Accountant Salary in Torrance, CA: $87,587 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time accountant in Torrance, CA earns a median $87,587/year (≈ $42.11/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 13-2011). Once you factor in Torrance's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $77,442 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.7% above the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Accountants in Torrance, California, can anticipate a competitive compensation package in 2026, with a median annual salary of $87,587. This is notably higher than the national median, showcasing the city's appealing financial profile for accounting professionals. Salary estimates reveal a range that starts at $54,986 and can go up to $135,759, reflecting the varying levels of experience and the types of roles available. These figures, derived from 2025 BLS OEWS data and adjusted for regional cost variations, highlight the potential for substantial income depending on whether accountants find positions within the Big 4 firms, regional CPA providers, corporate environments, or boutique practices. Torrance’s strategic position and the diversity of accounting roles contribute to a robust job market in the area.
About the Torrance Market
Salary estimated from California average ($102,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $54,986 | $26.43 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $67,181 | $32.30 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $87,587 | $42.11 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $112,112 | $53.90 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $135,759 | $65.27 |
Median Salary Position
2.01% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Torrance
In Torrance, CA, the accountant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $80,773 (2026 est.). At $87,587, the local median is 2.01% above the national median of $85,864.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Torrance: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Torrance Accountant Pay Compares
Torrance median: $87,587/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Torrance Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $86,123 | +1.70% more |
| National Average | $85,864 | +2.01% more |
Accountants in Torrance, CA earn a median of $87,587 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.01% higher than the national median of $85,864 and 1.70% above the California state average of $86,123.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Torrance has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Torrance, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $87,587 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $77,442 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$72,986
2025 BLS Actual
$85,359
2026 Current Est.
$87,587
2019–2027 Growth
+23.1%
Salary Trajectory for Accountants in Torrance (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.61% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $72,986 | Actual |
| 2020 | $75,036 | Actual |
| 2021 | $78,800 | Actual |
| 2022 | $79,565 | Actual |
| 2023 | $81,483 | Actual |
| 2024 | $117,341 | Actual |
| 2025 | $85,359 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $87,587 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $89,873 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Torrance metropolitan area, the median accountant salary grew 17.0% from $72,986 (2019) to $85,359 (2025). At a 2.61% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $89,873 by 2027 — a total increase of $16,887 (23.14%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Torrance 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) | $54,986 – $67,181 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $67,181 – $87,587 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $87,587 – $112,112 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $112,112 – $135,759 |
CPA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual accountant compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Accountant Job Market in Torrance
A total of 26 accountants currently find employment in Torrance, indicating a niche but stable job market for the profession. With a cost-of-living index of 113.1, workers will need to factor in local expenses when considering their take-home pay. Employers in the region that generally offer higher salaries include the Big 4 public accounting firms such as Deloitte and PwC, which often lead in compensation due to their prestigious reputation and demanding work environment. The significant salary spread among accountants in Torrance is driven by various factors, including CPA licenses, firm tiers, specialty areas, and the competitive nature of partner tracks. Those aiming to maximize their accountant pay in Torrance, CA, should consider pursuing specializations in areas like tax and forensic accounting, which command higher salaries, and be prepared for the busy seasons that can dramatically impact earnings through overtime and bonuses.
More salary data for Torrance, 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 $85,359 for accountantsin the Torrance 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 Torrance 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