Accountant Hourly Pay in Glendale, CA: $41.65 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a accountant working in Glendale, CA runs $41.65 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $86,634 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 13-2011). Weighted against Glendale's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $36.83 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $51,978 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Glendale, California, the accountant hourly pay stands at a median rate of $41.65, slightly higher than the national median of $41.28. This competitive hourly wage offers significant opportunities for part-time professionals and per-diem workers in various settings, including corporate finance offices, IRS field locations, or remote workspaces during tax season. For those considering a part-time schedule of three days a week, there’s potential for a substantial income while maintaining flexibility. The hourly rates for accountants in Glendale range dramatically, from entry-level positions earning around $28.70 to top-tier specialists making upwards of $64.56. It’s essential to remember that these figures are derived from annual salary approximations, reflecting the broader market for accounting professionals in 2026.
About the Glendale 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) | $28.70 | $229.60 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $33.88 | $271.05 |
| Median (P50) | $41.65 | $333.20 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $53.32 | $426.53 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $64.56 | $516.50 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Glendale
Based on $41.65/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $41.65/hr, a accountant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Glendale, CA can expect to earn approximately $86,631 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $49,979. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Glendale.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Glendale
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,665.98 | $7,219 | $86,631 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $999.59 | $4,332 | $51,978 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $666.39 | $2,888 | $34,652 |
Compare CPA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Accountant (Glendale) | $41.65 |
| 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 Glendale, CA earn a median of $86,634 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.90% higher than the national median of $85,864 and 0.60% above the California state average of $86,117.
Accountant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $41.65/hr = $51,978/year (purchasing power: $45,958).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $86,631/year (purchasing power: $76,597).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$34.71/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$40.59/hr
2026 Current Est.
$41.65/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+23.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Accountants in Glendale (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.61% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $34.71/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $35.68/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $37.47/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $37.83/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $38.75/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $55.80/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $40.59/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $41.65/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $42.74/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for accountants in Glendale grew 17.0% from $34.71/hr (2019) to $40.59/hr (2025). At a 2.61% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $42.74/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 Glendale 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 Glendale
Part-time accountants working in Glendale, clocking in 24 hours a week, can expect differing annual earnings compared to their full-time counterparts. With local per diem accountant pay ranging from $50 to $95 per hour depending on specialty, many find lucrative opportunities through contract roles. Notably, those with experience at Big 4 firms often command rates between $80 and $130 during the busy season, while forensic accountants operating as expert witnesses can earn significantly more, billed at $300 to $600 per hour. Variations in hourly compensation are influenced by employer types. Accountants at major public firms, such as Deloitte and PwC, generally receive less than those in high-demand areas like forensic accounting, yet they may also receive health benefits, a trade-off some are willing to accept. Skillful negotiation remains crucial for hourly workers, particularly in Glendale, where the competition for top talent is intense.
More salary data for Glendale, 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 Glendale. 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 Glendale 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