Accountant salary in Seattle, WA
Median pay, Seattle metro
$99,370/year
about $47.77 an hour full-time
Middle half earns $80,880 – $126,800
Half of accountants in the Seattle metro area earn more than $99,370 a year and half earn less. That's 19% higher than the national median of $83,680, and ranks #7 of the 30 big metro areas we track for this job.
Pay range
| Percentile | Yearly | Hourly* |
|---|---|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $73,250 | $35.22 |
| 25th | $80,880 | $38.88 |
| Median (50th) | $99,370 | $47.77 |
| 75th | $126,800 | $60.96 |
| 90th (top earners) | $160,640 | $77.23 |
*Yearly pay divided by 2,080 hours (40 hours × 52 weeks), the full-time basis BLS uses.
Is your offer fair?
For a accountant job in the Seattle metro area, here's how an offer compares:
- Below market under $80,880 ($38.88/hr). Fine for a first job in the field, otherwise worth negotiating.
- Typical $80,880 to $126,800 ($38.88 to $60.96/hr). The middle half of what people in this job earn.
- Strong offer over $126,800 ($60.96/hr). Higher than three quarters of workers here.
Before you accept
- A CPA license usually raises pay noticeably, and some employers support the exam with time off or fees.
- Busy season can mean long hours from January to April. Ask how overtime is handled for salaried roles.
- Public accounting and corporate (industry) roles often pay differently for similar titles.
Also watch for the common warning signs in the posting itself: 15 job posting red flags.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, 2025, Seattle metro. Occupation: Accountants and Auditors (SOC 13-2011). Figures cover wage and salary workers and don't include bonuses, benefits or overtime.