FinanceOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/1003–5 years
3–5 Years Experience Accountant Salary in San Francisco
2026 · Professionals with 3–5 years building toward senior-level expertise.
$117,514/yr
Typical range: $92,343 – $171,673
P25–P50 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Accountant salary by experience level in San Francisco
Accountant Salary Progression in San Francisco
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 | $78,063 | $6,505 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $100,726 | $8,394 | +29% |
| Mid-LevelThis page | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $117,514 | $9,793 | +51% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $141,521 | $11,793 | +81% |
| Staff | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $203,971 | $16,998 | +161% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $277,501 | $23,125 | +255% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $295,884 | $24,657 | +279% |
Current Salary
$117,514
3–5 Years Experience · 3–5 years
Hourly: $56/hr
Next Level Target
$141,521
Senior · 6
+$24Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
17/100
High Risk
+6% demand · Moderate AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the 3–5 years experience Accountant salary in San Francisco, CA?
3–5 Years Experience Accountants in San Francisco, CA earn approximately $118K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P25–P50 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a 3–5 years experience Accountant make per hour in San Francisco, CA?
Based on $118K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $56/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from 3–5 years experience to senior Accountant in San Francisco, CA?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Accountant in San Francisco, CA earns $172K–$227K/yr.