Accountant's Guide to Pasco, WA: Salary, Jobs, and Lifestyle

If you're an accountant eyeing the Pacific Northwest but want to avoid the sky-high costs of Seattle, Pasco, Washington, deserves a serious look. As someone who’s watched this city grow from a quiet agricultural hub into a thriving logistics and healthcare center, I can tell you it’s a place where your accounting skills are in steady demand. This guide breaks down the real numbers, the job market, and what life actually looks like for a professional in Pasco. Let's get into the data.

The Salary Picture: Where Pasco Stands

Pasco’s accounting salaries are solidly competitive, especially when you factor in the cost of living. The median salary for an accountant here is $85,821/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $41.26/hour. This is right in line with the national average of $86,080/year, meaning you’re not taking a pay cut to live in a more affordable region. The metro area (which includes Richland and Kennewick) has 162 accounting jobs available, indicating a stable, albeit not explosive, market. The 10-year job growth projection is 4%, which is modest but steady—perfect for those seeking stability over boom-and-bust cycles.

Experience-Level Breakdown

Experience Level	Estimated Salary Range	Context in Pasco
Entry-Level	$60,000 - $72,000	Typically at small firms or in AP/AR roles at larger companies. CPA eligible but not yet licensed.
Mid-Career	$75,000 - $95,000	Senior staff accountant, corporate accountant, or audit associate. CPA license is a key differentiator.
Senior/Manager	$95,000 - $115,000	Managerial roles in private industry, government, or public accounting. Often requires CPA and 5+ years.
Expert/Controller	$115,000 - $140,000+	Director of Finance, Corporate Controller, Partner at a local firm. Highly specialized roles are rare but lucrative.

Comparison to Other WA Cities

Pasco is part of the Tri-Cities metro, which is a distinct market from Seattle. While Seattle accountants might see a higher base salary (often $95,000+ for mid-level), their cost of living is dramatically higher. Spokane, another inland NW city, has a median salary closer to $79,000, making Pasco a stronger contender for pay. Tacoma and Bellingham have similar costs to Seattle but slightly lower wages. In short, Pasco offers a "sweet spot" of good pay and a low cost of living.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s do the math on a $85,821 salary. After federal taxes, Social Security, Medicare, and WA’s 7% state sales tax (no state income tax is a major perk), you’re looking at a net take-home of roughly $65,000 annually, or about $5,417 per month.

The average 1BR rent in Pasco is $1,633/month. Let's build a realistic monthly budget:

• Rent (1BR): $1,633
• Utilities (Electric, Gas, Internet): $250
• Groceries: $400
• Car Payment/Insurance/Gas: $600
• Healthcare (after employer contribution): $300
• Personal/Discretionary: $500
• Savings/Investing: $1,734

This leaves a healthy $1,734 for savings, debt repayment, or investing. Can you afford to buy a home? The median home price in Pasco is approximately $400,000. With a 20% down payment ($80,000), a 30-year mortgage at 6.5% would be around $2,023/month (including taxes and insurance). This is higher than the average rent, but for accountant couples or those with a larger down payment, it's very attainable—especially compared to Seattle’s $800,000+ median.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s do the math on a $85,821 salary. After federal taxes, Social Security, Medicare, and WA’s 7% state sales tax (no state income tax is a major perk), you’re looking at a net take-home of roughly $65,000 annually, or about $5,417 per month.

The average 1BR rent in Pasco is $1,633/month. Let's build a realistic monthly budget:

• Rent (1BR): $1,633
• Utilities (Electric, Gas, Internet): $250
• Groceries: $400
• Car Payment/Insurance/Gas: $600
• Healthcare (after employer contribution): $300
• Personal/Discretionary: $500
• Savings/Investing: $1,734

This leaves a healthy $1,734 for savings, debt repayment, or investing. Can you afford to buy a home? The median home price in Pasco is approximately $400,000. With a 20% down payment ($80,000), a 30-year mortgage at 6.5% would be around $2,023/month (including taxes and insurance). This is higher than the average rent, but for accountant couples or those with a larger down payment, it's very attainable—especially compared to Seattle’s $800,000+ median.

Where the Jobs Are: Pasco's Major Employers

Pasco’s economy is powered by agriculture, logistics, and healthcare. Here’s where accountants actually work:

1. Providence Sacred Heart Medical Center & Kadlec Regional Medical Center: The two major healthcare providers in the Tri-Cities. They have large, centralized finance departments for everything from payroll to revenue cycle management and capital budgeting. Hiring is steady, especially for those with nonprofit or healthcare-specific accounting experience.
2. Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL): Located in nearby Richland, PNNL is a massive federal research lab. It employs accountants in grant management, contract accounting, and federal compliance. These are stable, well-paid government-contractor roles (often paying $90,000-$120,000 for mid-career). Security clearance can be a plus.
3. Agribusiness Giants (Lamb Weston, J.R. Simplot, McCain Foods): The Tri-Cities is a global potato processing hub. These companies need cost accountants, plant controllers, and financial analysts to manage complex supply chains. This is a niche but deep market for accountants who understand manufacturing and inventory.
4. Port of Pasco & Benton County: Government entities require accountants for public fund management, audit preparation, and budgeting. These roles offer great benefits and job security, though salaries may start slightly below the median.
5. Local CPA Firms (e.g., Clark, N.J. & Associates; Pasco Accounting & Tax): The public accounting scene is made up of regional firms serving local businesses, farms, and startups. It’s a great place to get your CPA license and gain broad experience, with a path to partnership.
6. Amazon Fulfillment Center & Logistics Companies: The Pasco area has several large Amazon facilities and a growing logistics sector. These companies need accountants for plant-level P&L, inventory costing, and financial reporting.

Hiring Trend: Demand is strongest for accountants with 3-5 years of experience, CPA licensure, and software proficiency (QuickBooks, SAP, Oracle). Senior roles are competitive, but there’s a real shortage of mid-career talent willing to stay in the region long-term.

Getting Licensed in WA

Washington State has straightforward but specific requirements for CPA licensure, overseen by the Washington State Board of Accountancy (WSBA).

1. Education: 150 semester hours, including 24 hours in accounting and 24 hours in business-related subjects. A master’s degree or extra credits are common paths.
2. Exam: Pass the Uniform CPA Exam (18-month rolling window to pass all four sections).
3. Experience: One year (1,200 hours) of accounting experience supervised by a licensed CPA, with the experience gained in the last 5 years.
4. Application: Submit transcripts, experience verification, and pass an ethics exam (administered by the WSBA).

Cost & Timeline: The exam fees are roughly $1,500-$2,000 total. The application fee is $190. If you're starting from scratch (150 hours), plan for a 1-2 year timeline to complete education and pass the exam. Once licensed, renewal is every three years with CPE requirements.

Insider Tip: Washington has a "melt" provision. If you have a CPA license from another state, you can often get reciprocity without re-taking the exam, but you must meet WA's experience and ethics requirements. Always check with the WSBA for the latest rules.

Best Neighborhoods for Accountants

Pasco is a commuter city where your neighborhood choice affects your lifestyle more than your commute. Traffic is minimal, but proximity to work and amenities matters.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Average 1BR Rent	Best For
Central Pasco	Downtown core, walkable to local eateries and the historic district. 5-10 minute drive to most employers.	$1,450 - $1,600	Young professionals who want a short commute and local amenities.
Sunnyside	Southwest Pasco, closer to the river and parks. Quieter, more suburban feel. 10-15 minute drive to downtown.	$1,550 - $1,750	Those seeking a balance of space and convenience, good for families.
Southridge	A newer, master-planned community on the south side. Modern amenities, shopping centers, and easy I-182 access.	$1,700 - $1,900	Professionals who value newer construction, shops, and a planned community feel.
Ridge West	Established neighborhood in west Pasco. Affordable housing stock, close to elementary schools. 10-minute drive to downtown.	$1,300 - $1,500	Budget-conscious professionals or those looking to buy their first home.

Insider Tip: Most accountants I know live in Sunnyside or Central Pasco. The commute is negligible, and you’re closer to the Columbia River for weekend activities. Southridge is popular but has slightly higher rent and a more "chain-store" feel.

The Long Game: Career Growth

In Pasco, your career growth is tied to specialization and networking within the local business community.

• Specialty Premiums: Getting a CPA license is the single biggest boost, often adding $10,000-$15,000 to your salary. Niche expertise in manufacturing cost accounting (for agribusiness) or grant management (for PNNL or nonprofits) can command a premium of 10-15% above the median. Software skills in SAP or Oracle are highly valued by larger employers like PNNL and the big processors.
• Advancement Paths: The typical path is Staff Accountant -> Senior Accountant -> Accounting Manager/Controller. The jump from manager to controller is significant and requires strong leadership and business acumen. Another path is to move from public accounting (audit/tax) to industry as a Controller, often at a small or mid-sized company.
• 10-Year Outlook: With 4% growth, Pasco isn’t a hotspot for explosive opportunity. However, the stability is a major draw. The key to long-term growth here is vertical advancement within a local company or becoming a partner at a local CPA firm. The regional economy is resilient, but your career ceiling will be lower than in a major metro. For many, that’s a fair trade-off for the quality of life.

The Verdict: Is Pasco Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Cost of Living: Affordable housing, no state income tax, and $85,821 median salary goes far.	Limited High-End Jobs: Fewer director-level and executive roles compared to Seattle/Spokane.
Strong Local Economy: Diverse employers in healthcare, research, and agribusiness provide job stability.	Cultural Scene: Smaller, more limited arts, dining, and nightlife compared to larger cities.
Easy Commutes: You can live almost anywhere and be at work in 10-15 minutes.	Isolation: It’s a 2.5-hour drive to Seattle. You’re in a self-contained regional hub.
Outdoor Recreation: World-class hiking, fishing, and wine country (Yakima Valley) are minutes away.	Growth Ceiling: The 4% job growth and smaller market can cap salary potential long-term.

Final Recommendation: Pasco is an excellent choice for mid-career accountants (5-15 years experience) seeking financial stability, a lower cost of living, and a family-friendly environment. It’s less ideal for those chasing the highest possible salary or who thrive in a fast-paced, cutthroat corporate environment. For the right person, it’s a place to build wealth and a quality life without the constant financial pressure of a major coastal city.

FAQs

Q: Is it hard to find an accounting job in Pasco without a CPA license?
A: No, but it limits you. Many staff and senior roles don’t require a CPA, especially in private industry. However, the $85,821 median is weighted toward licensed professionals. For management roles (Controller, Manager), the CPA is often a non-negotiable requirement.

Q: How does the no-state-income-tax work?
A: Washington has no personal income tax. You’ll still pay federal taxes. The trade-off is a high state sales tax (6.5% + local, ~8-9% total) and relatively high property taxes. For most salaried professionals, the lack of income tax is a significant financial benefit.

Q: What’s the biggest surprise about being an accountant in Pasco?
A: The deep connection to agriculture. You might be auditing a potato farm, calculating costs for a wine grape harvest, or managing books for a logistics company shipping produce globally. It’s not just spreadsheets; it’s tied to the land and local economy in a unique way.

Q: Are there remote work opportunities for accountants in Pasco?
A: Yes, especially post-pandemic. Many Seattle-based companies hire remote accountants, and Pasco’s lower cost of living makes you a competitive candidate. Local employers also offer hybrid flexibility. This gives you the best of both worlds: local stability with access to broader opportunities.

Q: How do I network in a smaller city?
A: Join the Tri-Cities chapter of the WA Society of CPAs and attend events at the Columbia Basin College. The local business community is tight-knit; word-of-mouth is powerful. Getting coffee with a senior accountant at a local firm or company is often more effective than applying online.