Tech epicenter — highest tech wages on Earth. Here's how Accountant / CPAs in San Francisco get paid in 2026.
How pay scales with career stage in the San Francisco metro market.
| Experience | Median 2026 | 25th % | 75th % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry (0–1 yr) | $95,400 | $72,500 | $124,000 |
| Junior (2–4 yrs) | $118,500 | $90,100 | $154,100 |
| Mid-Level (5–9 yrs) | $136,300 | $103,600 | $177,200 |
| Senior (10–14 yrs) | $163,500 | $124,300 | $212,600 |
| Veteran (15+ yrs) | $185,300 | $140,800 | $240,900 |
Highest-paying metros for Accountant / CPAs — useful if you're weighing a relocation.
Top occupations by median pay across the San Francisco metro economy.
The average Accountant / CPA salary in the San Francisco metro is $136,300 per year as of 2026, with a typical range of $103,600 to $177,200 (25th–75th percentile). Top earners (90th percentile) make $224,900 or more.
Yes — San Francisco pays +21% relative to the California state median for Accountant / CPAs. Major metros typically concentrate higher-paying employers and command a wage premium over rural and small-city areas in the same state.
San Francisco vs. national: +55%. That puts San Francisco among the stronger US markets for Accountant / CPAs — though cost of living in San Francisco is also typically elevated.
In San Francisco, the median Accountant / CPA salary of $136,300 typically corresponds to 5–9 years of experience (mid-level). Entry-level Accountant / CPAs in San Francisco start around $95,400, while seniors (10+ years) reach $163,500 or more.
Metro medians are useful benchmarks — but your exact number depends on your experience, education, and the specific employer. Run the free calculator for a personalized read.
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