How to Become a Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing Clerks in California
Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing Clerks in California earn a median salary of $57,470/year, which is 17% above the national average. California has a state income tax of ~3.0%. After taxes and rent, a bookkeeping, accounting, and auditing clerks takes home approximately $2,461/month. Most positions require High school diploma or equivalent.
What a bookkeeping, accounting, and auditing clerks can afford in California
Becoming a bookkeeping, accounting, and auditing clerks in California
Meet education requirements
Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing Clerks positions in California typically require High school diploma or equivalent. Programs are available at colleges and training institutions across California. Research accredited programs in your area.
Gain required experience
Many bookkeeping, accounting, and auditing clerks 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 bookkeeping, accounting, and auditing clerkss. 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 154,980 bookkeeping, accounting, and auditing clerks. The highest concentrations are in San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont and San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara.
Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing Clerks salary by metro area in California
| Metro area | Median | Hourly | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont | $64K | $31/hr | 17,670 |
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara | $64K | $30.93/hr | 7,750 |
| Napa | $61K | $29.19/hr | 690 |
| Santa Cruz-Watsonville | $60K | $28.95/hr | 1,030 |
| Santa Rosa-Petaluma | $60K | $28.82/hr | 2,220 |
| Vallejo | $59K | $28.58/hr | 1,210 |
| Santa Maria-Santa Barbara | $59K | $28.2/hr | 1,800 |
| Salinas | $58K | $28.08/hr | 1,440 |
| San Luis Obispo-Paso Robles | $58K | $27.68/hr | 1,160 |
| Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom | $57K | $27.54/hr | 8,420 |
| San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad | $57K | $27.28/hr | 12,510 |
| Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim | $57K | $27.28/hr | 57,520 |
| Oxnard-Thousand Oaks-Ventura | $56K | $27.11/hr | 3,260 |
| Stockton-Lodi | $55K | $26.65/hr | 2,200 |
| Yuba City | $53K | $25.61/hr | 480 |
Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing Clerks salary range in California
Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing Clerks careers in other states
Frequently asked questions
How much does a bookkeeping, accounting, and auditing clerks make in California?▼
The median bookkeeping, accounting, and auditing clerks salary in California is $57,470 per year ($27.63/hr). This is 17% above the national median of $49,210. Salaries range from $40,020 to $80,730.
What are the requirements to become a bookkeeping, accounting, and auditing clerks in California?▼
Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing Clerks positions in California typically require High school diploma or equivalent. California may have specific licensing or certification requirements. Check with the California licensing board or department of labor for current requirements.
Can a bookkeeping, accounting, and auditing clerks afford to live in California?▼
At the median salary of $57,470, a bookkeeping, accounting, and auditing clerks in California would take home approximately $3,873/month after taxes. With median 2-bedroom rent at $1,412/month, that's 36.5% of take-home pay going to housing. This exceeds the recommended 30% guideline.
What are the best cities for bookkeeping, accounting, and auditing clerks in California?▼
The highest paying metro areas for bookkeeping, accounting, and auditing clerks in California are San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont ($64,480), San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara ($64,340), Napa ($60,720). However, cost of living varies significantly between metros — a higher salary may not mean more purchasing power.
Does California have state income tax for bookkeeping, accounting, and auditing clerks?▼
Yes, California has a state income tax rate of approximately 3.0%. On a $57,470 salary, this means roughly $1,739/year in state income tax. Use our take-home pay calculator for a detailed breakdown.