Accountant in Lakewood, CA

Here is a complete career guide for Accountants considering a move to Lakewood, CA.

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The Salary Picture: Where Lakewood Stands

When you’re crunching the numbers on a potential move, the first line item is always compensation. As an accountant, you’re used to analyzing data, so let’s apply that same rigor to the local job market. Lakewood sits in the heart of Los Angeles County, a dense, suburban corridor with a unique economic profile driven largely by its proximity to major industries and a massive regional hospital system.

Based on the most recent data available for the area, the median salary for an accountant in the Lakewood metro is $90,082/year. This translates to an hourly rate of $43.31. This figure is modestly higher than the national average of $86,080/year, a premium that reflects the higher cost of operating in Southern California. However, it’s crucial to understand that this median is pulled upward by experienced professionals and specialized roles; entry-level positions will start lower, while senior accountants at major firms or corporations can command significantly more.

With roughly 156 accounting jobs active in the Lakewood metro at any given time, the market is active but not overwhelmingly large. It’s a stable, competitive environment rather than a boomtown. The 10-year job growth projection is 4%, which aligns with national trends for the profession—steady, predictable, and reliant on retirements and business expansion rather than explosive growth.

Experience-Level Breakdown (Lakewood Metro Estimates)

Experience Level	Estimated Annual Salary Range	Notes
Entry-Level (0-2 years)	$65,000 - $78,000	Typically found in bookkeeping, staff accountant roles at local firms, or AP/AR positions.
Mid-Level (3-7 years)	$80,000 - $95,000	This is where the median sits. Opportunities in corporate accounting, non-profits, and public accounting.
Senior-Level (8-15 years)	$96,000 - $125,000	Often requires CPA license. Roles include Senior Accountant, Controller, or Tax Manager.
Expert/Managerial (15+ years)	$126,000+	CFO, Partner at a firm, or Director of Finance. Heavily dependent on industry and company size.

Comparison to Other California Cities
Lakewood’s accounting salaries are competitive within the Southern California landscape but don’t reach the peaks of the tech-heavy Bay Area or the dense financial hubs of downtown LA.

• Los Angeles (Downtown & Westside): Salaries can be 10-15% higher for similar roles, particularly in entertainment, tech, and large financial services. However, commuting from Lakewood to these areas can be a significant drain on time and resources.
• Orange County (Irvine, Costa Mesa): Very comparable to Lakewood. The OC’s corporate and aerospace sectors offer similar pay scales, with a slightly higher cost of living.
• San Diego: Salaries are often 5% lower than Lakewood for mid-level roles, though the tech and biotech sectors in SD can offer premium pay for specialized accountants.
• Inland Empire (Riverside/San Bernardino): Salaries are typically 10-15% lower than Lakewood, but the cost of living, particularly housing, is also significantly less.

Insider Tip: Don’t just look at the base salary. In the Lakewood area, many accounting roles, especially at larger employers like St. Joseph Hospital or the aerospace contractors, come with robust benefits packages (including pension plans, which are increasingly rare) that can add 20-30% to your total compensation value.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

The median salary of $90,082 looks solid on paper, but in Lakewood, the cost of living index of 115.5 (15.5% above the national average) means your dollars stretch less than they do in many other parts of the country. The biggest variable is housing. Let’s break down a realistic monthly budget for an accountant earning the median salary.

Assumptions:

• Gross Annual Income: $90,082
• Monthly Gross Income: $7,507
• Estimated Monthly Taxes (Federal, State, FICA): ~$1,850 (varies by withholding)
• Estimated Take-Home Pay: ~$5,657/month
• Average 1BR Rent: $2,252/month

Monthly Budget Breakdown (Single Earner, 1BR Apartment)

Category	Estimated Cost	% of Take-Home Pay	Notes
Rent (1BR)	$2,252	~40%	This is the single largest expense.
Utilities	$180	~3%	Electricity, gas, internet. High A/C use in summer.
Car Payment & Insurance	$600	~11%	Essential in car-centric Lakewood. Insurance is high in CA.
Health Insurance (if not covered)	$400	~7%	Often employer-sponsored, but variable.
Gasoline	$250	~4%	Commuting costs, even locally.
Groceries	$450	~8%
Dining Out/Entertainment	$300	~5%
Savings & Debt	$1,225	~22%
TOTAL	$5,657	100%

Can they afford to buy a home?
This is the critical question for most professionals moving to California. The short answer is: it’s challenging on a single median income, but not impossible with careful planning.

The median home price in Lakewood and surrounding zip codes hovers between $700,000 and $850,000. A 20% down payment on a $750,000 home is $150,000. With a mortgage, property taxes, and insurance, monthly payments can easily exceed $4,500. This would consume over 80% of your take-home pay on a $90,082 salary, which is not financially sustainable.

Path to Homeownership:

1. Dual Income: A household with two professionals earning median salaries (e.g., $180,164 combined) makes homeownership much more feasible.
2. Career Advancement: Moving into a Senior or Expert role ($120,000+) significantly improves affordability.
3. Long-Term Savings: Building a substantial down payment over 5-10 years while renting is the most common path.
4. Consider Condos/Townhomes: These often have lower entry points (starting around $500,000) and can be a stepping stone.

Insider Tip: Look for ADUs (Accessory Dwelling Units) or “granny flats” in older Lakewood neighborhoods. Some homeowners rent these out at rates below market value for reliable tenants. It’s a non-traditional but effective way to save for a future down payment.

Where the Jobs Are: Lakewood's Major Employers

Lakewood’s job market for accountants isn’t driven by Fortune 500 corporate headquarters, but by stable, essential institutions and a network of mid-sized firms. Your job search should focus on these sectors:

1. Healthcare (The Anchor):

   • St. Joseph Hospital (Part of Providence): This is one of the largest employers in the region. The finance department here is substantial, with roles for staff accountants, financial analysts, and revenue cycle specialists. Hiring tends to be steady, with openings appearing as staff retire or departments expand.
   • Long Beach Memorial Medical Center (Close Proximity): Just over the border in Long Beach, this is another major healthcare system with a large need for accounting professionals, especially in billing and compliance.

2. Aerospace & Defense:

   • Boeing (Long Beach & Seal Beach): While the famed 747 production line has ended, Boeing’s facilities in nearby Long Beach and Seal Beach still employ thousands in engineering, logistics, and finance. Accountants here often work in cost accounting, project accounting, and financial reporting. Security clearance can be a plus.
   • Northrop Grumman (Various SoCal Locations): A major defense contractor with facilities throughout the South Bay. Their financial operations require CPAs and experienced accountants for government contract accounting (a highly specialized skill).

3. Public Accounting Firms (Local & Regional):

   • Local CPA Firms: Lakewood and the surrounding cities (Cerritos, Bellflower) are home to dozens of small-to-mid-sized CPA firms that serve local businesses, real estate investors, and medical practices. These are excellent places to start a career (public accounting) or transition to for a better work-life balance.
   • Regional Firms (e.g., Moss Adams, Armanino): While their main offices are in LA or Orange County, they have significant client bases in the South Bay and often hire for local roles or offer hybrid schedules.

4. Government & Education:

   • Lakewood City Hall: As the city manages its own budget, parks, and public works, it requires accountants for municipal finance, payroll, and grant management.
   • Cerritos College & Lakewood High School District: Educational institutions have complex budgets funded by state allocations, bonds, and grants, requiring knowledgeable accounting staff.

5. Real Estate & Property Management:

   • The Lakewood area has a robust rental market. Large property management companies (both local and national) need accountants to handle lease administration, maintenance accounting, and financial reporting for hundreds of units.

Hiring Trends: Post-2020, there’s a noticeable shift towards hybrid work. Many local employers now offer 2-3 days remote, which is a major perk given the traffic. Skills in cloud-based accounting software (QuickBooks Online, Xero) and data analytics (Excel, Tableau) are increasingly in demand over traditional manual bookkeeping.

Getting Licensed in CA

For career advancement, especially to senior roles or public accounting, becoming a CPA in California is a game-changer. The process is rigorous but straightforward.

Step 1: Education

• Requirement: A bachelor’s degree with 24 semester units in accounting and 24 units in business-related subjects. For the license itself, you need 150 total semester units (the “150-hour rule”).
• Local Options: California State University, Long Beach (CSULB) and California State University, Dominguez Hills (CSUDH) are excellent, affordable options with well-regarded accounting programs. Many local CPAs are alumni.

Step 2: The Uniform CPA Exam

• Process: Once your education is verified, you apply to take the four-part exam (AUD, BEC, FAR, REG). California is now part of the "CPA Evolution" model, with three core sections and one discipline section.
• Cost: Application fees, exam fees, and review courses can total $3,000 - $5,000. This is a significant investment.
• Timeline: Most candidates take 12-18 months to pass all four sections while working.

Step 3: Experience

• Requirement: One year (2,000 hours) of general accounting experience supervised by a licensed CPA. The work must be at a professional level.
• Insider Tip: Many public accounting firms in the area offer tuition reimbursement and paid time off for exam prep, which can save you thousands. Ask about this in interviews.

Step 4: Ethics & Application

• Ethics Exam: You must pass the California Professional Ethics for CPAs exam.
• Application: Submit all documents and fees (~$1,000) to the California Board of Accountancy (CBA).

Total Estimated Cost to Get Licensed: $4,000 - $7,000 (not including the cost of your bachelor’s degree).
Total Timeline: 1.5 - 2 years from starting the process (post-college) to receiving your license, assuming you pass exams on the first try.

Best Neighborhoods for Accountants

Living in the Lakewood area means choosing a balance of commute, cost, and lifestyle. Here’s a breakdown of top choices for accounting professionals.

1. Lakewood (Central):

   • Vibe: The classic post-war suburb. Quiet, family-oriented, with great parks (like the Lakewood Golf Course) and a strong sense of community.
   • Commute: Ideal if you work at St. Joseph Hospital, City Hall, or a local firm. You can get to most jobs in 10-15 minutes.
   • Rent Estimate: $2,200 - $2,500 for a 1BR. You get more square footage here than in trendier areas.

2. Cerritos:

   • Vibe: Directly east of Lakewood. Slightly more upscale, known for its excellent public schools (ABC Unified) and diverse dining options.
   • Commute: Excellent access to the 605 and 91 freeways. A prime location for commuting to Long Beach or Orange County for work.
   • Rent Estimate: $2,300 - $2,600 for a 1BR. A small premium for the amenities and schools.

3. Long Beach (East Side / Los Altos):

   • Vibe: More urban and diverse than Lakewood. Close to the ocean, with a vibrant arts and food scene. East Side is a bit quieter and more residential.
   • Commute: 10-20 minutes to downtown Long Beach jobs. Can be longer to get to Lakewood employers due to traffic patterns.
   • Rent Estimate: $2,100 - $2,400 for a 1BR. Can be a good value if you find a deal in an older complex.

4. Bellflower:

   • Vibe: Adjacent to Lakewood, less polished but more affordable. A working-class community with a growing number of hip restaurants and bars.
   • Commute: Very similar to Lakewood. You’re minutes away from major employers.
   • Rent Estimate: $1,900 - $2,200 for a 1BR. This is one of the best budget options in the immediate area.

5. Los Alamitos:

   • Vibe: A small, charming, and very safe town with a classic main street. It’s a bit more secluded but feels like a hidden gem.
   • Commute: Central to both Lakewood and Orange County. Easy access to the 605 and 405.
   • Rent Estimate: $2,400 - $2,700 for a 1BR. Higher due to the town’s reputation and safety.

The Long Game: Career Growth

The 4% job growth indicates that advancement will come from replacing retirees and filling new roles, not from a flood of new companies. This makes strategic specialization and networking key.

Specialty Premiums (Estimated):

• CPA License: This is the single biggest salary booster. A licensed CPA in Lakewood can command 15-25% more than a non-CPA in the same role.
• Government Contract Accounting (for Aerospace): Expertise in FAR (Federal Acquisition Regulations) and DCAA compliance is niche and highly valued, often adding a 10-15% premium.
• Healthcare Revenue Cycle: Specialized knowledge of healthcare billing, coding, and compliance (HIPAA) is in constant demand at St. Joseph and Memorial, offering strong job security.
• Tax (Corporate/Individual): High demand, especially during tax season. Those who can handle complex multi-state filings or high-net-worth individual taxes see consistent demand.

Advancement Paths:

1. Public Accounting: Staff Accountant → Senior → Manager → Partner/Controller. This path offers the fastest learning curve and salary growth initially.
2. Corporate: Staff Accountant → Senior → Accounting Manager → Controller → CFO. Slower but steadier, with a focus on one industry (e.g., healthcare, aerospace).
3. Government/Non-Profit: Accountant → Senior Accountant → Finance Director. Excellent work-life balance and benefits, though salaries may cap lower than in the private sector.

10-Year Outlook:
The accounting profession in Lakewood will remain stable. The rise of automation and AI will handle more transactional work (data entry, basic reconciliations), but it will increase the demand for accountants who can analyze data, provide strategic insights, and manage complex compliance issues. The CPAs who leverage technology to become business advisors will see the most significant growth. Networking through the CalCPA (California Society of CPAs) South Bay Chapter is essential for staying on this trajectory.

The Verdict: Is Lakewood Right for You?

Lakewood isn’t the glamorous, high-flying financial center of LA. It’s a practical, stable, and community-focused place to build a career and a life. The decision hinges on your priorities.

Pros and Cons of Lakewood for Accountants

Pros	Cons
Stable Job Market: Anchored by healthcare and defense.	Moderate Salaries: While above national average, they don’t reach the peaks of major metros.
Affordable (for CA): Rent and home prices are lower than LA/OC averages.	High Cost of Living: Still 15% above the US average, straining a median budget.
Excellent Commute: If you work locally, traffic