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Accounting & Tax Specialist Salary in California

How much does an Accounting & Tax Specialist make in California? As of October 01, 2026, the average salary for an Accounting & Tax Specialist in California is $87,456 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $42.

However, an Accounting & Tax Specialist's salary can vary significantly. Here's a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $98,334
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $79,503 to $93,150
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $72,263
Salary Factors Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Check out Accounting & Tax Specialist Job Openings in California

Key Factors That Influence Accounting & Tax Specialist Salaries

An Accounting & Tax Specialist'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 Accounting & Tax Specialist Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of an Accounting & Tax Specialist'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): $73,846
  • Early Career (1-2 years): $86,270
  • Mid-Level (2-4 years): $97,652
  • Senior-Level (5-8 years): $118,919
  • Expert (over 8 years): $181,252
Job RoleYears of ExperienceAverage Salary
Tax Accountant I less than 1 year $73,846
Accounting & Tax Specialist 1-2 years $86,270
Tax Accountant III 2-4 years $97,652
Tax Accountant IV 5-8 years $118,919
Tax Accountant V over 8 years $181,252

How Do Accounting & Tax Specialist 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 Accounting & Tax Specialists. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:

  • District of Columbia: $87,789.
  • California: $87,456.
  • Massachusetts: $86,291.

Top Paying Cities for Accounting & Tax Specialist

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: $87,607
  • West Hollywood: $87,543
  • Dodgertown: $87,606

Accounting & Tax Specialist Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Accounting & Tax Specialist roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 33% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Pharmaceuticals and Internet sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 18% above the average. In contrast, Accounting & Tax Specialist positions in Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit or Transportation typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Accounting & Tax Specialist as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for an Accounting & Tax Specialist

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Pharmaceuticals $103,198 $50.0 18%
Internet $100,575 $48.0 15%
Energy & Utilities $96,202 $46.0 10%
Software & Networking $96,202 $46.0 10%
Aerospace & Defense $94,453 $45.0 8%

Accounting & Tax Specialist Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how an Accounting & Tax Specialist'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
$79,503
Average $87,456/year
$93,150
$6,625
Average $7,288/month
$7,763
$1,529
Average $1,682/week
$1,791
$38
Average $42/hour
$45
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $93,150 $7,763 $1,791 $45
Average $87,456 $7,288 $1,682 $42
25th Percentile $79,503 $6,625 $1,529 $38

Find Your Next Accounting & Tax Specialist Job

Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Accounting & Tax Specialist job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.

  • Venture Christian Church | Los Gatos, CA

    Accounting Specialist

    Venture Christian Church | Los Gatos, CA

    Job Description. Job Description. Position Summary: . Responsible for processing and reporting of all incoming funds for the church and school. Coordinate ... more

    4 Days Ago

  • CFS | Fresno, CA

    Accounting Specialist

    CFS | Fresno, CA

    Accounting SpecialistAbout the Company:Our client is a well-established service company with over 50 years of proven success. As a family-owned business, t... more

    5 Days Ago

  • HdL Companies | Fresno, CA

    Accounting Specialist

    HdL Companies | Fresno, CA

    Reconcile company bank statements and general ledger account balances. Update internal software systems, including accounts payable and accounts receivable... more

    5 Days Ago

  • Jobot | Reedley, CA

    Accounting Specialist

    Jobot | Reedley, CA

    We are a rapidly growing multi-entity company seeking an Accounting Specialist for our expanding business. The role will support the Controller while worki... more

    5 Days Ago

  • Hinderliter de Llamas & Associates | Fresno, CA

    Accounting Specialist

    Hinderliter de Llamas & Associates | Fresno, CA

    Job TitleThe HdL Companies help cities, counties and special districts maximize revenues through research and discovery efforts, financial and economic ana... more

    5 Days Ago

  • The Wonderful Company | Delano, CA

    Accounting Specialist

    The Wonderful Company | Delano, CA

    Accounting SpecialistWonderful College Prep Academy is a charter network in California's Central Valley committed to providing a world-class education for ... 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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