FinanceOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Accountant Salary in Los Angeles
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$129,772/yr
Typical range: $109,223 – $144,470
P90 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Accountant salary by experience level in Los Angeles
Accountant Salary Progression in Los Angeles
From entry-level through staff — based on BLS OEWS percentile data
| Experience Level | Years | Percentile | Annual Salary | Monthly | vs Entry |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry | 0 yrs | 0 yrs | $49,666 | $4,139 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $64,085 | $5,340 | +29% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $74,766 | $6,231 | +51% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $90,039 | $7,503 | +81% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $129,772 | $10,814 | +161% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $176,554 | $14,713 | +255% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $188,249 | $15,687 | +279% |
Current Salary
$129,772
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $62/hr
Next Level Target
$176,554
Principal · 14
+$47Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
17/100
High Risk
+6% demand · Moderate AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead Accountant salary in Los Angeles, CA?
Staff / Lead Accountants in Los Angeles, CA earn approximately $130K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P90 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a staff / lead Accountant make per hour in Los Angeles, CA?
Based on $130K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $62/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead to senior Accountant in Los Angeles, CA?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Accountant in Los Angeles, CA earns $109K–$144K/yr.