Accountant Hourly Pay in Berkeley, CA: $41.56 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a accountant working in Berkeley, CA runs $41.56 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $86,433 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 13-2011). Weighted against Berkeley's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $36.74 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $51,863 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Berkeley, California, the projected median hourly pay for accountants is set at $41.56 in 2026, slightly above the national median of $41.28. This rate provides an attractive opportunity for part-time accountants, particularly those working three days a week, allowing them to maintain a flexible schedule while still earning a competitive wage. The hourly range for accountants in Berkeley varies significantly, starting at $28.48 for entry-level positions, while seasoned professionals can command up to $64.41 per hour. As these figures are estimated based on annual salary data, they reflect the general dynamics of the accountant hourly rate in CA, essential for both full-time and per diem workers engaged in various settings—ranging from corporate finance offices to remote work during tax season, as well as client engagements at public firms.
About the Berkeley Market
Salary estimated from California average ($102,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Accountant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $28.48 | $227.88 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $33.69 | $269.49 |
| Median (P50) | $41.56 | $332.46 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $53.19 | $425.54 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $64.41 | $515.27 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Berkeley
Based on $41.56/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $41.56/hr, a accountant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Berkeley, CA can expect to earn approximately $86,439 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $49,868. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Berkeley.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Berkeley
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,662.28 | $7,203 | $86,439 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $997.37 | $4,322 | $51,863 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $664.91 | $2,881 | $34,575 |
Compare CPA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Accountant (Berkeley) | $41.56 |
| Financial Analyst (National Avg) | $47.61 |
| Bookkeeping / Accounting Clerk (National Avg) | $22.93 |
| Auditor (National Avg) | $39.88 |
| Tax Examiner / Collector (National Avg) | $29.61 |
Accountants in Berkeley, CA earn a median of $86,433 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.66% higher than the national median of $85,864 and 0.40% above the California state average of $86,088.
Accountant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $41.56/hr = $51,863/year (purchasing power: $45,856).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $86,439/year (purchasing power: $76,427).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$34.63/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$40.50/hr
2026 Current Est.
$41.56/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+23.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Accountants in Berkeley (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.61% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $34.63/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $35.60/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $37.39/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $37.75/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $38.66/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $55.67/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $40.50/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $41.56/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $42.64/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for accountants in Berkeley grew 17.0% from $34.63/hr (2019) to $40.50/hr (2025). At a 2.61% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $42.64/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem accountants can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Berkeley metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 2.61% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Working as an Hourly Accountant in Berkeley
Examining part-time earnings, an accountant working 24 hours per week in Berkeley could expect to bring home around $52,000 annually versus a full-time counterpart. For per diem accountants or freelancers, the pay scale often ranges from $50 to $95 per hour, reflecting specialization and demand; those with experience at Big 4 firms can see hourly rates soar to $80-$130 during peak busy seasons. Furthermore, forensic experts in litigation might bill from $300 up to $600 an hour, demonstrating the vast potential for those navigating niche areas. Hourly rates can vary based on employer type, with Big 4 firms typically offering higher compensation contrasted with mid-tier CPA firms and smaller practices that might balance pay with benefits. For professionals negotiating their pay, knowing the market rates in Berkeley will be critical, especially as many accountants opt for lower hourly rates at employers that offer health insurance benefits, reflecting a trade-off between wage and job security.
More salary data for Berkeley, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Written by Sofia Patel, CPA
Career Analyst
Sofia Patel has over 10 years of experience in financial analysis. She specializes in tax preparation for small businesses. She has worked in both corporate and public accounting environments.
Methodology & Data Source
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 2.61% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for accountants in Berkeley. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Berkeley is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.61%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for accountants (SOC 13-2011).
Compiled and verified by Sofia Patel, CPA, a licensed accountant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov