Accountant Salary in San Francisco
2026 compensation data for Accountant positions in San Francisco, CA. Ranges from $68,000 (entry-level) to $176,000 (senior). Median: $105,000.
Median (Mid)
$105,000
$50.48/hr
vs National
-5%
US: $111,000
COL Index
180
vs US avg = 100
Senior Max
$176,000
Top of band
Salary Ranges by Experience Level
Detailed Compensation Breakdown
| Level | Annual Min | Annual Median | Annual Max | Hourly (Median) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-Level (0–2 yrs) | $68,000 | $78,000 | $95,000 | $37.5/hr |
| Mid-Level (3–5 yrs) | $88,000 | $105,000 | $128,000 | $50.48/hr |
| Senior (6+ yrs) | $122,000 | $146,000 | $176,000 | $70.19/hr |
What Your Salary Is Really Worth in San Francisco
A mid-level accountant earning $105,000 in San Francisco has the same buying power as $58,000 in an average US city, after adjusting for the local cost of living (COL index 180).
Cost of living comparisons use a base of 100 (US national average). Higher index = higher housing, transport, and consumer prices.
About Accountant Salaries in San Francisco
The median accountant salary in San Francisco, CA is $105,000 for mid-level professionals, which is 5% below the national median. With a cost of living index of 180 (national average = 100), San Francisco offers a high cost of living that partially offsets the salary premium.
Entry-level accountants in San Francisco can expect to earn between $68,000 and $95,000 (about $37.5/hour), while senior professionals with 6+ years of experience earn up to $176,000 ($176K annually, or about $84.62/hour).
These figures represent base salary only and do not include bonuses, equity, or benefits, which can add 20–50% to total compensation — especially at technology companies and in competitive markets like San Francisco.
Frequently Asked Questions: Accountant Salary in San Francisco
What is the average Accountant salary in San Francisco?+
The average Accountant salary in San Francisco is $105,000 for a mid-level professional (3–5 years of experience). Entry-level pay starts around $78,000 and senior-level pay reaches $146,000.
How much does an entry-level accountant make in San Francisco?+
Entry-level accountants in San Francisco earn between $68,000 and $95,000, with a median of $78,000 per year (about $37.5/hour).
What is the hourly rate for a Accountant in San Francisco?+
Based on a 2,080-hour work year, a Accountant in San Francisco earns roughly $37.5/hour at entry-level, $50.48/hour at mid-level, and $70.19/hour at senior-level.
Is the Accountant salary in San Francisco higher than the US average?+
Accountant salaries in San Francisco are about 5% below the US national median. The lower cost of living often makes take-home buying power competitive.
Does this include bonuses or equity?+
No — these figures are base salary only. Total compensation (base + bonus + equity + benefits) is typically 20–50% higher, and can be 2–3x at top technology and finance employers.
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