Expert Accountant salary in San Diego, CA
Based on 10 certified H-1B filings at DOL wage level IV in the San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA metro area, FY2025–FY2026. Includes La Jolla, Solana Beach, Cardiff, Carlsbad, Imperial Beach.
Also listed as: Auditor, Tax Accountant
Salary range
| Percentile | Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th | $124,534 |
| 25th | $136,832 |
| 50th (median) | $145,835 |
| 75th | $150,000 |
| 90th | $160,229 |
Cost of living
San Diego's median expert Accountant salary of $145,835 is worth about $130,300 at national average prices.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities, 2024 (U.S. = 100; San Diego = 111.9).
Compared with all workers here
All Accountants and Auditors in the San Diego, CA area earned a median of $96,340 in May 2025 (13,450 employed). The H-1B median here is $145,835, 51% higher.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS metropolitan area estimates. BLS wages include some incentive pay; H-1B figures are base salary.
Employers filing at this level
Employers with at least 2 filings here. Median shown at 10+ filings.
By experience level
| Wage level | Median | Filings |
|---|---|---|
| Entry-level · Level I | $70,500 | 29 |
| Mid-level · Level II | $84,718 | 55 |
| Senior · Level III | $113,915 | 22 |
| Expert · Level IV | $145,835 | 10 |
Median shown when a level has at least 10 filings.
Minimum H-1B salary by level
| Wage level | Prevailing wage (most common) | Median offered salary | Filings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-level · Level I | $63,274 | $70,500 | 29 |
| Mid-level · Level II | $80,912 | $84,718 | 55 |
| Senior · Level III | $98,571 | $113,915 | 22 |
| Expert · Level IV | $124,384 | $145,835 | 10 |
The prevailing wage is the minimum an employer must pay for this job and area. Amounts vary by county within a metro and by wage source.