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How to Become a Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing Clerks in California

Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing Clerks in California earn a median salary of $59,230/year, which is 17% above the national average. California has a state income tax of ~3.1%. After taxes and rent, a bookkeeping, accounting, and auditing clerks takes home approximately $2,802/month. Most positions require High school diploma or equivalent.

$59K
Median salary in California
+17%
vs. national average
3.1%
State income tax
151,870
Employed in California

What a bookkeeping, accounting, and auditing clerks can afford in California

Gross annual salary$59,230
Est. monthly take-home (after fed + 3.1% state tax)$3,982/mo
Median 2BR rent (California)-$1,180/mo
Rent as % of take-home29.6% (within guideline)
Cost-of-living adjusted salary$59,230/yr (RPP: 100)
Monthly remaining after rent$2,802/mo

Becoming a bookkeeping, accounting, and auditing clerks in California

1

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.

2

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.

3

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.

4

Find positions in California

California employs 151,870 bookkeeping, accounting, and auditing clerks. The highest concentrations are in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara and San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont.

Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing Clerks salary by metro area in California

Metro areaMedianHourlyEmployment
San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara$66K$31.79/hr7,590
San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont$66K$31.51/hr18,100
Santa Cruz-Watsonville$62K$29.79/hr1,120
Napa$62K$29.67/hr700
Vallejo$61K$29.41/hr1,040
Santa Rosa-Petaluma$61K$29.39/hr2,040
Santa Maria-Santa Barbara$60K$28.93/hr1,900
Salinas$59K$28.45/hr1,270
Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim$59K$28.17/hr53,910
San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad$59K$28.16/hr12,830
San Luis Obispo-Paso Robles$59K$28.16/hr1,070
Oxnard-Thousand Oaks-Ventura$58K$27.73/hr3,250
Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom$57K$27.33/hr8,680
Stockton-Lodi$56K$27.04/hr2,080
Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario$56K$26.74/hr12,710

Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing Clerks salary range in California

10th percentile (entry)
$42K
25th percentile
$49K
Median (50th)
$59K
75th percentile
$71K
90th percentile (senior)
$82K
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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 $59,230 per year ($28.48/hr). This is 17% above the national median of $50,670. Salaries range from $41,600 to $81,990.

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 $59,230, a bookkeeping, accounting, and auditing clerks in California would take home approximately $3,982/month after taxes. With median 2-bedroom rent at $1,180/month, that's 29.6% of take-home pay going to housing. This is within 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 Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara ($66,130), San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont ($65,530), Santa Cruz-Watsonville ($61,960). 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 3.1%. On a $59,230 salary, this means roughly $1,844/year in state income tax. Use our take-home pay calculator for a detailed breakdown.