🧾 Official Bureau of Labor Statistics & Tech Benchmark (2026)

Certified Public Accountant (CPA) Salary in San Francisco, CA

Detailed compensation breakdown, percentiles, and market demand for Certified Public Accountant (CPA) in San Francisco, CA.

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Verified Compensation Research: Analytically verified by Jobflixs Labor Analytics Team • Primary Sources: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), SEC 10-K filings & H-1B Disclosures (2026). View Methodology →
Demand: +23% (High Demand)
$140,760
/ year (Median Base Pay)
💵 Hourly Equivalent: $67.68/hr
📊 80% Range: $102,120 – $213,900
📍 Regional Multiplier: +38% vs National Baseline
10th % Entry $102,120
25th % Junior $121,440
50th % Median $140,760
75th % Senior $177,330
90th % Top 10% $213,900
Base Annual Salary $140,760
Target Annual Bonus $16,891
Annual Stock / Equity $30,967
Total Compensation (TC) $188,618
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Fact-Checked & Methodologically Verified by the SalaryPulse Research Team.
Data Sources: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OEWS Survey), DOL Certified H-1B Disclosures & Public SEC 10-K Filings. Learn about our formula →
Live Opportunities (Salary Transparency)

Verified Certified Public Accountant (CPA) Openings in San Francisco, CA

Top employers actively hiring near or above the $140,760/yr median benchmark.

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BR
Brookfield Asset Management • 📍 London, England

Group Accountant

Full-Time Mid-Senior
$45,777 – $62,500 per year
Apply ↗

Salary Progression by Experience Level in San Francisco, CA

Estimated pay progression across career stages for Certified Public Accountant (CPA)

Entry-Level (0 - 2 yrs)

Junior Certified Public Accountant (CPA)

Recent graduates and early career entrants.

Median Pay
$102,120
Mid-Level (2 - 5 yrs)

Certified Public Accountant (CPA)

Autonomous execution and domain proficiency.

Median Pay
$140,760
Senior (5 - 8 yrs)

Senior Certified Public Accountant (CPA)

System architecture, mentorship, and project leadership.

Median Pay
$177,330
Lead / Principal (8+ yrs)

Staff / Principal

Strategic direction and cross-functional technical decisions.

Median Pay
$213,900

Certified Public Accountant (CPA) Salary in Other US Locations

Compare regional earnings and cost-of-living adjustments

San Francisco, CA

COL Index: 179.5%
$140,760

San Jose, CA

COL Index: 174.2%
$138,720

New York, NY

COL Index: 186%
$136,680

Seattle, WA

COL Index: 148%
$130,560

Hawaii

COL Index: 179%
$130,560

Oakland, CA

COL Index: 155%
$130,560

Boston, MA

COL Index: 149%
$127,500

California

COL Index: 142%
$127,500

Role Profile & Career Requirements

A Certified Public Accountant (CPA) leads technical design, operational execution, and industry best practices in their specialized sector. High demand and strong compensation growth projected through 2026-2032.

Required Education
Bachelor's, Master's, or Industry Professional License
Experience Benchmark
2-6 years
10-Year Projected Growth
+23% (High Demand)

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) make in San Francisco, CA?

The median annual salary for a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) in San Francisco, CA is $140,760, with entry-level professionals earning around $102,120 and top 10% senior specialists earning up to $213,900.

What is the average hourly rate for a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) in San Francisco, CA?

On average, a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) in San Francisco, CA makes approximately $67.68 per hour based on a standard 2,080-hour work year.

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