FinanceOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/1006–10 years
Senior Certified Public Accountant Salary in San Francisco
2026 · Senior-level professionals in the top quarter of the market.
$177,715/yr
Typical range: $215,578 – $285,147
P75 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Certified Public Accountant salary by experience level in San Francisco
Certified Public 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 | $98,028 | $8,169 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $126,487 | $10,541 | +29% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $147,568 | $12,297 | +51% |
| SeniorThis page | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $177,715 | $14,810 | +81% |
| Staff | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $256,137 | $21,345 | +161% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $348,472 | $29,039 | +255% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $371,556 | $30,963 | +279% |
Current Salary
$177,715
Senior · 6–10 years
Hourly: $85/hr
Next Level Target
$256,137
Staff · 10
+$78Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
24/100
High Risk
+8% demand · Moderate AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the senior Certified Public Accountant salary in San Francisco, CA?
Senior Certified Public Accountants in San Francisco, CA earn approximately $178K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P75 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a senior Certified Public Accountant make per hour in San Francisco, CA?
Based on $178K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $85/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from senior to senior Certified Public Accountant in San Francisco, CA?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Certified Public Accountant in San Francisco, CA earns $216K–$285K/yr.