FinanceOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Certified Public Accountant Salary in Los Angeles
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$162,293/yr
Typical range: $136,595 – $180,675
P90 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Certified Public Accountant salary by experience level in Los Angeles
Certified Public 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 | $62,112 | $5,176 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $80,145 | $6,679 | +29% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $93,502 | $7,792 | +51% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $112,603 | $9,384 | +81% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $162,293 | $13,524 | +161% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $220,799 | $18,400 | +255% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $235,425 | $19,619 | +279% |
Current Salary
$162,293
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $78/hr
Next Level Target
$220,799
Principal · 14
+$59Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
24/100
High Risk
+8% demand · Moderate AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead Certified Public Accountant salary in Los Angeles, CA?
Staff / Lead Certified Public Accountants in Los Angeles, CA earn approximately $162K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P90 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a staff / lead Certified Public Accountant make per hour in Los Angeles, CA?
Based on $162K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $78/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead 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 $137K–$181K/yr.