FinanceOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/1003–5 years

3–5 Years Experience Certified Public Accountant Salary in Los Angeles

2026 · Professionals with 3–5 years building toward senior-level expertise.

$117,732/yr

Typical range: $92,514 $171,991

P25–P50 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data

Certified Public Accountant Salary Progression in Los Angeles

From entry-level through staff — based on BLS OEWS percentile data

Experience LevelYearsPercentileAnnual SalaryMonthlyvs Entry
Entry0 yrs0 yrs$78,207$6,517
Junior2 yrs2 yrs$100,913$8,409+29%
Mid-LevelThis page4 yrs4 yrs$117,732$9,811+51%
Senior6 yrs6 yrs$141,782$11,815+81%
Staff10 yrs10 yrs$204,348$17,029+161%
Principal14 yrs14 yrs$278,015$23,168+255%
Distinguished18 yrs18 yrs$296,431$24,703+279%
Current Salary
$117,732
3–5 Years Experience · 3–5 years
Hourly: $57/hr
Next Level Target
$141,782
Senior · 6
+$24Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
24/100
High Risk
+8% demand · Moderate AI risk

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the 3–5 years experience Certified Public Accountant salary in Los Angeles, CA?

3–5 Years Experience Certified Public Accountants in Los Angeles, 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 Certified Public Accountant make per hour in Los Angeles, CA?

Based on $118K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $57/hr (2,080-hour work year).

How do I get from 3–5 years experience to senior Certified Public Accountant in Los Angeles, CA?

The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Certified Public Accountant in Los Angeles, CA earns $172K–$227K/yr.