Accountant Hourly Pay in Sacramento, CA: $45.45 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a accountant working in Sacramento, CA runs $45.45 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $94,514 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 13-2011). Weighted against Sacramento's regional price level (BEA RPP 106.7, 7% above national), each hour of work buys what $42.60 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $56,717 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
For accountants in Sacramento, the projected median hourly pay in 2026 stands at $45.45, significantly higher than the national median of $41.28. This increase positions Sacramento as a competitive market for financial professionals, especially for those considering part-time opportunities or per-diem roles. Accountants working three days a week, equating to 24 hours, can benefit from this lucrative hourly rate, enhancing their earning potential in various settings such as corporate finance offices, public firm engagement rooms, or home offices during tax season. The hourly pay range is also notable, starting from $30.26 for entry-level positions to $65.04 for top earners in the field, making the profession more attractive to both recent graduates and seasoned professionals seeking flexible work arrangements.
Accountant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $30.26 | $242.08 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $36.78 | $294.20 |
| Median (P50) | $45.45 | $363.57 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $53.75 | $429.98 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $65.04 | $520.36 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Sacramento
Based on $45.45/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $45.45/hr, a accountant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Sacramento, CA can expect to earn approximately $94,528 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $54,535. With a cost-of-living index of 106.67 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Sacramento.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Sacramento
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,817.84 | $7,877 | $94,528 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,090.70 | $4,726 | $56,717 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $727.14 | $3,151 | $37,811 |
Compare CPA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Accountant (Sacramento) | $45.45 |
| 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 Sacramento, CA earn a median of $94,514 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.07% higher than the national median of $85,864 and 9.80% above the California state average of $86,078.
Accountant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $45.45/hr = $56,717/year (purchasing power: $53,170).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $94,528/year (purchasing power: $88,617).
CoL index: 106.67 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$36.49/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$44.29/hr
2026 Current Est.
$45.45/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+27.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Accountants in Sacramento (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.61% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $36.49/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $37.08/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $38.99/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $38.87/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $40.84/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $43.11/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $44.29/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $45.45/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $46.63/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for accountants in Sacramento grew 21.4% from $36.49/hr (2019) to $44.29/hr (2025). At a 2.61% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $46.63/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 Sacramento 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 Sacramento
Exploring the earning potential for part-time accountants can reveal surprising insights. An accountant working 24 hours a week could potentially take home significantly less than a full-time counterpart; however, the flexibility can align with other commitments or lifestyle choices. Per diem accountants and those on a 1099 basis often see varied hourly rates, ranging from $50 to $95 depending on their areas of expertise. Top-tier professionals with backgrounds in the Big 4 firms might command rates between $80 and $130 during peak seasons. Similarly, expert witnesses in forensic accounting can charge upwards of $300 to $600 per hour. The variances in pay often reflect the type of employer, with Big 4 firms providing higher pay but less work-life balance compared to industry roles. Accountants transitioning from public accounting to corporate settings may face a trade-off; the convenience of higher hourly rates may come without associated benefits. Understanding the nuances of hourly rates and effectively negotiating can empower professionals in Sacramento to maximize their compensation while aligning with their career goals.
More salary data for Sacramento, 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 Sacramento. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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