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Accountant/Assistant Controller Salary in California

How much does an Accountant/Assistant Controller make in California? As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for an Accountant/Assistant Controller in California is $185,105 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $89.

However, an Accountant/Assistant Controller's salary can vary significantly. Here's a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $224,645
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $169,228 to $205,802
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $154,772
Salary Factors Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Check out Accountant/Assistant Controller Job Openings in California

Key Factors That Influence Accountant/Assistant Controller Salaries

An Accountant/Assistant Controller's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location and company size can directly affect your earning potential.

How Experience Level Affects Accountant/Assistant Controller Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of an Accountant/Assistant Controller's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:

  • Entry-Level (less than 1 year): $173,712
  • Early Career (1-2 years): $174,892
  • Mid-Level (2-4 years): $177,253
  • Senior-Level (5-8 years): $180,793
  • Expert (over 8 years): $187,980
Job RoleYears of ExperienceAverage Salary
Entry Level Accountant/Assistant Controller less than 1 year $173,712
Early Career Level Accountant/Assistant Controller 1-2 years $174,892
Mid-Level Level Accountant/Assistant Controller 2-4 years $177,253
Senior-Level Level Accountant/Assistant Controller 5-8 years $180,793
Expert Level Accountant/Assistant Controller over 8 years $187,980

How Do Accountant/Assistant Controller Salaries Vary from State to State?

Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Accountant/Assistant Controllers. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:

  • District of Columbia: $185,810.
  • California: $185,105.
  • Massachusetts: $182,639.

Top Paying Cities for Accountant/Assistant Controller

Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:

  • Los Angeles: $185,424
  • West Hollywood: $185,290
  • Dodgertown: $185,423

Accountant/Assistant Controller Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Accountant/Assistant Controller roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 100% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Financial Services and Aerospace & Defense sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 50% above the average. In contrast, Accountant/Assistant Controller positions in Retail & Wholesale or Transportation typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Accountant/Assistant Controller as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industry for an Accountant/Assistant Controller

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Financial Services $277,658 $133.0 50%

Accountant/Assistant Controller Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how an Accountant/Assistant Controller's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.

  • Yearly
  • Monthly
  • Weekly
  • Hourly
  • Table View
Last Updated on September 01, 2026
$169,228
Average $185,105/year
$205,802
$14,102
Average $15,425/month
$17,150
$3,254
Average $3,560/week
$3,958
$81
Average $89/hour
$99
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $205,802 $17,150 $3,958 $99
Average $185,105 $15,425 $3,560 $89
25th Percentile $169,228 $14,102 $3,254 $81

Find Your Next Accountant/Assistant Controller Job

Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Accountant/Assistant Controller job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.

  • Encompass Health | OCHELATA, OK

    Controller

    Encompass Health | OCHELATA, OK

    Encompass Health seeks a Controller to lead finance, accounting, and administration for our inpatient rehabilitation and home-based care operations. In thi... more

    8 Days Ago

  • Encompass Health | WILLIAMS, OK

    Controller

    Encompass Health | WILLIAMS, OK

    Encompass Health seeks a Controller to lead finance, accounting, and administration for our inpatient rehabilitation and home-based care operations. In thi... more

    8 Days Ago

  • Encompass Health | OSAGE, OK

    Controller

    Encompass Health | OSAGE, OK

    Encompass Health seeks a Controller to lead finance, accounting, and administration for our inpatient rehabilitation and home-based care operations. In thi... more

    8 Days Ago

  • Encompass Health | SAPULPA, OK

    Controller

    Encompass Health | SAPULPA, OK

    Encompass Health seeks a Controller to lead finance, accounting, and administration for our inpatient rehabilitation and home-based care operations. In thi... more

    8 Days Ago

  • Encompass Health | BIXBY, OK

    Controller

    Encompass Health | BIXBY, OK

    Encompass Health seeks a Controller to lead finance, accounting, and administration for our inpatient rehabilitation and home-based care operations. In thi... more

    8 Days Ago

  • Encompass Health | KELLYVILLE, OK

    Controller

    Encompass Health | KELLYVILLE, OK

    Encompass Health seeks a Controller to lead finance, accounting, and administration for our inpatient rehabilitation and home-based care operations. In thi... more

    8 Days Ago

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Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

Salary.com salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons are derived from both employer job postings and third-party data sources. We also provide multiple percentiles of salary information for your reference, click here to know Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial to Getting Pay Equity Right. With more online, real-time compensation data than any other website, Salary.com helps you determine your exact pay target.

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