What Accounting and Finance Jobs Pay in San Diego

If you’re a candidate looking for accounting or finance jobs in San Diego, knowing what the going rate is helps you judge whether you’re being paid what you’re worth or whether an offer is in line with what others are earning. If you’re an employer, this information can help you set salaries to attract the best applicants. The following salary ranges reflect current hiring trends and compensation levels we see across the San Diego market.

The following salary ranges reflect current hiring trends and compensation levels we see across the San Diego accounting and finance market.

Average Accounting and Finance Salaries in San Diego

Across the San Diego market, accounting and finance professionals earn an average salary of about $98,000 per year, based on recent placements and hiring activity in Southern California.

Typical salary ranges include:

• Entry-level accounting roles: $70,000 – $80,000

• Mid-level accountants and analysts: $90,000 – $105,000

• Senior accountants and financial analysts: $105,000 – $120,000

• Controllers and financial leadership roles: $130,000 – $180,000+

These figures reflect typical compensation levels across companies in industries such as construction, financial services, technology, and professional services.

Accountants and Auditors

Accountants manage financial records while auditors examine those records to ensure accuracy. A bachelor’s degree in accounting or a related field is the minimum entry requirement for the position. However, many companies demand a Certified Public Accountant designation.

In the San Diego and Carlsbad area, accountants and auditors average about $95,000 a year, or roughly $45.67 an hour. Entry-level professionals may start around $70,000 annually, while experienced accountants and senior professionals can earn $120,000 to $140,000 or more depending on their experience and responsibilities.

Area salaries for accounting and finance jobs are generally higher in Southern California than they are throughout much of the rest of the country. Across the United States, accountants and auditors average roughly $86,000 annually, while professionals in major coastal markets such as Southern California often earn significantly more.

Budget Analysts

To analyze budgets for accuracy and conformance to industry standards and government regulations, budget analysts require at least a bachelor’s degree with some employers mandating a master’s degree. Those looking for positions in government may find it useful to get a Certified Government Financial Manager credential from the Association of Government Accountants.

Budget analysts in Southern California typically earn around $100,000 per year, or about $48 an hour, with experienced professionals earning $115,000 or more in larger organizations or specialized roles.

Financial Analysts

Financial analysts advise individuals and businesses on investments by recommending portfolios and studying business and economic trends. A minimum bachelor’s degree is required although advanced positions often demand a master’s. Certification, such as the Chartered Financial Analyst designation from the CFA Institute, can increase both salaries and job opportunities.

Financial analysts in the San Diego market average about $100,000 a year, or roughly $48 an hour, with senior analysts and specialized roles often earning $115,000 to $130,000 annually.

Financial Managers

The people responsible for the financial health of a business are financial managers who create financial reports, develop strategies for financial goals, and direct investment activities. The position requires at least a bachelor’s degree and five or more years of experience in finance and accounting. Among the credentials available for this position is the Certified Treasury Professional from the Association for Financial Professionals.

The mean salary for financial managers in Southern California runs about $150,000 a year, or roughly $72 an hour, with senior leadership roles frequently exceeding $180,000 depending on company size and scope of responsibility.

Accounting Clerks

Accounting clerks create financial records for an organization and check them for accuracy. They typically work under the supervision of a higher-level employee. Although some positions only require a high school diploma with on-the-job training, most employers demand postsecondary education. Community colleges and business schools generally have accounting courses, some of which can lead to certificates or diplomas.

A Certified Bookkeeper credential from the American Institute of Professional Bookkeepers shows expertise in performing bookkeeping tasks according to accepted accounting standards. Pay varies according to the job:

• General accounting, auditing, or bookkeeping clerks receive a mean $58,000 per year, or about $27.88 an hour.

• Billing and posting clerks record accounting and financial information that is used for billing. They earn a mean $54,000 a year, or about $25.96 an hour.

• Payroll clerks handle the data required to pay employees, such as the hours worked and tax deductions. They may also issue payroll checks. They average $60,000 annually, or about $28.85 an hour.

• Other financial clerks average $56,000 per year, or about $26.92 an hour.

These figures reflect typical salary levels across the San Diego accounting and finance market. If you want to know more about accounting and finance jobs in San Diego, are looking for employment, or want to fill a position either temporarily or full-time, please contact us.