In Washington, DC, Accountants earn a median of $97,320 a year — about 7% above the U.S. median of $90,780. Among the 50 metros tracked here for this role, that ranks #6.
What that pay is worth in Washington
Local prices run 109 on the BEA cost-of-living index (U.S. = 100), so a $104,850 salary buys less than it looks — about $96,295 in national-average buying power.
Can Accountants afford a home in Washington?
A typical Washington home runs about $724,600 — 6.9 times the average Accountant salary, a stretch against the classic 3x rule of thumb. Median rent near $1,900/mo takes roughly 22% of gross pay — within the 30% comfort line.
The Accountant pay ladder in Washington
Entry-level (10th percentile) Accountants earn about $61,540; the top 10% reach $160,690 — a $99,150 spread, wide for this field. Most of that gap comes down to experience, employer, and how hard you negotiate.
The Accountant job market in Washington
Washington employs roughly 45,080 Accountants. Metro unemployment sits near 4.3%, a fairly balanced hiring market.
Compare Washington with other cities
See the full Accountant salary by city ranking to weigh Washington 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 Washington?
The average Accountant in Washington, DC earns about $104,850 per year, 15.5% above the national average of $90,780.
What is the take-home pay for Accountants in Washington after taxes?
After federal and DC taxes, this $104,850 salary is worth about $76,648 a year - roughly $6,387 a month in take-home pay, an effective tax rate near 27%.
What do the highest-paid Accountants earn in Washington?
The top 10% of Accountants in Washington earn about $160,690 a year, versus about $61,540 for the bottom 10%.
Can Accountants afford a home in Washington?
A typical Washington home runs about $724,600 - roughly 6.9x this salary, a stretch by the 3x rule, so budgeting discipline matters.