Accountant Salary in Los Angeles, CA (2026)
Accountants and auditors prepare financial records, ensure accuracy, and assess financial operations for businesses and individuals.
Median Annual Salary
$100,770
in Los Angeles · BLS OEWS
Real Purchasing Power
$87,818
adjusted for local cost of living
National Rank
#23
among cities with BLS data
Accountants in Los Angeles
The median annual salary for a Accountant in Los Angeles, CA is $100,770 per year, according to Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics data. This works out to approximately $8,398/month or $48/hour.
Compared to the median across all surveyed cities ($94,180), Los Angeles pays 7% more than the typical city.
Los Angeles has a cost of living index of 114.7 (US average = 100), so higher local costs reduce your real purchasing power. In inflation-adjusted terms, $100,770 in Los Angeles is equivalent to $87,818 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 Los Angeles 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, CA | $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 Los Angeles
| Occupation | Median Salary |
|---|---|
| Software Developer | $157,390 |
| Registered Nurse | $138,010 |
| Elementary School Teacher | $97,460 |
| Electrician | $81,940 |
Full cost of living profile for Los Angeles
See median rent, home values, cost of living index, air quality, and more for Los Angeles.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the median Accountant salary in Los Angeles?
The median annual salary for a Accountant in Los Angeles, CA is $100,770 per year, according to BLS OEWS data.
How does Los Angeles Accountant pay compare nationally?
Los Angeles Accountant pay ($100,770) is 7% above the median across surveyed cities ($94,180).
Does cost of living affect Accountant salaries in Los Angeles?
Yes. Los Angeles has a cost of living index of 114.7 (US average = 100). After adjusting for local prices, a $100,770 salary in Los Angeles has the purchasing power of approximately $87,818 in an average-cost city.
Data last updated: June 1, 2026 · Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) · Methodology