description. Cost Accountant. Location. City of Industry, CA. Job Type. Full-Time. Reports To. Plant Controller. Pay Range. $70,000 - ... more
7 Days Ago
PrideStaff Financial
Visalia, CA
PrideStaff Financial | Visalia, CA
Job Title. DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES. Daily cost accounting, working closely with individuals throughout the company in other departments. Fixed asset ac... more
8 Days Ago
PSG Global Solutions
Yorba Linda, CA
PSG Global Solutions | Yorba Linda, CA
Cost Accountant. For over 70 years, Yoh has provided the talent needed for the jobs and projects critical to client success, by delivering comprehensive wo... more
9 Days Ago
Vie Del
Fresno, CA
Vie Del | Fresno, CA
Cost Accountant. Vie-Del is a major producer of concentrates from grapes and other fruits, brandy, spirits, and wines. We are currently seeking talented ca... more
10 Days Ago
STN Incorporated
Pleasanton, CA
STN Incorporated | Pleasanton, CA
Job Description. Job Description. Cost Accountant. Location. Onsite – Pleasanton, California. Reporting to. Controller. At. STN. we don't just adapt to the... more
10 Days Ago
ISAT Total Support
La Mirada, CA
ISAT Total Support | La Mirada, CA
Job Description. Job Description. Join our Team. Our employees are thriving both inside and outside of the office. We are growing faster than ever and it’s... more
6 Days Ago
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