Accountant Salary in Montebello, CA: $85,321 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time accountant in Montebello, CA earns a median $85,321/year (≈ $41.02/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 13-2011). Once you factor in Montebello's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $75,439 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.9% below the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Montebello, California, the accountant salary is projected to reach a median of $85,321 in 2026, reflecting a minor dip compared to the national median of $85,864. The local salary range indicates significant variance, with entry-level positions earning approximately $54,132 and seasoned professionals commanding upwards of $132,248. These figures are drawn from estimates based on 2025 BLS OEWS data and adjusted for regional economic conditions. Given the competitive landscape of accounting roles, professionals holding a CPA license often see notable pay increases, particularly when transitioning from staff to senior positions. This context informs both the hiring strategies of local firms and the expectations of candidates entering the Montebello job market.
About the Montebello Market
Salary estimated from California average ($102,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $54,132 | $26.02 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $70,575 | $33.93 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $85,321 | $41.02 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $109,211 | $52.51 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $132,248 | $63.58 |
Median Salary Position
0.63% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Montebello
In Montebello, CA, the accountant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $78,116 (2026 est.). At $85,321, the local median is 0.63% below the national median of $85,864.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Montebello: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Montebello Accountant Pay Compares
Montebello median: $85,321/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Montebello Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $86,096 | -0.90% less |
| National Average | $85,864 | -0.63% less |
Accountants in Montebello, CA earn a median of $85,321 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.63% lower than the national median of $85,864 and 0.90% below the California state average of $86,096.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Montebello has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Montebello, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $85,321 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $75,439 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$71,098
2025 BLS Actual
$83,151
2026 Current Est.
$85,321
2019–2027 Growth
+23.1%
Salary Trajectory for Accountants in Montebello (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.61% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $71,098 | Actual |
| 2020 | $73,095 | Actual |
| 2021 | $76,762 | Actual |
| 2022 | $77,507 | Actual |
| 2023 | $79,375 | Actual |
| 2024 | $114,304 | Actual |
| 2025 | $83,151 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $85,321 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $87,548 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Montebello metropolitan area, the median accountant salary grew 17.0% from $71,098 (2019) to $83,151 (2025). At a 2.61% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $87,548 by 2027 — a total increase of $16,450 (23.14%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Montebello 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) | $54,132 – $70,575 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $70,575 – $85,321 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $85,321 – $109,211 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $109,211 – $132,248 |
CPA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual accountant compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Accountant Job Market in Montebello
Despite the promising salary projections, the reality of the local job market reflects a modest concentration of 16 accountants employed in the area, which may impact overall competition for key positions. With a cost-of-living index of 113.1, living expenses in Montebello outpace the national average, affecting take-home purchasing power for accountants. Among various employment avenues, Big 4 firms typically offer the highest remuneration but often demand long hours during busy seasons. Mid-tier firms and industry roles present lucrative alternatives, especially considering they often feature less intense hour requirements. Variations in pay stem from factors such as licensing status, firm tier, specialization, and seasonal demands. To maximize compensation, accounting professionals should consider pursuing CPA licensure, targeting practices that offer advancement opportunities, and looking into niche areas like forensic accounting or taxation that command higher fees. Understanding these dynamics can empower candidates to navigate their career paths effectively within Montebello.
More salary data for Montebello, 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 $83,151 for accountantsin the Montebello 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 Montebello 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