Accountant Career Guide: Everett, WA

As someone who’s watched Everett’s economy shift from its aerospace-heavy past to a more diversified present, I can tell you this isn’t Seattle’s sleepy sibling anymore. With Boeing still a giant but no longer the only game in town, and a growing healthcare and tech sector, accountants here find a unique mix of stability and opportunity. The median salary is $89,437/year (or $43.0/hour), which sits comfortably above the national average of $86,080/year, but the cost of living—driven by proximity to Seattle—demands a sharper financial strategy. Let’s break down what it really means to build a career here.

The Salary Picture: Where Everett Stands

Everett’s accounting market is defined by its mid-sized metro area (population 111,147) and its role as a hub for manufacturing, healthcare, and public administration. The 222 accounting jobs in the metro area reflect a stable but not booming demand, with a 10-year job growth of 4%—solid, but not explosive. This growth is tied to the region’s diversification, not just Boeing.

Experience is the primary driver of earnings, as in most places. However, local specializations (like manufacturing cost accounting or healthcare revenue cycle) can push salaries higher than the general median.

Experience Level	Typical Everett Salary Range	Key Local Drivers
Entry-Level (0-2 years)	$55,000 - $70,000	Public accounting firms, bookkeeping roles at small businesses, staff accountant positions in healthcare administration.
Mid-Level (3-7 years)	$75,000 - $95,000	Senior staff/senior accountant roles, internal audit at mid-sized companies, cost accounting in manufacturing.
Senior/Expert (8-15 years)	$100,000 - $135,000	Manager/Director roles, Controller positions for local businesses, specialized tax (estate, business), forensic accounting.
Executive (15+ years)	$140,000+	CFO roles at regional companies, Partner in a local CPA firm, Senior Director at a major employer like Providence.

How Everett Compares to Other WA Cities:

• Seattle/Bellevue: Salaries can be 15-25% higher, but the cost of living is significantly steeper. The $89,437 median in Everett has more purchasing power here than the $110,000+ median in Seattle when you factor in housing.
• Spokane: Salaries are typically 10-15% lower than Everett, but the cost of living (especially housing) is also lower. Everett offers a better salary-to-cost ratio for mid-career professionals.
• Tacoma: Salaries and cost of living are very similar to Everett, making it a direct competitor. Your choice often comes down to specific employer locations and commute preferences.

Insider Tip: The $43.0/hour figure is your benchmark for contract or hourly work. In Everett, many small businesses and non-profits prefer hiring contract accountants during tax season or for system implementations. Don’t dismiss contract roles—they often lead to permanent offers and provide exposure to multiple local industries.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Earning the $89,437 median salary is comfortable, but budgeting is essential. Washington has no state income tax, which is a major financial advantage. However, the high sales tax (over 10% in Everett) and property taxes offset this somewhat. The real budget challenge is housing.

Monthly Budget Breakdown for a Single Accountant Earning $89,437:

• Gross Monthly Income: ~$7,453
• Federal Tax & FICA (Est.): ~$1,350
• Take-Home Pay: ~$6,103
• Rent (1BR Average): $1,864
• Utilities (Electric, Gas, Internet): $200
• Groceries: $450
• Transportation (Car Payment, Gas, Insurance): $500
• Health Insurance (Employer Plan): $300
• Retirement (401k @ 6%): $450
• Miscellaneous (Dining, Entertainment, Subscriptions): $500
• Remaining Buffer: $839

This leaves a healthy buffer of over $800 for savings, debt repayment, or unforeseen expenses. The key variable is rent; if you secure a place below the average, your buffer increases significantly.

Can They Afford to Buy a Home?
This is the toughest question. The median home price in Everett is around $650,000. With a $89,437 salary, a $650,000 home is likely out of reach without a significant down payment (20% = $130,000) or a dual-income household. A more realistic target for a starter home or condo is in the $450,000 - $550,000 range. With a $110,000 - $137,500 down payment, a mortgage payment (including taxes and insurance) would be approximately $2,500 - $3,200 per month, which would consume 40-50% of your take-home pay—an uncomfortably high ratio. Most single-earner accountants at this salary level rent or purchase with a partner. The 113.0 Cost of Living Index (US avg=100) confirms that housing is the primary cost driver.

Where the Jobs Are: Everett's Major Employers

Everett’s job market for accountants is anchored by a mix of legacy giants, healthcare systems, and public entities. Here are the key players:

1. Boeing: While the 777X program has seen slowdowns, Boeing’s Everett site remains a massive employer. They hire accountants for cost accounting, financial planning & analysis (FP&A), and internal audit. The culture is corporate and unionized; job security can be tied to aircraft program cycles, but the benefits are typically excellent.
2. Providence Regional Medical Center (Everett & Colby Campuses): As one of the largest healthcare employers in the region, Providence has a constant need for accountants specializing in revenue cycle management, grants accounting (for their community health programs), and compliance. Healthcare accounting is a growing specialty here.
3. Everett Public Schools (District #2): The school district employs accountants for fund accounting, budgeting, and grant management. These are stable, public-sector jobs with strong benefits and pensions, though salaries may be slightly below the $89,437 median.
4. City of Everett: The municipal government needs accountants for budget analysis, accounts payable/receivable, and audit functions. Government jobs offer great work-life balance and are less susceptible to economic downturns.
5. Snohomish County: The county seat is Everett, making it a major public employer. They look for accountants with experience in public fund accounting, property tax administration, and capital project accounting.
6. Local CPA Firms (e.g., Clark Nuber, Moss Adams - major offices in Seattle but serve Everett clients): While the big firms are headquartered in Seattle, they have significant client bases in Everett’s manufacturing and construction sectors. These firms offer the fastest path to becoming a CPA and reaching the $100,000+ salary bracket through promotion.

Hiring Trends: There’s a growing demand for accountants with ERP system experience (especially SAP and Oracle) due to the manufacturing and healthcare sectors. Also, data analytics skills are becoming a differentiator for FP&A and audit roles. The 4% 10-year growth is steady; you won’t see rampant hiring, but turnover is constant enough to provide opportunities.

Getting Licensed in WA

To advance beyond staff accountant roles, a CPA license is often essential. Washington State has its own board and requirements.

State-Specific Requirements:

• Education: 150 semester hours, including 24 hours of accounting (upper-division), 24 hours of business, and 5 hours of ethics.
• Exam: Pass all four sections of the Uniform CPA Exam.
• Experience: 2,000 hours of accounting experience under a licensed CPA, which can be gained in public accounting, industry, or government.
• Ethics Exam: Pass the AICPA Professional Ethics Exam.

Costs & Timeline:

• Exam Fees: ~$1,500 total for all four sections.
• Review Course (e.g., Becker, Roger): $1,500 - $3,000.
• Ethics Exam: ~$150.
• Licensing Fee: ~$250.
• Total Estimated Cost: $3,400 - $4,900.

Timeline to Get Started:

1. Months 1-3: Verify your education meets the 150-hour rule and apply for your Notice to Schedule (NTS) with the Washington State Board of Accountancy (WSBA).
2. Months 4-12: Study for and pass the CPA exam sections. Many candidates in Everett take advantage of the proximity to Seattle for study groups and review courses.
3. Months 13-15: Complete your 2,000 hours of experience (this can be concurrent with exam prep).
4. Month 16: Submit your application for licensure to the WSBA. Processing typically takes 4-6 weeks.

Insider Tip: The Washington State Board of Accountancy website is your best friend. Also, connect with the Everett Chapter of the Washington Society of CPAs for networking and mentorship. Their events are a goldmine for job leads in the local market.

Best Neighborhoods for Accountants

Choosing where to live impacts your commute, lifestyle, and budget. Everett is a city of distinct neighborhoods.

1. Downtown Everett: The urban core, home to the Providence hospital campus, city/county government buildings, and a growing number of tech startups. Walkable, with good transit options. Commute to major employers is minimal.

   • Rent (1BR): $1,800 - $2,200
   • Best For: Young professionals who want an active, city vibe and short commutes to downtown jobs.

2. North Everett (The Rucker Hill Historic District): A quieter, residential area with beautiful older homes, close to the hospital and Interstate 5. Offers a more suburban feel while still being minutes from downtown.

   • Rent (1BR): $1,600 - $1,900
   • Best For: Those seeking a balance of neighborhood charm and accessibility.

3. South Everett (Airport Way/Blue Stem): This area is more commercial and industrial, with easy access to Boeing, the airport, and major highways. Rents are generally more affordable, but it’s less walkable.

   • Rent (1BR): $1,400 - $1,700
   • Best For: Accountants working at Boeing or who prioritize a lower rent and don’t mind a car-centric commute.

4. Mill Creek: Technically a separate city but part of the Everett metro, this is a master-planned community with excellent schools, parks, and a charming town center. It’s a 15-20 minute commute to Everett core.

   • Rent (1BR): $1,900 - $2,300
   • Best For: Families or those prioritizing a high-quality suburban lifestyle with a bit of a premium.

5. Mukilteo: A coastal, affluent community north of Everett, with stunning views of Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains. Home to the ferry terminal and a major biotech hub (see below). Commute to Everett is 15-25 minutes.

   • Rent (1BR): $2,000 - $2,500
   • Best For: Accountants with a higher budget seeking a scenic, premium lifestyle, especially those working in the biotech sector.

Insider Tip: Traffic on I-5 and Highway 526 (Boeing Freeway) can be brutal. If you work at Boeing or in South Everett, living in Mill Creek or Mukilteo adds significant commute time. Prioritize proximity to your workplace.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Everett is an excellent place to build a long-term career, but you must be strategic.

Specialty Premiums:

• Manufacturing Cost Accounting: This is Everett’s bread and butter. Accountants who understand cost flow, inventory valuation (LIFO/FIFO), and variance analysis in a manufacturing environment can command a 10-15% premium over the median. Boeing and its hundreds of suppliers are the primary employers.
• Healthcare Revenue Cycle: With Providence and a growing network of clinics, expertise in patient revenue, billing compliance, and clinical documentation is in demand. Salaries here track closely with the healthcare sector’s growth.
• Government & Non-Profit Accounting: Expertise in GASB (Governmental Accounting Standards Board) or grant accounting is valuable for the City, County, and School District. While salaries may be slightly lower than in the private sector, the benefits and job security are superior.

Advancement Paths:

1. Public Accounting: Start at a local or Seattle-based firm, get your CPA, and move into a senior role (5-7 years). Then, transition to industry as a Controller or Senior FP&A Analyst.
2. Corporate Ladder: Start in staff accounting at a manufacturer like Boeing or a healthcare provider. Progress to Senior, then Manager. The next step is often Controller for a division or plant, which can pay $130,000+ in the Everett market.
3. Government: Start as an Accountant I, progress to Accountant II, then to a Budget Manager or Finance Director role. This path is slower but has a high ceiling for senior leadership positions.

10-Year Outlook: The 4% job growth is reflective of a stable, mature market. The biggest opportunities will come from:

• Retirement Wave: Many senior accountants in the region are approaching retirement, creating openings in management.
• Tech Integration: Companies are investing in new financial systems, creating project-based and permanent roles for accountants with strong systems knowledge.
• Biotech Growth: While not in Everett proper, the biotech corridor in nearby Mukilteo and Bothell is a growing source of high-paying accounting jobs for those willing to commute.

The Verdict: Is Everett Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Above-Average Salary: The $89,437 median is strong for a mid-sized city.	High Housing Costs: Rent and home prices are steep relative to the national average.
No State Income Tax: Keeps more of your paycheck in your pocket.	Stagnant Job Growth: The 4% 10-year growth is steady, not explosive. Career jumps may require moving to Seattle.
Diverse Employer Base: Not reliant on one industry, offering stability.	Dominated by a Few Giants: Boeing and Providence are huge players; their health affects the local market.
Excellent Work-Life Balance: Especially in public sector and non-profit roles.	Traffic: Commutes within the metro can be lengthy, especially across the I-5 corridor.
Gateway to the Outdoors: Unbeatable access to water, mountains, and forests.	Cultural Scene is Smaller: More family-oriented; you’ll head to Seattle for major concerts/events.

Final Recommendation:
Everett is an excellent choice for mid-career accountants who value stability, a reasonable cost of living (compared to Seattle), and a high quality of life. It’s ideal for those working in or aiming for manufacturing, healthcare, or government accounting. If you’re seeking a fast-paced, high-growth tech environment or the absolute highest salaries, Seattle or Bellevue might be a better fit. For a balanced career with strong purchasing power and access to unparalleled natural beauty, Everett is a compelling destination.

FAQs

Q: How competitive is the job market for accountants in Everett?
A: It’s moderately competitive but not cutthroat. The 222 jobs in the metro area mean there are openings, but you’re often competing with candidates from the larger Seattle pool. Having a CPA license and specific experience in local key industries (manufacturing, healthcare) will make you a top candidate.

Q: Is it worth commuting to Seattle for a higher salary?
A: It can be, but you must run the numbers. A Seattle salary might be $105,000, but after a longer commute (gas, transit costs, time) and potentially higher rent, your net benefit could be minimal. The $89,437 Everett median often provides a better quality of life once you factor in commute and cost of living.

Q: What’s the best way to network as a new accountant in Everett?
A: Join the Everett Chapter of the Washington Society of CPAs and attend their monthly luncheons. Also, leverage LinkedIn to connect with finance professionals at Boeing, Providence, and the City of Everett. Many jobs here are filled through word-of-mouth and local networks before they’re ever posted publicly.

Q: Do I need to know manufacturing accounting to get hired?
A: Not always, but it’s a major advantage. For roles at Boeing or its suppliers, yes. For healthcare, government, or service industries, no. However, understanding basic cost accounting principles will make you more versatile and attractive to a wider range of employers.

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