Accountant in Seattle, WA

The Salary Picture: Where Seattle Stands

As a career analyst who’s watched Seattle’s professional landscape for over a decade, I can tell you that accounting here isn't just about numbers—it's about navigating a city with one of the highest costs of living in the country. The data confirms what locals feel in their wallets.

The median salary for an accountant in Seattle is $89,437/year. That translates to an hourly rate of $43.0/hour. This is solidly above the national average of $86,080/year but must be viewed through the lens of local expenses. The metro area supports 1,510 jobs for accountants, with a modest 10-year job growth of 4%. This isn't a boomtown for accounting; it's a stable market dominated by large corporations and specialized firms.

Here’s how salaries typically break down by experience level. Note that these are Seattle-specific medians, which can vary by industry (public accounting vs. corporate).

Experience Level	Typical Years of Experience	Seattle Median Salary
Entry-Level	0-2	$68,000 - $78,000
Mid-Level	3-7	$85,000 - $105,000
Senior	8-15	$105,000 - $135,000
Expert/Managerial	15+	$135,000 - $160,000+

Insider Tip: In Seattle, a CPA (Certified Public Accountant) license can command a premium of 10-15% over non-CPA roles, especially in public accounting firms like Moss Adams or in corporate financial reporting at Amazon or Microsoft.

How Seattle Compares to Other WA Cities:

• Spokane: Lower cost of living, salaries trend 10-15% below Seattle. A competitive market with healthcare and education as key employers.
• Tacoma: Salaries are roughly 90% of Seattle's, but housing is significantly more affordable. Commuters often balance lower pay for a better housing market.
• Vancouver, WA: Proximity to Portland drives salaries closer to Pacific Northwest averages, but with no state income tax (in WA), which is a major financial advantage.

Insider Tip: If you're considering a remote role with a Seattle-based company, you can often negotiate a salary based on Seattle's scale while living in a lower-cost WA city like Olympia or Bellingham, maximizing your real income.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let's get brutally honest about the math. The median salary of $89,437/year sounds good, but Seattle's cost of living index is 113.0 (US avg = 100). The average 1BR rent is $2,269/month.

Here’s a realistic monthly breakdown for a single accountant earning the median salary:

Expense Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes
Gross Pay (Monthly)	$7,453	$89,437 / 12
Federal & FICA Taxes	~$1,650	Depends on filing status, deductions
WA State Tax	$0	WA has no state income tax
Take-Home Pay	~$5,803	After federal taxes, Social Security, Medicare
Rent (1BR Avg)	$2,269	Can range from $1,800 in outlying areas to $3k+ in core
Utilities, Internet, Phone	$250	Includes Seattle's higher utility rates
Groceries & Food	$500	Seattle grocery prices are ~20% above national avg
Transportation	$300	ORCA card for transit, occasional rideshare, minimal car costs
Health Insurance	$350	Employer-subsidized estimate
Miscellaneous (Savings, Debt, Fun)	$2,134	This is your disposable income

Can they afford to buy a home? The median home price in Seattle is ~$850,000. With a 20% down payment ($170,000), a 30-year mortgage at current rates would be ~$4,300/month (including taxes/insurance). This is 75% of your take-home pay. For a single accountant at the median salary, buying a home in Seattle is not feasible without a significant second income or a much larger down payment. Most accountants rent until they reach senior/managerial levels or partner with a higher-earning spouse.

Insider Tip: Many Seattle accountants live in shared housing (roommates) to keep housing costs under 30% of their income, even into their 30s. It's a common and financially prudent strategy.

Where the Jobs Are: Seattle's Major Employers

Seattle's accounting job market is less about small firms and more about large, complex organizations. Here’s where you should be looking:

1. Amazon (Headquarters): Massive demand for internal auditors, financial analysts, and tax accountants. Hiring is constant but extremely competitive. They look for tech-savvy accountants who can handle data at scale.
2. Microsoft (Redmond, adjacent to Seattle): Similar to Amazon, a huge employer with a need for financial controllers, cost accountants, and audit roles. Known for excellent benefits and work-life balance compared to Amazon.
3. Boeing (Everett & Renton): A traditional powerhouse for cost accounting, financial planning, and government contracting (FAR) specialists. Hiring cycles can be tied to commercial aviation cycles.
4. Moss Adams: The largest accounting firm headquartered in the Pacific Northwest. A major recruiter for public accounting (audit, tax, consulting) with a strong regional presence and excellent path to partnership.
5. MultiCare Health System: One of the largest non-profit healthcare systems in the region. Requires specialized healthcare revenue cycle accountants and financial managers.
6. Starbucks (HQ): A major employer for corporate accountants, especially in financial reporting and internal audit for a global, consumer-facing brand.
7. City of Seattle & King County: Government jobs offer stability, pensions (rare in private sector), and a 35-40 hour workweek. Positions include budget analysts, internal auditors, and financial managers.

Hiring Trend: There's a growing need for accountants with data analytics skills (Power BI, SQL, Tableau) and tech industry experience. Traditional bookkeeping roles are being automated, so the value is in analysis, compliance, and strategic planning.

Insider Tip: Network with alumni from the University of Washington's Foster School of Business. Their alumni network is deeply embedded in Seattle's corporate and public accounting scene.

Getting Licensed in WA

To practice public accounting or hold a senior corporate accounting title, you need a CPA license. Washington State has specific requirements set by the Washington State Board of Accountancy.

Requirements:

1. Education: 150 semester credit hours, including 24 hours in accounting and 24 hours in business-related subjects.
2. Exam: Pass all four parts of the Uniform CPA Exam (AUD, BEC, FAR, REG).
3. Experience: 2,000 hours of general accounting experience under a licensed CPA, with at least 1,000 hours in public accounting if you want the "CPA P.A." designation.
4. Ethics Exam: Pass the AICPA Professional Ethics Exam.

Cost & Timeline:

• Exam Fees: ~$1,200 for all four sections.
• Education Cost: Varies greatly, but expect $10,000-$30,000 for a master's or post-baccalaureate program to meet the 150-credit requirement.
• Application & Licensing Fee: ~$500.
• Timeline: From starting education to full licensure typically takes 3-4 years. You can sit for the exam with 120 credits, but you must complete the remaining 30 to get licensed.

Insider Tip: Many Seattle firms, especially Moss Adams and the Big 4 (PwC, Deloitte, EY, KPMG—though their Seattle offices are smaller), offer tuition reimbursement for CPA exam prep and master's programs. This is a key benefit to negotiate during hiring.

Best Neighborhoods for Accountants

Where you live in Seattle drastically impacts your lifestyle and budget. Here are top options for different profiles:

1. Capitol Hill / First Hill (For Urban Professionals):

   • Commute: Excellent transit access (Link light rail, multiple bus lines) to downtown and South Lake Union (Amazon). 10-20 min.
   • Lifestyle: Walkable, vibrant nightlife, restaurants, and parks. Older apartment stock.
   • Rent Estimate (1BR): $2,400 - $2,800
   • Best For: Those who want a bustling, social scene and a short commute without a car.

2. Ballard (For a Community Feel):

   • Commute: 30-45 minutes via bus or car to downtown. The new light rail extension (2025) will improve this.
   • Lifestyle: Strong neighborhood identity, farmers markets, breweries, and access to outdoor activities (Golden Gardens Park). More families and young professionals.
   • Rent Estimate (1BR): $2,200 - $2,600
   • Best For: Those who want a balance of city amenities and a neighborhoody vibe.

3. West Seattle (For Scenic Views & Suburban Peace):

   • Commute: 30-45 minutes via bus or car (can be longer with bridge traffic).
   • Lifestyle: Feels like a separate town with stunning views of the Puget Sound. More single-family homes, parks, and a quieter pace.
   • Rent Estimate (1BR): $1,900 - $2,300
   • Best For: Those prioritizing quiet, space, and outdoor access over a dense urban core.

4. South Lake Union (SLU) / Denny Triangle (For the Tech Worker):

   • Commute: Walk or bike to Amazon, Google, Facebook offices.
   • Lifestyle: Modern, sleek, and expensive. Designed for the tech workforce, with amenities but less historic charm.
   • Rent Estimate (1BR): $2,700 - $3,200+
   • Best For: High-earning professionals working in SLU who prioritize zero commute.

Insider Tip: Before you move, check the "Seattle Bus" or "One Bus Away" apps during rush hour. A "20-minute commute" can easily double during peak times. Proximity to a Link light rail station is the single best transit hack in Seattle.

The Long Game: Career Growth

A career in Seattle accounting is a marathon, not a sprint. Your earning potential depends heavily on specialization and industry.

Specialty Premiums:

• Tech Industry (Amazon, Microsoft): 10-20% premium over general corporate accounting.
• Public Accounting (Audit/Tax): Path to partner is lucrative but requires 12-15 years and a "up or out" culture. Mid-career salaries are strong ($110k-$140k).
• Government & Non-Profit: Lower salaries but exceptional job security, pensions, and work-life balance.
• Forensic Accounting: Niche field, high demand in Seattle due to tech wealth and complex business dealings.

Advancement Paths:

• Path A (Corporate): Staff Accountant → Senior Accountant → Accounting Manager → Controller → CFO. This requires strong operational and leadership skills.
• Path B (Public Accounting): Associate → Senior → Manager → Senior Manager → Partner/Principal. This path is credential-heavy (CPA) and client-focused.
• Path C (Specialist): Stay technical and become a subject-matter expert in areas like SEC reporting, cost accounting (Boeing), or healthcare revenue cycle.

10-Year Outlook: With 4% job growth, the market isn't exploding but is stable. The biggest changes will be in automation. Accountants who can interpret data, manage systems, and provide strategic insight will thrive. Those who focus only on data entry will see their roles diminish.

Insider Tip: The most successful accountants in Seattle I know are those who pair their CPA with a second skill: data analytics, programming (Python for automation), or an industry specialization (like SaaS revenue recognition).

The Verdict: Is Seattle Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Above-National-Average Salaries ($89,437 median)	Extremely High Cost of Living (Housing is the #1 burden)
No State Income Tax (Saves ~5-10% vs. CA, NY)	Competitive Job Market (Especially for entry-level)
Diverse, Stable Employment Base (Tech, Aerospace, Healthcare)	Traffic & Commute Times are among the worst in the US
Outdoor Lifestyle Access (Mountains, water, forests)	Rain & Gray Skies for 8-9 months of the year
Strong Professional Networks (UW, CPA societies)	Gentrification & Income Inequality is stark and visible

Final Recommendation:
Seattle is an excellent choice for accountants with 3-7+ years of experience who can command a salary closer to the $105,000+ mark. At that level, you can afford a comfortable lifestyle, save, and enjoy the city's benefits. It's a tough market for entry-level professionals unless they have a specific niche (like data analytics) or are willing to live with roommates for several years.

If you're an outdoor enthusiast and seek a career in a stable, high-tech environment, the financial stretch may be worth it. If you prioritize homeownership and a lower cost of living, you might be better served in Tacoma, Spokane, or a different region entirely.

FAQs

1. Do I need a CPA to get an accounting job in Seattle?
Not for all roles, but it's highly recommended for career advancement. For corporate staff accountant roles, a bachelor's degree and some experience can suffice. However, for senior roles, public accounting, and most controller positions, a CPA is either required or highly preferred.

2. Is the rain really that bad for professionals?
It's a mental adjustment. The "drizzle" is real, and it's gray for months. Locals combat it with proper gear (a good raincoat is mandatory), embracing outdoor activities in light rain, and taking advantage of the stunningly beautiful, dry summers. It's a trade-off: gray winters for breathtaking green landscapes and mountain views.

3. Can I survive in Seattle without a car?
Absolutely, and in some neighborhoods, it's easier than having one. If you live near a Link light rail station (e.g., Capitol Hill, University District, Northgate) or in a well-connected bus corridor (e.g., Ballard, West Seattle), commuting and daily errands are manageable. The car-free lifestyle saves thousands on parking, insurance, and gas, which is a huge financial relief.

4. How much should I have in savings to move to Seattle?
A solid rule of thumb is 3-4 months of living expenses. Given the average 1BR rent of $2,269/month and a high cost of living, aim for $12,000 - $15,000 in savings. This covers first/last month's rent, a security deposit, moving costs, and a buffer while you start your job. Many employers offer relocation packages for mid-career hires—always ask.

5. What's the biggest mistake newcomers make when budgeting?
Underestimating the "Seattle Surcharge." It's not just rent. Groceries, dining out, parking, and even a simple coffee are more expensive. A $90,000 salary feels like $70,000 in a midwestern city. Use the Cost of Living Index of 113.0 to mentally adjust every price you see. Track your spending diligently for the first three months.