In Seattle, WA, Accountants earn a median of $95,580 a year — about 5% above the U.S. median of $90,780. Among the 50 metros tracked here for this role, that ranks #7.
What that pay is worth in Seattle
Local prices run 111 on the BEA cost-of-living index (U.S. = 100), so a $102,050 salary buys less than it looks — about $91,827 in national-average buying power.
Can Accountants afford a home in Seattle?
A typical Seattle home runs about $912,100 — 8.9 times the average Accountant salary, a stretch against the classic 3x rule of thumb. Median rent near $1,998/mo takes roughly 23% of gross pay — within the 30% comfort line.
The Accountant pay ladder in Seattle
Entry-level (10th percentile) Accountants earn about $64,740; the top 10% reach $144,900 — a $80,160 spread, wide for this field. Most of that gap comes down to experience, employer, and how hard you negotiate.
The Accountant job market in Seattle
Seattle employs roughly 23,900 Accountants. It’s a sizable local market to build a career in.
Compare Seattle with other cities
See the full Accountant salary by city ranking to weigh Seattle against the other metros on both pay and cost-adjusted value, or use the cost-of-living calculator to compare any two cities directly.
Frequently asked questions
How much do Accountants make in Seattle?
The average Accountant in Seattle, WA earns about $102,050 per year, 12.4% above the national average of $90,780.
What is the take-home pay for Accountants in Seattle after taxes?
After federal and WA taxes, this $102,050 salary is worth about $80,622 a year - roughly $6,718 a month in take-home pay, an effective tax rate near 21%.
What do the highest-paid Accountants earn in Seattle?
The top 10% of Accountants in Seattle earn about $144,900 a year, versus about $64,740 for the bottom 10%.
Can Accountants afford a home in Seattle?
A typical Seattle home runs about $912,100 - roughly 8.9x this salary, a stretch by the 3x rule, so budgeting discipline matters.