Accountant salary in Washington, DC
Median pay, Washington DC metro
$102,140/year
about $49.11 an hour full-time
Middle half earns $79,990 – $133,430
Half of accountants in the Washington DC metro area earn more than $102,140 a year and half earn less. That's 22% higher than the national median of $83,680, and ranks #4 of the 30 big metro areas we track for this job.
Pay range
| Percentile | Yearly | Hourly* |
|---|---|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $67,530 | $32.47 |
| 25th | $79,990 | $38.46 |
| Median (50th) | $102,140 | $49.11 |
| 75th | $133,430 | $64.15 |
| 90th (top earners) | $170,980 | $82.20 |
*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 Washington DC metro area, here's how an offer compares:
- Below market under $79,990 ($38.46/hr). Fine for a first job in the field, otherwise worth negotiating.
- Typical $79,990 to $133,430 ($38.46 to $64.15/hr). The middle half of what people in this job earn.
- Strong offer over $133,430 ($64.15/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, Washington DC metro. Occupation: Accountants and Auditors (SOC 13-2011). Figures cover wage and salary workers and don't include bonuses, benefits or overtime.