Accountant in Renton, WA

The Salary Picture: Where Renton Stands

As a local who’s watched Renton’s economy transform from a Boeing-dependent town to a diversified tech and healthcare hub, I can tell you the accounting profession here is stable but competitive. The median salary for an accountant in Renton sits at $89,437/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $43.0/hour. This is slightly above the national average of $86,080/year, but the gap isn’t wide enough to justify a move on salary alone. You’re here for the combination of salary, opportunity, and quality of life.

Renton vs. Other WA Cities (Annual Salary)

City	Median Salary	1BR Avg Rent	Rent as % of Salary
Renton	$89,437	$1,864	25.0%
Seattle	$92,890	$2,290	29.5%
Bellevue	$97,150	$2,550	31.5%
Tacoma	$82,340	$1,650	24.0%
Olympia	$78,200	$1,580	24.2%

The table shows Renton’s sweet spot. While Bellevue and Seattle offer higher salaries, the rent burden is significantly steeper. Tacoma pays less but has lower living costs. Renton strikes a balance, especially for mid-career professionals. The 10-year job growth for accountants in the metro area is projected at 4%, which is slower than the national average for many professions. This tells me the market is mature but not expanding rapidly; you’ll be competing for existing roles, not walking into newly created ones. There are currently about 209 accountant jobs in the metro area, which includes Renton, Kent, and Auburn. That’s a tight market for a population of 104,505, underscoring the need for specialization.

Insider Tip: Don’t just look at the median. Entry-level roles in corporate accounting (like at PACCAR or in healthcare billing) start around $65k-$70k. Senior roles in public accounting firms or specialized roles in tech (like revenue accounting at a software company) can push past $110k. The $89,437 figure is a solid midpoint, but your specific background—especially if you have a CPA and tech or healthcare industry experience—will move you up that scale quickly.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s get real. A salary of $89,437/year sounds good on paper, but after taxes and Renton’s cost of living, what’s left? As a local, I’ve seen many professionals move here and get a shock at the first paycheck. Here’s a realistic monthly breakdown for a single filer (using 2023 tax brackets and WA state tax, which is 0% income tax but has a 7% capital gains tax and high sales tax).

Monthly Budget Breakdown (Salary: $89,437)

Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	% of Gross Pay	Notes
Gross Pay	$7,453	100%	Before any deductions
Federal Tax (Est.)	$945	12.7%	Includes 22% bracket, FICA
State Tax (No Income Tax)	$0	0%	WA has no income tax
Health/Dental (Employer Plan)	$350	4.7%	Average for a good plan
401(k) Contribution (5%)	$373	5.0%	Highly recommended
Net Take-Home	$5,785	77.6%	This is your real number
Rent (1BR Avg)	$1,864	25.0%	See neighborhood breakdown below
Utilities	$180	2.4%	Electricity, gas, internet
Car Payment/Insurance	$550	7.4%	Assuming a used car payment
Groceries	$450	6.0%	Shopping at Fred Meyer or QFC
Gas/Transport	$250	3.4%	If commuting to Seattle
Discretionary	$2,241	30.1%	Dining, entertainment, savings
Remaining (Savings/Debt)	$1,241	16.6%	Post-Essential Spending

This budget shows you can live comfortably, but it’s tight if you have dependents, significant student debt, or want to save aggressively. The $1,241 remaining after essential expenses is your buffer for emergency savings, travel, or paying down debt. With Renton’s Cost of Living Index of 113.0 (US avg = 100), you’re paying about 13% more than the national average for goods and services, but the lack of state income tax helps offset that.

Can they afford to buy a home?
In short, not easily on this salary alone. The median home price in Renton is around $750,000. A 20% down payment is $150,000. Your monthly mortgage payment (including taxes and insurance) would likely exceed $4,000, which is over 50% of your gross pay—a financial strain banks won’t approve. As an accountant, you should aim for a household income of at least $140k-$150k to comfortably enter the Renton housing market. My advice: rent for 2-3 years, build savings, and potentially buy with a partner. Many professionals here buy in neighboring Maple Valley or Kent for more affordable options.

Where the Jobs Are: Renton's Major Employers

Renton’s job market is anchored by a few key sectors: aerospace, healthcare, retail, and now, a growing tech scene. The 209 accountant jobs in the metro area are concentrated in these major employers. Here’s a breakdown of who’s hiring and their accounting needs:

1. PACCAR (Kenworth & Peterbilt): This is Renton’s industrial heart. PACCAR’s global financial center is here, and they hire accountants for cost accounting, financial reporting, and internal audit. Hiring is steady but slow; they value long-term employees. Insider Tip: They heavily recruit from local community colleges and have a strong relationship with Renton Technical College. A CPA is preferred but not always required for entry-level roles.

2. Valley Medical Center (Renton’s Hospital): As the largest employer in the city, Valley Medical’s finance department is massive. They need accountants for revenue cycle management, payroll, and compliance. The healthcare sector in Renton is expanding, and billing is complex, so they often hire. Hiring Trend: They’re actively building out their revenue integrity team to handle insurance reimbursements, a growth area.

3. Boeing (Renton Factory): While Boeing’s headquarters left, the Renton plant (where the 737 is assembled) still has a significant finance and accounting support staff. They hire for project accounting, inventory cost analysis, and government contract compliance. Note: Hiring can be cyclical, tied to aircraft production rates. Check the news for current orders.

4. Amazon (South King County Operations): While not headquartered in Renton, Amazon’s fulfillment centers and logistics hubs are a major employer in the surrounding area (e.g., Kent, Auburn). They hire accountants for inventory accounting, cost accounting (AWS is a huge driver), and internal audit. The tech influence is felt here. Insider Tip: Amazon often posts roles for “Accountant, Retail” or “Accountant, Fulfillment” with a focus on high-volume transactions.

5. REI (Recreational Equipment, Inc.): REI’s headquarters is in nearby Kent, but they are a major regional employer. They hire accountants for retail accounting, merchandising, and financial planning & analysis (FP&A). The culture is outdoorsy and collaborative. Hiring Trend: They’ve been growing their digital finance team as e-commerce expands.

6. Public Accounting Firms (Moss Adams, Grant Thornton, Local Boutiques): While smaller than in Seattle, Renton has a cluster of mid-sized and local CPA firms that serve the small business community. They hire for audit, tax, and consulting. Insider Tip: These firms are a great way to get your CPA license fast, as they offer structured training. However, the work-life balance can be demanding, especially during tax season.

Getting Licensed in WA

For accountants, the CPA license is the gold standard. Washington State has specific requirements set by the Washington State Board of Accountancy (WSBA). Here’s the practical roadmap:

1. Education: You need 150 semester hours of college credit, including a bachelor’s degree. The specific course requirements include 24 hours in accounting, 24 hours in general business, and 24 hours in other subjects (like ethics). Cost: If you need extra credits, community colleges like Renton Technical College or Green River College offer affordable courses ($150-$300 per course). A full master’s in accounting at UW Tacoma or Seattle University will cost $25,000 - $45,000.

2. Exam (CPA): The Uniform CPA Exam is a four-part behemoth. You must apply through NASBA and pay exam fees (approx. $1,000 total). You have 18 months to pass all four parts once you start. Timeline: 1-2 years of study while working.

3. Experience: You need one year of accounting experience (2,000 hours) under a licensed CPA. This is the key hurdle. Many local public accounting firms in Renton/Seattle provide this supervision. In private industry, you need a CPA manager to sign off.

4. Ethics Exam & Application: You must pass the AICPA ethics exam (open-book, cost $200) and submit an application to the WSBA (fee $150). Background checks and fingerprinting add another $75.

Total Estimated Cost (excluding education): $1,425.
Timeline: 12-18 months from start to license if you’re organized and have the experience lined up.

Insider Tip: The WSBA website is your friend. They post pass rates by school. Partner with a local CPA study group—Renton has several that meet at the library or coffee shops. The community is supportive.

Best Neighborhoods for Accountants

Choosing where to live in Renton depends on your commute, lifestyle, and budget. As a local, I’ve lived in a few and can give you the real scoop. Rents vary, but here are the top picks for a professional.

1. Downtown Renton: The revitalized core, with the Landing, the Library, and the Boeing Field. Walkable, with coffee shops (like Caffè Umbria) and restaurants. Commute to PACCAR or Valley Medical is easy. Rent Estimate (1BR): $1,950 - $2,100. Best for: Those who want an urban vibe without Seattle prices. Commute: 5 mins to PACCAR, 10 mins to Valley Medical.

2. The Highlands: A quiet, established neighborhood with single-family homes, good schools, and parks. It’s a 10-15 minute drive to downtown. Rent Estimate (1BR): $1,700 - $1,850. Best for: Those who want space, a backyard, and a suburban feel. Commute: 15 mins to most employers.

3. Cougar Mountain: More upscale, with newer developments and tech workers. It’s closer to Issaquah and the I-90 corridor, but still in Renton. Rent Estimate (1BR): $1,900 - $2,200. Best for: Those who work in tech (Amazon, Microsoft) and want a shorter commute east. Commute: 20 mins to Bellevue/Redmond, 15 mins to downtown Renton.

4. Kennydale: A small, hilly neighborhood on the lakefront. Stunning views of Lake Washington, but limited rental inventory. Rent Estimate (1BR): $1,800 - $2,000. Best for: Nature lovers and those who work from home. Commute: 10 mins to downtown, 25 mins to Seattle (via I-405).

5. Cascade: Affordable and practical, with a mix of apartments and townhomes. It’s a straight shot to the airport and highways. Rent Estimate (1BR): $1,600 - $1,750. Best for: Budget-conscious professionals, airport workers. Commute: 5 mins to Boeing Field, 15 mins to downtown.

Insider Tip: Traffic on I-405 is brutal during rush hour. If you’re commuting to Seattle, look for neighborhoods near the S. 188th St park-and-ride for the Sound Transit bus. For a quieter life, the Highlands offer the best value, but you’ll drive everywhere.

The Long Game: Career Growth

The 4% job growth projection means you have to be strategic. Advancement isn’t automatic; you need to specialize. Here’s the premium you can expect for certain paths:

• CPA License: The single biggest salary booster. In Renton, a CPA with 5 years of experience can command $110k - $130k, a 20-30% premium over non-CPAs.
• Tech/Software Revenue Accounting: With Amazon and a tech spillover from Bellevue, this specialty is hot. Accountants who understand SaaS revenue recognition (ASC 606) are in demand. Premium: +15-25% on base salary.
• Healthcare Revenue Cycle Management: At Valley Medical or other clinics, this is a stable, growing niche. Premium: +10-15%.
• Cost Accounting (Aerospace/Manufacturing): At PACCAR or Boeing, this is a classic path. Premium: +5-10%, but job security is high.

10-Year Outlook: The market will remain steady. The biggest disruptor is AI and automation, which will handle routine bookkeeping and data entry. Your value will be in analysis, interpretation, and advisory. To stay ahead, consider adding a CMA (Certified Management Accountant) or CIA (Certified Internal Auditor) credential. The 10-year job growth of 4% means the total number of jobs won’t explode, but the type of jobs will shift toward higher-value work. Networking in the Seattle-Renton corridor is key; join the Washington Society of CPAs and attend their South King County events.

The Verdict: Is Renton Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Above-average salary ($89,437) for the cost of living.	Competitive job market with only 209 local roles.
No state income tax, boosting take-home pay.	High housing costs; buying is tough for singles.
Diverse employer base (Aerospace, Healthcare, Tech).	Slower job growth (4%) requires specialization.
Ideal location between Seattle and Bellevue.	Traffic on I-405 can be a daily grind.
Good public transit (Sound Transit buses to Seattle).	Rainy, gray winters can affect mood.
Thriving downtown with good amenities and parks.	Limited nightlife compared to Seattle.

Final Recommendation: Renton is an excellent choice for an accountant who is mid-career, values work-life balance, and is willing to specialize. It’s not the place for a fresh graduate seeking rapid advancement in a booming tech hub; Seattle or Bellevue would be better. For a CPA with 3-5 years of experience looking for stability, a reasonable commute, and a place to put down roots, Renton offers a compelling package. The $89,437 median salary is a realistic benchmark. If you can land a role above that in a high-demand specialty, you’ll thrive. If you’re just starting out, consider Renton for rent, but look for your first job in a larger market to build experience, then move here for the long term.

FAQs

Q: Is my CPA license from another state valid in Renton?
A: Yes, with reciprocity. If you have a valid CPA license from another state, you can apply for reciprocity through the WSBA. You’ll need to meet WA’s experience and education requirements (which are similar to most states) and pay the application fee ($150). The process takes 4-8 weeks. Check the WSBA website for specific state agreements.

Q: What’s the commute like from Renton to downtown Seattle?
A: By car, it’s 20-40 minutes depending on traffic—morning and evening rush hours on I-405 and I-5 can be brutal. The Sound Transit 105/107 bus is a reliable option, taking about 45-60 minutes with a dedicated express lane. Many accountants in Renton work remotely or hybrid, which is common post-pandemic. I highly recommend negotiating a flexible schedule if you’re commuting daily.

Q: How competitive is the job market for non-CPAs?
A: It’s challenging but not impossible. The 209