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Accountant 1 Salary in California

How much does an Accountant 1 make in California?

As of October 01, 2026, the average salary for an Accountant 1 in California is $68,114 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $33.

However, an Accountant 1's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $78,463
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $62,398 to $73,531
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $57,194
Salary Factors Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Key Factors That Influence Accountant 1 Salaries

An Accountant 1'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.

How Experience Level Affects Accountant Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of an Accountant 1'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:

  • Entry-Level (less than 1 year): $67,716
  • Early Career (1-2 years): $78,704
  • Mid-Level (2-4 years): $93,893
  • Senior-Level (5-8 years): $108,734
  • Expert (over 8 years): $153,255
Levels Salary
Accountan... Level Accountant 1$67,716
Accountan... Level Accountant 1$78,704
Accountan... Level Accountant 1$93,893
Accountan... Level Accountant 1$108,734
Accountan... Level Accountant 1$153,255
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How Do Accountant 1 Salaries Vary from State to State?

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 Accountant 1s. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $68,374.
  • California: $68,114.
  • Massachusetts: $67,207.

Top Paying Cities for Accountant 1s

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:

  • Los Angeles: $68,232
  • West Hollywood: $68,182
  • Dodgertown: $68,231

Accountant 1 Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Accountant 1 roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 110% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Software & Networking and Financial Services sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 35% above the average. In contrast, Accountant positions in Transportation or Telecom typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Accountant 1 as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for an Accountant 1

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Software & Networking$91,954$44.035%
Financial Services$88,549$43.030%
Biotechnology$85,143$41.025%
Pharmaceuticals$85,143$41.025%
Energy & Utilities$81,737$39.020%

Accountant 1 Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how an Accountant 1'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.

Last Updated on October 01, 2026
$62,398
Average $68,114/year
$73,531
$5,200
Average $5,676/month
$6,128
$1,200
Average $1,310/week
$1,414
$30
Average $33/hour
$35
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $73,531 $6,128 $1,414 $35
Average $68,114 $5,676 $1,310 $33
25th Percentile $62,398 $5,200 $1,200 $30

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Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

Salary.com salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons are derived from both employer job postings and third-party data sources. We also provide multiple percentiles of salary information for your reference, click here to know Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial to Getting Pay Equity Right. With more online, real-time compensation data than any other website, Salary.com helps you determine your exact pay target.

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