Accountant Salary in Berkeley, CA (2026)
Accountants and auditors prepare financial records, ensure accuracy, and assess financial operations for businesses and individuals.
Median Annual Salary
$119,870
in Berkeley · BLS OEWS
Real Purchasing Power
$101,973
adjusted for local cost of living
National Rank
#4
among cities with BLS data
Accountants in Berkeley
The median annual salary for a Accountant in Berkeley, CA is $119,870 per year, according to Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics data. This works out to approximately $9,989/month or $58/hour.
Compared to the median across all surveyed cities ($94,180), Berkeley pays 27% more than the typical city.
Berkeley has a cost of living index of 117.6 (US average = 100), so higher local costs reduce your real purchasing power. In inflation-adjusted terms, $119,870 in Berkeley is equivalent to $101,973 in a city at the US average cost of living.
BLS wage data is collected at the metropolitan statistical area (MSA) level, so this figure represents the Berkeley metro area, not just the city itself.
Top 10 Cities for Accountants by Salary
| # | City | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Newark, NJ | $121,970 |
| 2 | New York, NY | $121,970 |
| 3 | Jersey City, NJ | $121,970 |
| 4 | Berkeley, CAYou are here | $119,870 |
| 5 | San Francisco, CA | $119,870 |
| 6 | Oakland, CA | $119,870 |
| 7 | Washington, DC | $108,670 |
| 8 | Arlington, VA | $108,670 |
| 9 | Alexandria, VA | $108,670 |
| 10 | Tacoma, WA | $106,100 |
Source: BLS OEWS · Metro-level data
Other Occupations in Berkeley
| Occupation | Median Salary |
|---|---|
| Software Developer | $187,840 |
| Registered Nurse | $178,450 |
| Elementary School Teacher | $96,460 |
| Electrician | $104,240 |
Full cost of living profile for Berkeley
See median rent, home values, cost of living index, air quality, and more for Berkeley.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the median Accountant salary in Berkeley?
The median annual salary for a Accountant in Berkeley, CA is $119,870 per year, according to BLS OEWS data.
How does Berkeley Accountant pay compare nationally?
Berkeley Accountant pay ($119,870) is 27% above the median across surveyed cities ($94,180).
Does cost of living affect Accountant salaries in Berkeley?
Yes. Berkeley has a cost of living index of 117.6 (US average = 100). After adjusting for local prices, a $119,870 salary in Berkeley has the purchasing power of approximately $101,973 in an average-cost city.
Data last updated: June 1, 2026 · Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) · Methodology