In Los Angeles, CA, Accountants earn a median of $85,540 a year — about 6% below the U.S. median of $90,780. Among the 50 metros tracked here for this role, that ranks #12.
What that pay is worth in Los Angeles
Local prices run 114 on the BEA cost-of-living index (U.S. = 100), so a $96,620 salary buys less than it looks — about $85,078 in national-average buying power.
Can Accountants afford a home in Los Angeles?
A typical Los Angeles home runs about $879,500 — 9.1 times the average Accountant salary, a stretch against the classic 3x rule of thumb. Median rent near $1,879/mo takes roughly 23% of gross pay — within the 30% comfort line.
The Accountant pay ladder in Los Angeles
Entry-level (10th percentile) Accountants earn about $57,340; the top 10% reach $149,970 — a $92,630 spread, wide for this field. Most of that gap comes down to experience, employer, and how hard you negotiate.
The Accountant job market in Los Angeles
Los Angeles employs roughly 63,940 Accountants. It’s a sizable local market to build a career in.
Compare Los Angeles with other cities
See the full Accountant salary by city ranking to weigh Los Angeles against the other metros on both pay and cost-adjusted value, or use the cost-of-living calculator to compare any two cities directly.
Frequently asked questions
How much do Accountants make in Los Angeles?
The average Accountant in Los Angeles, CA earns about $96,620 per year, 6.4% above the national average of $90,780.
What is the take-home pay for Accountants in Los Angeles after taxes?
After federal and CA taxes, this $96,620 salary is worth about $71,893 a year - roughly $5,991 a month in take-home pay, an effective tax rate near 26%.
What do the highest-paid Accountants earn in Los Angeles?
The top 10% of Accountants in Los Angeles earn about $149,970 a year, versus about $57,340 for the bottom 10%.
Can Accountants afford a home in Los Angeles?
A typical Los Angeles home runs about $879,500 - roughly 9.1x this salary, a stretch by the 3x rule, so budgeting discipline matters.