Accountant Salary in Downey, CA: $87,191 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time accountant in Downey, CA earns a median $87,191/year (≈ $41.92/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 13-2011). Once you factor in Downey's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $77,092 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.3% above the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the estimated median annual salary for accountants in Downey, California, reaches $87,191, slightly surpassing the national median of $85,864. The local salary range extends from $54,112 at the 10th percentile to a notable $135,146 at the 90th percentile, reflecting a significant pay disparity often influenced by employer type and individual experience. These salary estimates, based on 2025 BLS data projected to 2026, illustrate a competitive market for accounting professionals amid the juxtaposition of Big 4 public firms, regional CPA firms, and corporate accounting departments. As Downey continues to attract diverse businesses, the demand for skilled accountants rises, reinforcing the city's opportunities in the financial sector.
About the Downey Market
Salary estimated from California average ($102,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $54,112 | $26.01 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $69,695 | $33.50 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $87,191 | $41.92 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $111,604 | $53.65 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $135,146 | $64.97 |
Median Salary Position
1.55% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Downey
In Downey, CA, the accountant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $81,034 (2026 est.). At $87,191, the local median is 1.55% above the national median of $85,864.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Downey: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Downey Accountant Pay Compares
Downey median: $87,191/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Downey Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $86,072 | +1.30% more |
| National Average | $85,864 | +1.55% more |
Accountants in Downey, CA earn a median of $87,191 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.55% higher than the national median of $85,864 and 1.30% above the California state average of $86,072.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Downey has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Downey, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $87,191 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $77,092 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$72,656
2025 BLS Actual
$84,973
2026 Current Est.
$87,191
2019–2027 Growth
+23.1%
Salary Trajectory for Accountants in Downey (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.61% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $72,656 | Actual |
| 2020 | $74,697 | Actual |
| 2021 | $78,444 | Actual |
| 2022 | $79,205 | Actual |
| 2023 | $81,114 | Actual |
| 2024 | $116,809 | Actual |
| 2025 | $84,973 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $87,191 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $89,466 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Downey metropolitan area, the median accountant salary grew 17.0% from $72,656 (2019) to $84,973 (2025). At a 2.61% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $89,466 by 2027 — a total increase of $16,810 (23.14%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Downey 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $54,112 – $69,695 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $69,695 – $87,191 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $87,191 – $111,604 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $111,604 – $135,146 |
CPA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual accountant compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Accountant Job Market in Downey
Affording a living in Downey requires careful consideration of the cost of living, which is indexed at 113.1, reflecting a cost slightly above the national average. With only 22 accountants currently employed in the area, the small workforce intensifies competition for roles and can impact salary negotiations. Among employers, Big 4 firms like Deloitte and PwC typically offer the highest salaries, especially for entry-level positions, making them a desirable choice for new graduates. However, accounting professionals might find greater stability and incentives in corporate accounting roles, where opportunities for bonuses and salary growth exist. Factors such as CPA licensure status, specialization in high-demand areas like tax or forensic accounting, and the potential for partnership within firms greatly influence earning potential. To maximize pay in Downey, accountants should consider gaining experience in public accounting before transitioning to industry roles, as this pathway often leads to robust salary increases and enhanced career progression opportunities.
More salary data for Downey, 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
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $84,973 for accountantsin the Downey metropolitan area. A 2.61% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Downey is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
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