Accountant Salary in Compton, CA: $85,286 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time accountant in Compton, CA earns a median $85,286/year (≈ $41.00/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 13-2011). Once you factor in Compton's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $75,408 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.0% below the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Projected for 2026, the accountant salary in Compton, CA, stands at $85,286, which reflects a slightly lower figure compared to the national median of $85,864. This figure showcases a broad salary range, with the lowest 10% earning approximately $53,968 and the top 90% making around $132,193. These estimates are derived from BLS state-level data, accounting for regional price parities. The competitive landscape of accountancy in Compton is largely influenced by the presence of local firms compared to larger corporate and Big 4 accounting entities, which generally offer higher compensation and growth opportunities, paving the path for new graduates aspiring to enter the field.
About the Compton Market
Salary estimated from California average ($102,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $53,968 | $25.95 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $70,505 | $33.89 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $85,286 | $41.00 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $109,167 | $52.49 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $132,193 | $63.56 |
Median Salary Position
0.67% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Compton
In Compton, CA, the accountant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $78,225 (2026 est.). At $85,286, the local median is 0.67% below the national median of $85,864.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Compton: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Compton Accountant Pay Compares
Compton median: $85,286/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Compton Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $86,148 | -1.00% less |
| National Average | $85,864 | -0.67% less |
Accountants in Compton, CA earn a median of $85,286 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.67% lower than the national median of $85,864 and 1.00% below the California state average of $86,148.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Compton has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Compton, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $85,286 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $75,408 — a 11.58% reduction.
Compare Purchasing Power
Select a city to see how your salary compares after cost of living
Select a city above to compare purchasing power
2019 BLS Actual
$71,069
2025 BLS Actual
$83,117
2026 Current Est.
$85,286
2019–2027 Growth
+23.1%
Salary Trajectory for Accountants in Compton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.61% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $71,069 | Actual |
| 2020 | $73,065 | Actual |
| 2021 | $76,730 | Actual |
| 2022 | $77,475 | Actual |
| 2023 | $79,343 | Actual |
| 2024 | $114,259 | Actual |
| 2025 | $83,117 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $85,286 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $87,512 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Compton metropolitan area, the median accountant salary grew 17.0% from $71,069 (2019) to $83,117 (2025). At a 2.61% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $87,512 by 2027 — a total increase of $16,443 (23.14%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Compton 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) | $53,968 – $70,505 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $70,505 – $85,286 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $85,286 – $109,167 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $109,167 – $132,193 |
CPA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual accountant compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Accountant Job Market in Compton
In Compton, the local job market currently employs 25 accountants, hinting at a niche environment constrained by its modest size. The cost of living index, recorded at 113.1, suggests that while salaries appear competitive, purchasing power may be significantly impacted by housing and everyday expenses in the area. Among the competing sectors, Big 4 firms like Deloitte and PwC typically offer the highest salaries, while opportunities in regional and mid-tier CPA firms can provide solid alternatives without the intense pressures of busy seasons. The disparity between lower and higher compensation levels often stems from factors such as CPA licensing requirements, specialization in tax or forensic accounting, and the varying demands of public versus industry roles. Maximizing earning potential may involve targeting positions in larger firms or pursuing advanced certifications and specialties, allowing accountants to capitalize on higher pay scales and career advancement within the local market.
More salary data for Compton, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do accountants make in Compton, CA in 2026?
Is Compton, CA a good place to work as a accountant?
Can accountants make $100K in Compton?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted accountant salary in Compton?
How much does a accountant make per hour in Compton?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in California
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 $83,117 for accountantsin the Compton 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
Salary data for Compton 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