Accountant Salary in San Diego, CA (2026)
Accountants and auditors prepare financial records, ensure accuracy, and assess financial operations for businesses and individuals.
Median Annual Salary
$104,740
in San Diego · BLS OEWS
Real Purchasing Power
$94,581
adjusted for local cost of living
National Rank
#13
among cities with BLS data
Accountants in San Diego
The median annual salary for a Accountant in San Diego, CA is $104,740 per year, according to Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics data. This works out to approximately $8,728/month or $50/hour.
Compared to the median across all surveyed cities ($94,180), San Diego pays 11% more than the typical city.
San Diego has a cost of living index of 110.7 (US average = 100), so higher local costs reduce your real purchasing power. In inflation-adjusted terms, $104,740 in San Diego is equivalent to $94,581 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 San Diego 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 San Diego
| Occupation | Median Salary |
|---|---|
| Software Developer | $157,860 |
| Registered Nurse | $139,350 |
| Elementary School Teacher | $86,960 |
| Electrician | $82,400 |
Full cost of living profile for San Diego
See median rent, home values, cost of living index, air quality, and more for San Diego.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the median Accountant salary in San Diego?
The median annual salary for a Accountant in San Diego, CA is $104,740 per year, according to BLS OEWS data.
How does San Diego Accountant pay compare nationally?
San Diego Accountant pay ($104,740) is 11% above the median across surveyed cities ($94,180).
Does cost of living affect Accountant salaries in San Diego?
Yes. San Diego has a cost of living index of 110.7 (US average = 100). After adjusting for local prices, a $104,740 salary in San Diego has the purchasing power of approximately $94,581 in an average-cost city.
Data last updated: June 1, 2026 · Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) · Methodology