Accountant Salary in Chico, CA: $79,707 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time accountant in Chico, CA earns a median $79,707/year (≈ $38.32/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 13-2011). Once you factor in Chico's price level (1% above national, BEA RPP 101.2), that paycheck buys what $78,764 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 7.4% below the California state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, earning an accountant salary in Chico, CA, is projected to average $79,707, placing it about 7.17% below the national median of $85,864. The salary range for accountants in the area spans from $57,400 at the 10th percentile to $129,576 at the 90th percentile, reflecting the diverse opportunities available within the profession. This data is derived from official Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) surveys and highlights the dynamics of Chico’s job market, which balances a competitive educational footprint with local demand for financial expertise. Given the cost of living index in Chico is slightly above the national average at 101.197, potential accountants should consider how local salaries fit with living expenses when evaluating job offers.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $57,400 | $27.59 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $66,963 | $32.20 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $79,707 | $38.32 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $100,086 | $48.12 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $129,576 | $62.29 |
Median Salary Position
7.17% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Chico
In Chico, CA, the accountant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $72,176 (2026 est.). At $79,707, the local median is 7.17% below the national median of $85,864.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Chico: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Chico Accountant Pay Compares
Chico median: $79,707/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Chico Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $86,077 | -7.40% less |
| National Average | $85,864 | -7.17% less |
Accountants in Chico, CA earn a median of $79,707 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.17% lower than the national median of $85,864 and 7.40% below the California state average of $86,077.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Chico has a cost of living 1.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Chico, CA has a cost-of-living index of 101.197 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $79,707 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $78,764 — a 1.18% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$57,620
2025 BLS Actual
$77,680
2026 Current Est.
$79,707
2019–2027 Growth
+41.9%
Salary Trajectory for Accountants in Chico (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.61% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $57,620 | Actual |
| 2020 | $64,510 | Actual |
| 2021 | $73,030 | Actual |
| 2022 | $73,770 | Actual |
| 2023 | $76,760 | Actual |
| 2024 | $78,000 | Actual |
| 2025 | $77,680 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $79,707 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $81,788 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Chico metropolitan area, the median accountant salary grew 34.8% from $57,620 (2019) to $77,680 (2025). At a 2.61% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $81,788 by 2027 — a total increase of $24,168 (41.94%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Chico 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $57,400 – $66,963 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $66,963 – $79,707 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $79,707 – $100,086 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $100,086 – $129,576 |
CPA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual accountant compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Accountant Job Market in Chico
The actual market for accountants in Chico employs around 420 professionals, creating a robust environment for both new recruits and experienced individuals transitioning from public accounting roles. While the cost of living can significantly affect take-home income, the median salaries here may appear less favorable compared to larger metropolitan areas. For those looking to maximize accountant pay in Chico, targeting employment in regional or mid-tier CPA firms and corporate accounting departments often yields better compensation than smaller firms or solo practices. Additionally, obtaining a CPA license can greatly enhance earning potential and open up pathways to higher-tier positions, particularly in specialized fields like forensic accounting or tax services. Engaging in continuous professional development can also help to bridge the pay gap between entry-level and senior roles within this competitive market.
More salary data for Chico, 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
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $77,680 for accountantsin the Chico metropolitan area. A 2.61% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
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