Accountant salary in San Diego, CA
Median pay, San Diego metro
$96,340/year
about $46.32 an hour full-time
Middle half earns $76,690 – $125,190
Half of accountants in the San Diego metro area earn more than $96,340 a year and half earn less. That's 15% higher than the national median of $83,680, and ranks #8 of the 30 big metro areas we track for this job.
Pay range
| Percentile | Yearly | Hourly* |
|---|---|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $62,520 | $30.06 |
| 25th | $76,690 | $36.87 |
| Median (50th) | $96,340 | $46.32 |
| 75th | $125,190 | $60.19 |
| 90th (top earners) | $157,720 | $75.83 |
*Yearly pay divided by 2,080 hours (40 hours × 52 weeks), the full-time basis BLS uses.
Is your offer fair?
For a accountant job in the San Diego metro area, here's how an offer compares:
- Below market under $76,690 ($36.87/hr). Fine for a first job in the field, otherwise worth negotiating.
- Typical $76,690 to $125,190 ($36.87 to $60.19/hr). The middle half of what people in this job earn.
- Strong offer over $125,190 ($60.19/hr). Higher than three quarters of workers here.
Before you accept
- A CPA license usually raises pay noticeably, and some employers support the exam with time off or fees.
- Busy season can mean long hours from January to April. Ask how overtime is handled for salaried roles.
- Public accounting and corporate (industry) roles often pay differently for similar titles.
Also watch for the common warning signs in the posting itself: 15 job posting red flags.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, 2025, San Diego metro. Occupation: Accountants and Auditors (SOC 13-2011). Figures cover wage and salary workers and don't include bonuses, benefits or overtime.