Accountant Salary in Washington
Based on 35K+ workers in Washington
Median Annual Salary (WA)
$96,550
$46.42/hr
vs National Average
$82,597
+16.9% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$66K – $152K
35K employed in Washington
The median Accountant salary in Washington is $96,550 per year, placing it significantly above the national average by 17%. This figure represents the midpoint of earnings, with most accountants in the state earning between $66,330 and $152,310 annually. This robust earning potential reflects the strong demand for accounting professionals within the state's diverse economy.
Several factors can influence an individual Accountant salary in Washington. Experience level, specific industry within accounting (such as public, corporate, or government), educational attainment, and professional certifications like CPA all play a crucial role. Furthermore, the specific geographic location within Washington, with higher costs of living in urban centers, can also contribute to salary variations.
Salary Distribution — Accountant in Washington
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $66,330 |
| 25th percentile | $79,180 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $96,550 |
| 75th percentile | $122,480 |
| 90th percentile | $152,310 |
Top H-1B Employers for Accountant in Washington
Companies that filed the most H-1B (LCA) applications for this role in Washington — ranked by application count.
| # | Employer | Applications | Median Wage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ernst & Young U.S. LLP | 23 | $106,683 |
| 2 | Deloitte Tax LLP | 12 | $102,800 |
| 3 | Deloitte & Touche LLP | 10 | $92,261 |
| 4 | Amazon.com Services LLC | 6 | $116,900 |
| 5 | El Centro de la Raza | 3 | $73,985 |
Source: U.S. Department of Labor OFLC LCA Disclosure Data, FY2026.
Accountant H-1B Salary by Wage Level in Washington
DOL prevailing wage levels approximate seniority — Level I is entry-level, Level IV is senior/expert. Based on certified H-1B (LCA) filings in Washington.
| Wage Level | Experience | Median Salary | Filings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Level I | Entry-level | $73,340 | 13 |
| Level II | Qualified | $100,000 | 43 |
| Level III | Experienced | $145,700 | 15 |
| Level IV | Senior / Expert | $134,000 | 11 |
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 Washington 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 Washington vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Washington) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $81,180 |
| 2023 | $88,630 |
| 2024 | $96,180 |
| 2025 | $96,550 |
| 2026 (projected) | $96,921 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Washington Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $81,180 | $73,060 |
| 2023 | $88,630 | $76,751 |
| 2024 | $96,180 | $79,712 |
| 2025 | $96,550 | $82,597 |
| 2026 (projected) | $96,921 | $82,915 |
Accountant Salary by Experience Level in Washington
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $79,180 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $96,550 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $122,480 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $152,310 |
Accountant Salary in Other States
Related Accountant Salaries in Washington
How other high-demand occupations in Washington compare to Accountant ($96,550 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Accountant | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Financial Manager in WA | $174,840 | +81.1% | $84.06/hr |
| Actuary in WA | $134,720 | +39.5% | $64.77/hr |
| Personal Financial Advisor in WA | $114,050 | +18.1% | $54.83/hr |
| Financial Examiner in WA | $113,700 | +17.8% | $54.66/hr |
| Economist in WA | $109,300 | +13.2% | $52.55/hr |
| Financial Analyst in WA | $107,210 | +11.0% | $51.54/hr |
| Budget Analyst in WA | $96,640 | +0.1% | $46.46/hr |
| Credit Analyst in WA | $91,160 | -5.6% | $43.83/hr |
| Compliance Officer in WA | $88,790 | -8.0% | $42.69/hr |
| Tax Examiner in WA | $80,930 | -16.2% | $38.91/hr |
| Loan Officer in WA | $80,120 | -17.0% | $38.52/hr |
| Securities Sales Agent in WA | $75,510 | -21.8% | $36.30/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average salary for an accountant in Washington state?
- The median salary for an accountant in Washington is $96,550 per year, which is equivalent to $46 per hour. This median figure is 16.9% higher than the national average salary for accountants.
What is the typical salary range for accountants in Washington?
- Accountants in Washington can expect to earn between $66,330 and $152,310 annually. This wide range reflects varying experience levels, company types, and specific responsibilities within the profession.
How many accountants are employed in Washington?
- There are approximately 34,740 accountants currently employed in Washington state. This indicates a significant job market for accounting professionals within the state.
Is the salary for Washington accountants higher than the national average?
- Yes, accountants in Washington earn significantly more than the national average. The median salary of $96,550 per year in Washington is 16.9% higher than the national median for the role.