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Accountant/Assistant Controller Salary in California

How much does an Accountant/Assistant Controller make in California? As of October 01, 2026, the average salary for an Accountant/Assistant Controller in California is $185,131 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): $224,711
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $169,262 to $205,848
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $154,814
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): $173,742
  • Early Career (1-2 years): $174,920
  • Mid-Level (2-4 years): $177,278
  • Senior-Level (5-8 years): $180,814
  • Expert (over 8 years): $188,008
Job RoleYears of ExperienceAverage Salary
Entry Level Accountant/Assistant Controller less than 1 year $173,742
Early Career Level Accountant/Assistant Controller 1-2 years $174,920
Mid-Level Level Accountant/Assistant Controller 2-4 years $177,278
Senior-Level Level Accountant/Assistant Controller 5-8 years $180,814
Expert Level Accountant/Assistant Controller over 8 years $188,008

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: $185,836.
  • California: $185,131.
  • Massachusetts: $182,664.

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: $185,450
  • West Hollywood: $185,315
  • Dodgertown: $185,448

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 $277,696 $134.0 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 October 01, 2026
$169,262
Average $185,131/year
$205,848
$14,105
Average $15,428/month
$17,154
$3,255
Average $3,560/week
$3,959
$81
Average $89/hour
$99
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $205,848 $17,154 $3,959 $99
Average $185,131 $15,428 $3,560 $89
25th Percentile $169,262 $14,105 $3,255 $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.

  • Johnson Service Group | CARLSBAD, CA

    Controller

    Johnson Service Group | CARLSBAD, CA

    Johnson Service Group, has an immediate opportunity for a Controller for a biotech manufacturing company in Carlsbad. Direct Hire | Onsite | $180 - $200K d... more

    7 Days Ago

  • Synerfac Technical Staffing | JERSEY CITY, NJ

    Senior Accountant Assistant Controller

    Synerfac Technical Staffing | JERSEY CITY, NJ

    Senior Accountant/Assistant Controller Join a trusted, third-generation family-owned company that has been serving the tri-state foodservice industry for o... more

    7 Days Ago

  • Babbitting Service Inc | SOUTH ELGIN, IL

    Controller

    Babbitting Service Inc | SOUTH ELGIN, IL

    Description. Babbitting Service, Inc. (BSI) is an industry leader in the manufacture, repair, and design of hydrodynamic fluid-film babbitt bearings. Based... more

    8 Days Ago

  • Bundy Baking Solutions | URBANA, OH

    Controller

    Bundy Baking Solutions | URBANA, OH

    Controller Position: Controller (Multi-Sites, Multi Companies) Reports to: Chief Financial Officer Company: Bundy Baking Solutions Location : On-site – 417... more

    9 Days Ago

  • Barnstable County Mutual Insurance Company | YARMOUTH PORT, MA

    Controller

    Barnstable County Mutual Insurance Company | YARMOUTH PORT, MA

    The Controller supports the CFO in managing the accounting operations across three business units, ensuring accurate and timely financial reporting, compli... more

    10 Days Ago

  • PedIM Healthcare | CRYSTAL RIVER, FL

    Financial Controller

    PedIM Healthcare | CRYSTAL RIVER, FL

    Description. Now Hiring: Financial Controller Exempt | Full-Time | On-Site | Outpatient Healthcare Position Overview We are seeking an experienced, detail-... more

    5 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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