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Certified Public Accountant  Salary in California

How much does a Certified Public Accountant  make in California?

As of October 01, 2026, the average salary for a Certified Public Accountant  in California is $88,060 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $42.

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

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $105,618
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $79,900 to $97,251
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $72,471
Salary Factors Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Key Factors That Influence Certified Public Accountant  Salaries

A Certified Public 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.

How Experience Level Affects Certified Public Accountant Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Certified Public 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:

  • Entry-Level (less than 1 year): $69,920
  • Early Career (1-2 years): $81,266
  • Mid-Level (2-4 years): $96,949
  • Senior-Level (5-8 years): $112,274
  • Expert (over 8 years): $158,243
Levels Salary
Accountan... Level Certified Public Accountant $69,920
Certified... Level Certified Public Accountant $81,266
Accountan... Level Certified Public Accountant $96,949
Accountan... Level Certified Public Accountant $112,274
Accountan... Level Certified Public Accountant $158,243
View as Graph

How Do Certified Public Accountant  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 Certified Public Accountants. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $88,396.
  • California: $88,060.
  • Massachusetts: $86,887.

Top Paying Cities for Certified Public Accountants

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: $88,212
  • West Hollywood: $88,148
  • Dodgertown: $88,211

Certified Public Accountant  Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Certified Public Accountant  roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 65% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Biotechnology and Energy & Utilities sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 25% above the average. In contrast, Certified Public Accountant positions in Transportation or Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Certified Public Accountant  as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a Certified Public Accountant 

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Biotechnology$110,075$53.025%
Energy & Utilities$105,672$51.020%
Internet$103,911$50.018%
Aerospace & Defense$96,866$47.010%
Chemicals$96,866$47.010%

Certified Public Accountant  Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Certified Public 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.

Last Updated on October 01, 2026
$79,900
Average $88,060/year
$97,251
$6,658
Average $7,338/month
$8,104
$1,537
Average $1,693/week
$1,870
$38
Average $42/hour
$47
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $97,251 $8,104 $1,870 $47
Average $88,060 $7,338 $1,693 $42
25th Percentile $79,900 $6,658 $1,537 $38

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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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