Accountant Hourly Pay in Los Angeles, CA: $46.54 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a accountant working in Los Angeles, CA runs $46.54 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $96,823 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 13-2011). Weighted against Los Angeles's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.6, 14% above national), each hour of work buys what $40.98 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $58,087 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Los Angeles, the accountant hourly pay is projected at $46.54 in 2026, significantly higher than the national hourly median of $41.28. This competitive pay creates attractive opportunities for both part-time and per-diem accountants, with common work environments including client engagement rooms at public firms, corporate finance offices, IRS field cubicles, and remote setups during tax season. For those entering the field, starting hourly wages can be as low as $29.76, while experienced professionals can command rates as high as $76.28. This data, derived from 2025 BLS OEWS statistics, underscores the evolving dynamics of the accounting profession in CA, particularly in a city recognized for its higher living costs and vibrant economy.
Accountant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $29.76 | $238.06 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $36.54 | $292.32 |
| Median (P50) | $46.54 | $372.35 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $60.32 | $482.60 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $76.28 | $610.24 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Los Angeles
Based on $46.54/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $46.54/hr, a accountant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Los Angeles, CA can expect to earn approximately $96,811 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $55,853. With a cost-of-living index of 113.57 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Los Angeles.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Los Angeles
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,861.76 | $8,068 | $96,811 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,117.05 | $4,841 | $58,087 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $744.70 | $3,227 | $38,725 |
Compare CPA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Accountant (Los Angeles) | $46.54 |
| Financial Analyst (National Avg) | $47.61 |
| Bookkeeping / Accounting Clerk (National Avg) | $22.93 |
| Auditor (National Avg) | $39.88 |
| Tax Examiner / Collector (National Avg) | $29.61 |
Accountants in Los Angeles, CA earn a median of $96,823 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.76% higher than the national median of $85,864 and 12.40% above the California state average of $86,141.
Accountant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $46.54/hr = $58,087/year (purchasing power: $51,148).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $96,811/year (purchasing power: $85,247).
CoL index: 113.566 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$34.89/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$45.36/hr
2026 Current Est.
$46.54/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+36.9%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Accountants in Los Angeles (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.61% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $34.89/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $36.01/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $38.05/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $38.79/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $41.13/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $45.14/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $45.36/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $46.54/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $47.76/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for accountants in Los Angeles grew 30.0% from $34.89/hr (2019) to $45.36/hr (2025). At a 2.61% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $47.76/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem accountants can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Los Angeles metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 2.61% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Working as an Hourly Accountant in Los Angeles
Evaluating the financial implications of part-time work reveals that an accountant choosing to work three days a week, or 24 hours, would earn considerably less annually compared to a full-time employee. However, the flexibility of such arrangements can be appealing for many. Per diem accountant pay in Los Angeles is particularly variable; agencies and independent contractors often bill $50 to $95 per hour depending on their specialties, while experienced professionals from the Big 4 firms can see rates soar to $80-$130 during busy seasons. Additionally, niche areas like forensic accounting can see expert witnesses charging between $300 and $600 per hour in litigation cases. Hourly rates differ based on employer types, with Big 4 firms typically offering higher hourly rates but with less job security compared to roles in corporate accounting departments or government positions. Hence, some accountants may opt for lower hourly pay that includes health insurance over the flexibility of contracting without benefits, pressing them to negotiate thoughtfully for terms that meet both their financial and lifestyle goals in the competitive Los Angeles market.
More salary data for Los Angeles, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Written by Sofia Patel, CPA
Career Analyst
Sofia Patel has over 10 years of experience in financial analysis. She specializes in tax preparation for small businesses. She has worked in both corporate and public accounting environments.
Methodology & Data Source
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 2.61% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for accountants in Los Angeles. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.61%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for accountants (SOC 13-2011).
Compiled and verified by Sofia Patel, CPA, a licensed accountant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov