In San Francisco, CA, Accountants earn a median of $103,990 a year — about 15% above the U.S. median of $90,780. Among the 50 metros tracked here for this role, that ranks #4.
What that pay is worth in San Francisco
Local prices run 116 on the BEA cost-of-living index (U.S. = 100), so a $117,930 salary buys less than it looks — about $102,004 in national-average buying power.
Can Accountants afford a home in San Francisco?
A typical San Francisco home runs about $1,380,500 — 11.7 times the average Accountant salary, a stretch against the classic 3x rule of thumb. Median rent near $2,419/mo takes roughly 25% of gross pay — within the 30% comfort line.
The Accountant pay ladder in San Francisco
Entry-level (10th percentile) Accountants earn about $71,070; the top 10% reach $175,590 — a $104,520 spread, wide for this field. Most of that gap comes down to experience, employer, and how hard you negotiate.
The Accountant job market in San Francisco
San Francisco employs roughly 24,910 Accountants. It’s a sizable local market to build a career in.
Compare San Francisco with other cities
See the full Accountant salary by city ranking to weigh San Francisco 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 San Francisco?
The average Accountant in San Francisco, CA earns about $117,930 per year, 29.9% above the national average of $90,780.
What is the take-home pay for Accountants in San Francisco after taxes?
After federal and CA taxes, this $117,930 salary is worth about $84,902 a year - roughly $7,075 a month in take-home pay, an effective tax rate near 28%.
What do the highest-paid Accountants earn in San Francisco?
The top 10% of Accountants in San Francisco earn about $175,590 a year, versus about $71,070 for the bottom 10%.
Can Accountants afford a home in San Francisco?
A typical San Francisco home runs about $1,380,500 - roughly 11.7x this salary, a stretch by the 3x rule, so budgeting discipline matters.