How to Become a Accountants and Auditors in California
Accountants and Auditors in California earn a median salary of $96,360/year, which is 18% above the national average. California has a state income tax of ~5.3%. After taxes and rent, a accountants and auditors takes home approximately $4,511/month. Most positions require Bachelor's degree.
What a accountants and auditors can afford in California
Becoming a accountants and auditors in California
Meet education requirements
Accountants and Auditors positions in California typically require Bachelor's degree. Programs are available at colleges and training institutions across California. Research accredited programs in your area.
Gain required experience
Many accountants and auditors positions in California require hands-on experience through internships, apprenticeships, or entry-level roles. Look for training programs and mentorship opportunities in your metro area.
Obtain California licensure or certification
California may require specific licensing or professional certification for accountants and auditorss. Requirements vary by state — contact the California Department of Labor or relevant licensing board for current requirements, exam schedules, and application procedures.
Find positions in California
California employs 173,370 accountants and auditors. The highest concentrations are in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara and San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont.
Accountants and Auditors salary by metro area in California
| Metro area | Median | Hourly | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara | $122K | $58.48/hr | 13,410 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont | $106K | $50.84/hr | 26,600 |
| Napa | $95K | $45.57/hr | 560 |
| Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim | $94K | $45.14/hr | 65,590 |
| San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad | $93K | $44.92/hr | 14,070 |
| Vallejo | $93K | $44.86/hr | 800 |
| Oxnard-Thousand Oaks-Ventura | $92K | $44.45/hr | 2,400 |
| Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom | $90K | $43.11/hr | 12,920 |
| Santa Rosa-Petaluma | $88K | $42.46/hr | 1,840 |
| Santa Maria-Santa Barbara | $88K | $42.39/hr | 1,500 |
| Modesto | $86K | $41.18/hr | 1,220 |
| Salinas | $85K | $40.8/hr | 1,050 |
| Santa Cruz-Watsonville | $83K | $39.94/hr | 760 |
| Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario | $83K | $39.94/hr | 9,120 |
| San Luis Obispo-Paso Robles | $82K | $39.54/hr | 900 |
Accountants and Auditors salary range in California
Accountants and Auditors careers in other states
Frequently asked questions
How much does a accountants and auditors make in California?▼
The median accountants and auditors salary in California is $96,360 per year ($46.33/hr). This is 18% above the national median of $81,680. Salaries range from $60,920 to $162,150.
What are the requirements to become a accountants and auditors in California?▼
Accountants and Auditors positions in California typically require Bachelor's degree. California may have specific licensing or certification requirements. Check with the California licensing board or department of labor for current requirements.
Can a accountants and auditors afford to live in California?▼
At the median salary of $96,360, a accountants and auditors in California would take home approximately $5,923/month after taxes. With median 2-bedroom rent at $1,412/month, that's 23.8% of take-home pay going to housing. This is within the recommended 30% guideline.
What are the best cities for accountants and auditors in California?▼
The highest paying metro areas for accountants and auditors in California are San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara ($121,630), San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont ($105,750), Napa ($94,780). However, cost of living varies significantly between metros — a higher salary may not mean more purchasing power.
Does California have state income tax for accountants and auditors?▼
Yes, California has a state income tax rate of approximately 5.3%. On a $96,360 salary, this means roughly $5,099/year in state income tax. Use our take-home pay calculator for a detailed breakdown.