The Complete Career Guide for Accountants in Burbank, CA

If you’re an accountant eyeing a move to Los Angeles County, you’ve likely considered Burbank. It’s a unique beast—part Hollywood backlot, part aerospace hub, with a dense, walkable downtown and a surprisingly robust job market for financial professionals. As a local career analyst, I’ve seen the numbers and I’ve walked the streets. This isn’t a glossy brochure; it’s a data-driven look at what it really takes to build a career as an accountant in the "Media Capital of the World."

Let’s break it down.

The Salary Picture: Where Burbank Stands

Burbank’s accountant salary landscape is a tale of two markets: the entertainment industry and traditional corporate finance. The city’s median salary for accountants is $90,082/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $43.31/hour. This sits notably above the national average of $86,080/year, reflecting California’s higher cost of living and the premium placed on specialized skills in this region.

The local market for accountants is competitive but stable. There are approximately 205 accounting jobs in the metro area at any given time, with a 10-year job growth projection of 4%. This isn’t explosive growth, but it’s consistent, driven by the steady needs of established local businesses and the perpetual demand in entertainment finance.

Here’s how salaries typically break down by experience level within the Burbank market:

Experience Level	Typical Burbank Salary Range	Key Responsibilities & Notes
Entry-Level (0-2 years)	$65,000 - $78,000	Junior staff accountant, AP/AR specialist, tax preparer. Often at regional firms or in-house at smaller companies. Master's in Accounting or CPA exam progress is a major differentiator.
Mid-Level (3-7 years)	$78,000 - $105,000	Senior Accountant, Staff Accountant II, Senior Tax Associate. This is where the $90,082 median sits. Requires CPA or equivalent experience, managing month-end close, complex reconciliations.
Senior-Level (8-15 years)	$105,000 - $140,000	Accounting Manager, Senior Tax Manager, Controller. Leads teams, oversees financial reporting, strategic budgeting. Entertainment industry roles often hit the higher end.
Expert/Specialist (15+ years)	$140,000+	Director of Finance, VP of Finance, Partner in a CPA firm. High specialization (e.g., entertainment royalties, international tax, audit director) commands significant premiums.

Compared to other California cities, Burbank offers a compelling balance. It’s well below the astronomical salaries of San Francisco (median ~$115,000) but significantly higher than inland markets like Bakersfield (median ~$75,000). Compared to its immediate neighbors, Burbank salaries are on par with Glendale and Pasadena, though those cities have more corporate headquarters (e.g., Disney in Burbank, Nestlé in Glendale, Caltech in Pasadena). The key differentiator is Burbank’s unique concentration of entertainment and aerospace firms, which can offer premium packages for niche skills.

Insider Tip: Don’t just look at the base salary. Many Burbank employers, especially in entertainment, offer robust profit-sharing, royalties-based bonuses (for production accounting), and excellent health benefits. A $90,082 offer with a 10% annual bonus and full medical/dental is effectively a $99,090 package, which is common here.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s be brutally honest about the math. The median salary of $90,082 sounds good, but in California, the bite is deep. Here’s a realistic monthly breakdown for a single accountant earning this median wage.

Assumptions: Single filer, taking standard deduction, CA state tax (approx. 9.3% for this bracket), Federal tax (approx. 12% effective rate), FICA (7.65%). This is an estimate; use a CA tax calculator for precision.

• Gross Monthly Pay: $7,507
• Estimated Taxes (Federal, State, FICA): ~$2,100
• Net Monthly Take-Home Pay: ~$5,407

Now, let's layer in the cost of living. The Cost of Living Index for Burbank is 115.5 (US avg = 100), meaning it's about 15.5% more expensive than the national average. Housing is the primary driver.

• Average 1BR Rent in Burbank: $2,252/month
• Utilities (Electric, Gas, Internet, Water): ~$200/month
• Car Payment/Insurance (Almost a necessity in LA County): ~$400/month (assuming a modest car + insurance)
• Groceries & Essentials: ~$500/month
• Discretionary Spending (Dining, Entertainment, Personal): ~$800/month
• Debt/Student Loans/Savings: ~$700/month

Total Estimated Monthly Expenses: ~$4,852

Can they afford to buy a home? With a net take-home of $5,407 and estimated expenses of $4,852, you’re left with a buffer of ~$555/month. This makes homeownership in Burbank itself a significant challenge on a single median-income salary. The median home price in Burbank is around $1.1 million. A 20% down payment is $220,000, and a mortgage payment (with taxes & insurance) would easily exceed $5,500/month, far outpacing your net income.

Verdict: You can live comfortably in a rented 1BR apartment, manage your finances, and have a social life, but buying a home likely requires dual income, a significant down payment from savings, or a move to a more affordable neighboring city (like Sun Valley or parts of North Hollywood).

Where the Jobs Are: Burbank's Major Employers

Burbank’s job market is a unique blend of "Main Street" and "Studio Lot." Here are the key players and hiring trends:

1. The Walt Disney Company: The titan. Disney’s corporate headquarters and multiple studios (Walt Disney Studios, ABC, etc.) are here. They hire accountants across the board—financial reporting, production accounting, internal audit, and tax. Hiring is constant but competitive; a CPA and entertainment industry experience (even from a smaller studio) is a huge advantage.
2. Warner Bros. Discovery: Another giant with a massive campus. Similar roles to Disney, with a focus on film, TV, and now streaming finance. They have a strong need for accountants who understand complex revenue recognition (think: licensing deals, international distribution).
3. Lockheed Martin: The anchor of the aerospace sector. Their Burbank site (historically significant) and associated facilities employ accountants in government contracting, cost accounting, and corporate finance. These roles are stable, well-paying, and often require or prefer security clearance. Hiring is less frequent but highly sought-after.
4. Providence St. Joseph Health: A major healthcare system with Providence Holy Cross Medical Center and other facilities in the region. They need hospital accountants, revenue cycle specialists, and financial analysts. Healthcare finance is a stable, growing field here.
5. The Burbank-Glendale-Pasadena Airport Authority (Hollywood Burbank Airport): A surprisingly large employer of public sector accountants. They handle budgets, grant accounting, and financial reporting for the airport. Government accounting roles offer excellent job security and benefits.
6. Regional CPA Firms (e.g., Squar Milner, Moss Adams, local firms): The backbone of the profession. These firms serve the multitude of small to mid-sized businesses in Burbank and the surrounding Valley. They offer a classic path from staff accountant to partner, with exposure to diverse industries (retail, manufacturing, professional services).
7. Niche Entertainment Firms: Don’t overlook the hundreds of smaller production companies, visual effects houses, and talent agencies. They need production accountants (a highly specialized, project-based role) and staff accountants. These jobs are often found through networking on sites like Staff Me Up or LinkedIn.

Hiring Trend Insight: There's a growing demand for accountants with data analytics skills (Power BI, Tableau) and knowledge of cloud-based ERP systems (like NetSuite, which is popular with mid-sized companies). Entertainment accounting remains a steady niche, while aerospace and healthcare offer stable, traditional paths.

Getting Licensed in CA

To advance beyond entry-level roles in California, licensure is crucial. The path is standardized but has specific state requirements.

1. Education: You need 150 semester units (a bachelor’s degree is 120). Many California candidates complete this via a 5th year or a Master’s in Accounting/Taxation. Cost: $15,000 - $30,000 for a master’s program.
2. The CPA Exam: Pass all four sections (AUD, BEC, FAR, REG) within an 18-month rolling window. Exam & Review Course Costs: ~$1,500 for exam fees + ~$2,000-$3,000 for a review course (Becker, Roger, etc.).
3. Experience: You must have 12 months of general accounting experience under a licensed CPA. This is non-negotiable.
4. Ethics Exam: Pass the California-specific Professional Ethics for CPAs exam.
5. Apply for Licensure: Submit your transcripts, experience verification, and exam scores to the California Board of Accountancy (CBA). License Application Fee: $300.

Timeline to Get Started:

• If you have a 4-year degree (120 units): Plan for 1-2 years to complete the remaining units and pass the exam while working. You can sit for the exam with 120 units, but you cannot be licensed until you have 150.
• If you need to start from scratch: Budget 5 years (4 for bachelor’s + 1 for master’s/experience).
• Insider Tip: Start studying for the CPA exam while you are completing your education. The material is fresh, and many firms offer bonuses or promotions for passing sections while employed.

Best Neighborhoods for Accountants

Where you live will define your commute and lifestyle. Here’s a local’s breakdown:

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Estimated 1BR Rent	Best For
Downtown Burbank	Walkable, urban, trendy. Close to studios and corporate offices. Easy commute via foot or bike to Disney/Warner Bros.	$2,400 - $2,800	The young professional who wants to be in the heart of the action and minimize commute.
Magnolia Park	Quiet, residential, family-friendly. Classic Burbank suburbia. Commute to studios is a 10-15 min drive.	$2,000 - $2,400	Accountants seeking a quieter home life with good public schools.
Burbank Hills (Ivanhoe, Verdugo)	Scenic, more spacious, with hillside views. Longer commutes unless you work in the northern part of the city.	$2,200 - $2,600 (often for 2BR)	Those who prioritize space, nature, and a slightly slower pace.
North Hollywood (Just South of Burbank)	More urban, artsy, with a major metro station (Red Line). Rents are slightly lower. Commute to Burbank is 15-20 mins.	$1,900 - $2,300	Budget-conscious professionals who want city amenities and easy access to the rest of LA.
Val Village / Tujunga	A bit further east, more affordable, with a strong community feel. Commute can be 20-25 mins.	$1,700 - $2,100	Those prioritizing affordability and don't mind a longer drive.

The Long Game: Career Growth

The 10-year job growth of 4% suggests stability, not a boom. Your growth will come from specialization and advancement, not just market expansion.

• Specialty Premiums: Accountants in Burbank can command significant premiums by specializing.
  • Entertainment Royalty Accounting: Understanding complex backend deals and participation statements. Salary Premium: +15-25%
  • Government Contracting (Aerospace): Knowledge of DCAA regulations and cost-pricing proposals. Salary Premium: +10-20%
  • International Tax: Working for companies with global operations (common in entertainment and aerospace). Salary Premium: +20-30%
• Advancement Paths: The classic path is Staff Accountant → Senior Accountant → Accounting Manager/Controller. In Burbank, a unique path is to move from a regional CPA firm into an entertainment company, leveraging audit experience to become a production controller or studio finance director.
• 10-Year Outlook: The demand for traditional, generalist accountants may be flat. However, the need for accountants who can bridge finance and data will grow. Those who master ERP systems, financial modeling, and business analytics will have the most upward mobility. The entertainment industry will remain a core, stable employer, while aerospace may see growth tied to government defense spending.

The Verdict: Is Burbank Right for You?

Burbank presents a distinct set of trade-offs. It’s not for everyone, but for the right accountant, it’s an excellent launchpad.

Pros	Cons
Above-Median Salaries for the accounting profession.	High Cost of Living, especially housing.
Diverse Employer Base (Entertainment, Aerospace, Healthcare, Small Biz).	Traffic & Commutes can be brutal, even within the city.
Central Location in LA County—easy access to the rest of the region.	Competitive Job Market for coveted roles at major studios.
Stable Job Growth in a resilient local economy.	Limited Homeownership Potential on a single median salary.
Unique Professional Network in entertainment and specialized industries.	"Industry Town" Feel—may lack the corporate polish of other financial hubs.

Final Recommendation: Burbank is an ideal fit for an accountant with 3-7 years of experience (mid-career) who is looking to specialize in entertainment, aerospace, or healthcare finance. It’s perfect for someone who values a diverse, creative professional network and is willing to trade homeownership for a vibrant, walkable community and shorter commutes to major employers. If your primary goal is to buy a house on a single income, look to the Inland Empire or Central Valley. But if you want to build a lucrative, interesting career in one of the most dynamic media hubs in the world, Burbank deserves your serious consideration.

FAQs

1. Do I need to know entertainment accounting to get a job in Burbank?
No, but it helps immensely. Major studios hire for many roles in corporate accounting, tax, and audit where general CPA experience is sufficient. However, for production-specific roles (the most glamorous and high-paying), entertainment experience is mandatory. Start with a regional firm or a smaller company to get your CPA, then pivot.

2. How common is remote work for accountants in Burbank?
Post-pandemic, hybrid models are common, especially at larger firms. Full remote is less common due to the hands-on nature of some roles (e.g., production accounting on a lot) and security requirements at aerospace firms. Expect 2-3 days in the office as the new norm.

3. Is the commute from Burbank to LA proper manageable?
Yes, but it depends on time. The 101 Freeway is a notorious chokehold. A commute from Burbank to Downtown LA (e.g., for a client meeting) can be 45 minutes without traffic and over 90 minutes with it. The Metro Red Line connects North Hollywood to Downtown, making a car-free commute possible for some. Always test the commute at your interview time.

4. What’s the best way to network for accounting jobs in Burbank?
Join the California Society of CPAs (CalCPA) and attend their LA Valley chapter events. For entertainment, the Entertainment Industry Accountants & Controllers group on LinkedIn is key. Also, don’t underestimate the power of walking into a local CPA firm and asking for a coffee chat—Burbank’s business community is surprisingly tight-knit.

5. How does the cost of living in Burbank compare to living in Downtown LA?
Surprisingly, Burbank is often slightly cheaper for a comparable 1BR apartment in a safe, walkable neighborhood. Downtown LA has a wider range, but the more desirable areas (Arts District) are on par or higher. The major cost difference in Burbank is the near-necessity of a car, whereas Downtown LA offers better public transit access.