Accountant Hourly Pay in Westminster, CA: $41.84 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a accountant working in Westminster, CA runs $41.84 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $87,039 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 13-2011). Weighted against Westminster's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $37.00 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $52,222 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Westminster, California, accountants can expect to earn a median hourly pay of $41.84, slightly above the national median hourly rate of $41.28. This elevated hourly rate allows for a comfortable living, especially for those working part-time in flexible roles. For instance, an accountant working three days a week can earn approximately $29,560 a year based on a 24-hour workweek, enabling a balance of professional and personal commitments. The hourly wage ranges from $27.73 at the entry level to $64.86 for seasoned professionals, accommodating a variety of experience levels and specializations within the accounting field. These figures, derived from 2025 BLS data projected to 2026, reflect the competitive nature of Westminster’s job market in professions such as forensic accounting and corporate finance.
About the Westminster 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) | $27.73 | $221.80 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $33.11 | $264.90 |
| Median (P50) | $41.84 | $334.75 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $53.56 | $428.50 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $64.86 | $518.88 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Westminster
Based on $41.84/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $41.84/hr, a accountant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Westminster, CA can expect to earn approximately $87,036 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $50,213. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Westminster.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Westminster
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,673.77 | $7,253 | $87,036 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,004.26 | $4,352 | $52,222 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $669.51 | $2,901 | $34,815 |
Compare CPA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Accountant (Westminster) | $41.84 |
| 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 Westminster, CA earn a median of $87,039 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.37% higher than the national median of $85,864 and 1.10% above the California state average of $86,092.
Accountant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $41.84/hr = $52,222/year (purchasing power: $46,173).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $87,036/year (purchasing power: $76,955).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$34.87/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$40.78/hr
2026 Current Est.
$41.84/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+23.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Accountants in Westminster (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.61% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $34.87/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $35.85/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $37.65/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $38.01/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $38.93/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $56.06/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $40.78/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $41.84/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $42.94/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for accountants in Westminster grew 17.0% from $34.87/hr (2019) to $40.78/hr (2025). At a 2.61% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $42.94/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 Westminster 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 Westminster
When considering the realities of accountant hourly pay in Westminster, multiple factors come into play. For example, part-time accountants earning $41.84 an hour can face a stark contrast when compared to full-time earnings, where working 40 hours a week leads to a significantly higher annual take-home compared to those on reduced schedules. Moreover, per diem accountants, particularly those with specialized expertise or experience with Big 4 firms, can command rates between $50-$130 per hour, depending on the nature of their contracts. Various employer types also influence hourly compensation, with larger public firms often providing more competitive rates compared to smaller CPA practices. While some accountants may seek higher hourly rates without benefits, others may prioritize stability and health insurance options, leading to lower initial pay but greater overall security. Negotiating effectively remains crucial; professionals in Westminster can enhance their value by showcasing niche skills or certifications that align with specific employer needs.
More salary data for Westminster, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for accountants in Westminster in 2026?
How much do part-time accountants make in Westminster?
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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 Westminster. 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 Westminster 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