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Average Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing Clerks Salary in California

Bookkeeping, accounting, and auditing clerks in California earn an average annual salary of $59,680, significantly exceeding the national average of $51,940. This higher compensation is largely driven by California's robust economy and the specialized financial demands within the state's diverse industries, necessitating a higher pay scale to attract and retain skilled professionals.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $59,680 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 19.0% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $80,730.
  • Outlook: With a substantial local workforce of 154,980 individuals, the market for bookkeeping, accounting, and auditing clerks in California is considerable. The location quotient of 0.91 suggests a presence that is nearly on par with the national average, indicating a stable and consistent demand for these roles across the state's economic landscape.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$59,680

The average Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing Clerks in California earns+14.9%above the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$28.7

Weekly

$1,148

Monthly

$4,973

Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing Clerks Salary Distribution in California

Salary progression for bookkeeping, accounting, and auditing clerks in California typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while senior clerks with extensive experience and specialized skills can command significantly higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings clearly signify opportunities for career advancement and increased earning potential.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Associate / AnalystData entry, reporting, supporting senior staff.10% (Entry)$40,020$19.2
Senior AnalystIndependent analysis, forecasting, client interaction.25% (Junior)$44,760$21.5
ManagerOversees team, compliance, and project delivery.50% (Median)$57,470$27.6
Director / VPStrategic planning, budget ownership, risk management.75% (Senior)$74,600$35.9
Executive / PartnerC-level leadership. High-level strategy & relations.90% (Expert)$80,730$38.8

Detailed Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing Clerks Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$59,680

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$43,090

Adjusted for COL (138.5)

The average annual salary of $59,680 in California must be viewed in the context of its Cost of Living Index of 138.5, which is considerably higher than the national average. While the nominal salary is attractive, the increased expenses for housing, transportation, and daily necessities mean that the purchasing power of this salary is somewhat diminished compared to lower-cost states.

Job Market Context

154,980

Total Jobs

8.582

Per 1K Jobs

0.91

Location Quotient

Below Average

California has 0.91x the national average concentration of Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing Clerks jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.

A location quotient of 0.91 indicates that California has a concentration of bookkeeping, accounting, and auditing clerks that is very close to the national average. This suggests a competitive yet accessible job market, where opportunities are plentiful but not necessarily oversaturated, providing a balanced environment for both job seekers and employers.

Nearby Job Markets

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing Clerks make in California?

The median annual salary for a Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing Clerks in California is $59,680. This typically ranges from $40,020 for entry-level positions to $80,730 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in California is 14.9% higher than the national median of $51,940.

Is California a lucrative place for Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing Clerks?

Yes, but with caveats.California offers a higher average salary for these roles compared to the national average. However, the significantly higher cost of living means that the real value of this salary may be less than it initially appears.

Is California a good place to live for Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing Clerks?

The Cost of Living Index in California is 138.5. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near California?

Some top paying nearby cities include Hanford-Corcoran, CA ($53,620) and Visalia, CA.

How does California's salary compare to the national average for this role?

Bookkeeping, accounting, and auditing clerks in California earn an average of $59,680 annually, which is approximately $7,740 more than the national average of $51,940.

What is the job market like for these clerks in California?

The job market is robust, with a large workforce and a concentration nearly matching the national average, indicating consistent demand and stable employment opportunities.

Does experience significantly impact salary for these roles in California?

Yes, experience is a key factor in salary growth, with entry-level positions offering lower pay and senior roles commanding higher compensation, reflecting career progression.

How does the cost of living affect the perceived value of the salary?

The high cost of living in California, indexed at 138.5, means that the $59,680 salary, while higher than the national average, may provide less disposable income due to increased expenses.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 154,980 employees in the California area with a job density of 8.582 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.