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Accountant Salary in Seattle, WA

How much does a accountant make in Seattle? Explore median, entry-level, and senior salaries adjusted for Seattle's cost of living.

Median Salary
$99,380
per year in Seattle
Entry Level
$61,157
Starting salary
Senior Level
$133,781
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
147
47% above national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

See how accountant salaries break down across different pay periods in Seattle.

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$61,157$99,380$133,781
Monthly$5,096$8,282$11,148
Biweekly$2,352$3,822$5,145
Weekly$1,176$1,911$2,573
Hourly$29$48$64

Seattle vs National Average

How Seattle's accountant salaries compare to national figures.

Seattle Salary
$99,380
COL Index: 147
National Average
$77,850
COL Index: 100
Difference
+$21,530
Higher in Seattle

Cost of Living in Seattle

1-Bedroom Rent
$2,100
per month
Median Income
$78,340
per year
Population
753,675
residents
Rent % of Income
32.2%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 147 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in Seattle have been adjusted to account for local cost differences.

About Accountant

Overview

Prepare financial records, tax returns, and manage accounting systems.

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting or related field; CPA preferred

Key Skills

Financial AccountingTax PreparationQuickBooksGAAP

Growth Rate

Expected job growth: +17% over the next decade

Compare Cities: Accountant Salary

See Accountant salaries in other top cities.

New York, NY
$105,100
+6%
Los Angeles, CA
$93,890
-6%
Chicago, IL
$81,210
-18%
Houston, TX
$81,290
-18%
Phoenix, AZ
$80,080
-19%

Financial Tools to Explore

Use these Pulsafi calculators to understand your finances based on a accountant salary in Seattle.

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Cost of Living Calculator

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Budget Calculator

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Rent vs Buy Calculator

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Accountant Salary in Seattle, WA — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a accountant in Seattle, WA is $99,380 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 147. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering Seattle's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level accountant professionals in Seattle can expect to earn around $61,157 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level accountants earning approximately $133,781 per year. This represents a 119% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

Seattle's cost of living index of 147 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a higher cost-of-living city, salaries in Seattle are adjusted accordingly. This means that while the nominal salary may appear higher or lower than the national average of $77,850, the actual purchasing power must be considered in context.

Housing and Affordability

A significant portion of a accountant's salary in Seattle typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $2,100 per month, housing represents about 25.4% of median salary. Financial experts generally recommend keeping housing expenses below 30% of gross income.

Career Growth and Opportunities

Accountants are in growing demand across the United States, with an expected job growth of 17% over the next decade. In Seattle, this translates to increasing opportunities and potential for salary growth as demand for experienced professionals continues to rise.

Source: BLS OEWS May 2024Metro-level wage data for this occupation and area
Data source: Salary data on this page are sourced from Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program May 2024 estimates. Figures are approximate and intended for informational purposes only. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, education, certifications, and local market conditions. This page does not constitute financial or career advice. For the most current wage data, visit bls.gov.