Accountant Salary in District of Columbia
Based on 10K+ workers in District of Columbia
Median Annual Salary (DC)
$111,530
$53.62/hr
vs National Average
$82,597
+35.0% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$71K – $185K
10K employed in District of Columbia
Accountants in the District of Columbia earn a median salary of $111,530 per year, which is 35% above the national average. With approximately 9,810 accountants employed in the region, the profession remains a stable career choice. Salaries in the district range from $71,470 to $185,220 annually, reflecting significant variation based on individual circumstances and career progression.
Several factors influence accountant salary in District of Columbia, including years of experience, professional certifications like CPA status, and industry specialization. The local cost of living and concentration of federal agencies and corporations also drive compensation levels higher than national standards. Company size and the complexity of accounting responsibilities further contribute to salary differences among professionals in the area.
Salary Distribution — Accountant in District of Columbia
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $71,470 |
| 25th percentile | $83,050 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $111,530 |
| 75th percentile | $156,730 |
| 90th percentile | $185,220 |
Top H-1B Employers for Accountant in District of Columbia
Companies that filed the most H-1B (LCA) applications for this role in District of Columbia — ranked by application count.
| # | Employer | Applications | Median Wage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ernst & Young U.S. LLP | 20 | $148,904 |
| 2 | PwC US Tax LLP | 5 | $158,000 |
Source: U.S. Department of Labor OFLC LCA Disclosure Data, FY2026.
Accountant H-1B Salary by Wage Level in District of Columbia
DOL prevailing wage levels approximate seniority — Level I is entry-level, Level IV is senior/expert. Based on certified H-1B (LCA) filings in District of Columbia.
| Wage Level | Experience | Median Salary | Filings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Level II | Qualified | $118,350 | 22 |
| Level III | Experienced | $152,904 | 8 |
Source: U.S. Department of Labor OFLC LCA Disclosure Data, FY2026. Based on certified filings with a disclosed wage level.
Top-Paying Industries for Accountant (U.S.)
Which industries pay Accountants the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Accountants in District of Columbia tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Mining, Quarrying, and Oil and Gas Extraction | $106,050 | 8K |
| Information | $99,430 | 35K |
| Utilities | $98,130 | 8K |
| Finance and Insurance | $93,290 | 119K |
| Management of Companies and Enterprises | $91,940 | 105K |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Accountant in District of Columbia vs National
| Year | Median Salary (District of Columbia) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $102,060 |
| 2023 | $101,940 |
| 2024 | $103,030 |
| 2025 | $111,530 |
| 2026 (projected) | $118,222 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | District of Columbia Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $102,060 | $73,060 |
| 2023 | $101,940 | $76,751 |
| 2024 | $103,030 | $79,712 |
| 2025 | $111,530 | $82,597 |
| 2026 (projected) | $118,222 | $87,553 |
Accountant Salary by Experience Level in District of Columbia
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $83,050 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $111,530 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $156,730 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $185,220 |
Accountant Salary in Other States
Related Accountant Salaries in District of Columbia
How other high-demand occupations in District of Columbia compare to Accountant ($111,530 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Accountant | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Financial Examiner in DC | $198,720 | +78.2% | $95.54/hr |
| Financial Manager in DC | $188,880 | +69.4% | $90.81/hr |
| Economist in DC | $167,590 | +50.3% | $80.57/hr |
| Actuary in DC | $166,230 | +49.0% | $79.92/hr |
| Credit Analyst in DC | $132,590 | +18.9% | $63.75/hr |
| Tax Examiner in DC | $125,110 | +12.2% | $60.15/hr |
| Budget Analyst in DC | $124,590 | +11.7% | $59.90/hr |
| Compliance Officer in DC | $111,030 | -0.4% | $53.38/hr |
| Financial Analyst in DC | $105,780 | -5.2% | $50.86/hr |
| Personal Financial Advisor in DC | $104,990 | -5.9% | $50.48/hr |
| Loan Officer in DC | $92,890 | -16.7% | $44.66/hr |
| Insurance Sales Agent in DC | $84,530 | -24.2% | $40.64/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do accountants make in Washington DC?
- Accountants in District of Columbia earn a median salary of $111,530 per year, or $54 per hour. This is significantly higher than the national average, representing a 35.0% premium for the DC area.
What is the salary range for accountants in DC?
- The salary range for accountants in District of Columbia spans from $71,470 at the lower end to $185,220 at the upper end. This wide range reflects differences in experience, specialization, and employer type.
Is accounting a good paying job in District of Columbia?
- Yes, accounting is well-compensated in District of Columbia, with the median salary of $111,530 being 35.0% above the national average. With approximately 9,810 accountants employed in the area, there is a substantial job market supporting these competitive wages.
What do top-earning accountants make in Washington DC?
- Top-earning accountants in District of Columbia can make up to $185,220 per year, which is significantly above the median salary of $111,530. These higher salaries are typically found in senior positions or specialized accounting roles.