Accountant in Tacoma, WA

The Salary Picture: Where Tacoma Stands

If you're an accountant looking at Tacoma, the first question is usually about the paycheck. Let's cut straight to the data. The median salary for accountants in the Tacoma-Olympia-Bremerton metro area is $89,437/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $43.0/hour. For context, this sits slightly above the national average of $86,080/year, which is a solid starting point for evaluating the region's value proposition. The job market here is tight but stable, with 445 accountant positions currently listed in the metro area. Over the next decade, the field is projected to grow by 4%, a pace that reflects both the steady demand for financial oversight in public and private sectors and the gradual automation of routine bookkeeping tasks.

To give you a clearer picture of how pay scales with experience, here's a breakdown based on local salary surveys and BLS data for the region. It's important to remember that these are medians; specialized credentials (like a CPA) and industry (e.g., maritime logistics vs. healthcare) can push these numbers higher.

Experience Level	Years of Experience	Estimated Annual Salary (Tacoma)
Entry-Level	0-2 years	$65,000 - $75,000
Mid-Level	3-7 years	$80,000 - $95,000
Senior-Level	8-15 years	$95,000 - $120,000
Expert/Managerial	15+ years	$120,000 - $160,000+

How does this stack up against other Washington cities? Tacoma offers a compelling balance. Seattle's median salary for accountants is notably higher (often $95,000+), but the cost of living is exponentially steeper. Olympia, the state capital, is very close in median pay (around $88,000) but has fewer large corporate employers. Tacoma sits in a sweet spot: it's part of the dynamic Puget Sound economy, offers competitive wages, and provides a more accessible lifestyle than its bigger neighbors to the north.

Insider Tip: The $43.0/hour figure is a key benchmark. When negotiating salary in Tacoma, use this as your baseline. If a role is offering $38/hour (approx. $79,000/year), you'll want to ask what benefits or advancement paths justify the lower rate. For senior roles, aiming for 1.5x the median ($134,000+) is a realistic target if you bring a CPA and relevant industry experience.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

The median salary of $89,437 sounds good, but what does it mean for your monthly budget? Let's break it down for a single filer using Washington's state-specific tax profile (no state income tax, but high sales and property taxes). We'll use the Tacoma average of $1,603/month for a one-bedroom apartment.

Monthly Budget Breakdown (Accountant Earning $89,437/year):

• Gross Monthly Pay: $89,437 / 12 = $7,453
• Federal Taxes (Estimate): ~$1,200 (Filing Single, Standard Deduction)
• FICA (Social Security & Medicare): ~$570
• Net Monthly Take-Home: ~$5,683
• Rent (1BR Average): $1,603
• Remaining for Utilities, Food, Transport, Savings: ~$4,080

This leaves a healthy cushion, but it's crucial to factor in Tacoma's Cost of Living Index of 113.0 (U.S. average = 100). Goods and services are about 13% more expensive than the national average. Groceries, gas, and dining out will cost more than in many other parts of the country. For example, a monthly grocery budget for one person could run $450-$550, and a monthly transit pass (for the Sound Transit bus line) is $99.

Can you afford to buy a home? It's a major question in the current market. The median home price in Tacoma is approximately $525,000. With a $89,437 salary, you'd likely be pre-approved for a mortgage around $400,000-$450,000, assuming a standard 20% down payment and good credit. This means a single-income household at the median salary would be priced out of the median home without a significant down payment or dual income. However, condos and townhomes in the $350,000-$450,000 range are more attainable, especially in neighborhoods like Hilltop or the edges of Stadium District. Many accountants here partner with a spouse or save aggressively for several years to enter the market.

Insider Tip: Look into Washington State's first-time homebuyer programs. The Home Advantage program offers down payment assistance, which can be a game-changer for professionals in their early career, allowing you to buy a home while your salary is still in the mid-level range.

Where the Jobs Are: Tacoma's Major Employers

Tacoma's economy is anchored by a mix of healthcare, logistics, manufacturing, and public sector work. Accountants are needed across all these sectors. Here are the major local employers you should have on your radar, along with their hiring trends and what they look for in candidates.

1. MultiCare Health System: As one of the largest employers in Pierce County, MultiCare's corporate finance department is a steady source of accounting jobs. They hire staff accountants, revenue cycle specialists, and financial analysts. Hiring is consistent, often for roles supporting their vast network, including St. Joseph Medical Center and Tacoma General Hospital. They value experience with healthcare billing systems and compliance (HIPAA, Medicare/Medicaid).

2. Franciscan Health System (CHI Franciscan): Another major healthcare player, Franciscan's headquarters is in Tacoma. They seek accountants for accounts payable/receivable, general ledger, and financial reporting. Given the consolidation in healthcare, they often look for candidates who can handle complex multi-entity accounting. Hiring is stable but competitive.

3. Port of Tacoma: As a critical maritime and logistics hub, the Port's finance department handles everything from lease accounting for terminal operators to bond accounting for major infrastructure projects. This is a niche for accountants interested in public sector/government accounting and international trade logistics. Jobs are less frequent but highly sought-after for their stability and benefits.

4. Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department: A government role that offers excellent job security and a clear career ladder. Accountants here manage public health budgets, grant accounting, and financial compliance. The hiring process is slower (often via the county's civil service system) but worth it for those prioritizing work-life balance and pension benefits.

5. Emerald Queen Casino: Part of the Puyallup Tribe's economic enterprises, the casino's finance department handles complex tribal gaming revenue accounting, which requires specialized knowledge of NIGC (National Indian Gaming Commission) regulations. It's a unique and high-demand niche for accountants with a background in regulatory compliance or large-scale cash operations.

6. BNSF Railway: With a major rail yard in Tacoma, BNSF's corporate support functions include accounting and finance. They hire for roles in accounts payable, payroll, and financial analysis for their West Coast operations. Hiring cycles are often tied to their quarterly business reviews and can be found on their corporate careers page.

Hiring Trends: The healthcare sector is the most consistent hirer, driven by ongoing expansions and the need to manage complex billing and insurance reimbursements. Public sector roles (Port, Health Department) have slower but steady openings. For a competitive edge, tailor your resume to the specific industry—highlight experience with ERP systems like SAP, Oracle, or Meditech for healthcare; or with grant accounting for government roles.

Insider Tip: The best jobs in Tacoma are often filled before they're posted publicly. Join the Washington State Society of CPAs (WSSCPA) and attend their South Sound chapter events. Networking here is low-key but effective—Tacoma professionals value community connections over aggressive self-promotion.

Getting Licensed in WA

If you're not already a CPA, Washington State has clear, rigorous requirements. The Washington State Board of Accountancy (WBOA) oversees all licensing.

Requirements:

1. Education: A bachelor's degree (150 semester hours) from an accredited institution. The degree must include a specific accounting concentration (24 semester hours in upper-division accounting) and 24 semester hours in general business.
2. Exam: Pass all four sections of the Uniform CPA Examination (AUD, BEC, FAR, REG).
3. Experience: One year (2,000 hours) of qualifying accounting experience under the supervision of a CPA. This can be in public accounting, industry, or government.
4. Ethics: Pass the Washington State Professional Ethics Exam.

Costs & Timeline (Estimated):

• Education (if needed): $15,000 - $40,000+ (varies by program; check local options like UW Tacoma's accounting program, which is well-regarded and often more affordable than Seattle schools).
• CPA Exam Fees: ~$1,500 (varies by state).
• WBOA Application & License Fee: ~$250.
• Ethics Exam Fee: ~$150.
• Review Course: $1,000 - $3,000 (e.g., Becker, Roger, Gleim).

Total Estimated Cost: $18,000 - $45,000+

Timeline to Get Started:

1. Months 1-12: Complete required education (if you don't have the 150 hours). Consider UW Tacoma or a community college like Tacoma Community College for lower-cost prerequisite courses.
2. Months 13-18: Study for and pass the CPA Exam. Many candidates take one section every 3-4 months.
3. Months 19-24: Gain the required experience. This can be done concurrently with studying if you're already employed in a qualifying role.
4. Month 25: Submit application to WBOA, pass the ethics exam, and receive your license.

Insider Tip: Start networking with local CPA firms before you finish your education. Firms like Clark Nuber (with a Tacoma office) or Larson Gross often hire interns with the promise of full-time roles upon licensure. This path can offset your education costs and provide a clear career runway.

Best Neighborhoods for Accountants

Tacoma's neighborhoods offer distinct lifestyles and commute times to major employment hubs (downtown, Port, hospitals). Your choice will depend on whether you value a walkable urban core, quiet suburbs, or easy access to outdoor recreation.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Estimated 1BR Rent	Best For
Downtown Tacoma	Urban, walkable, near courts, government offices, and the Port. Commute to major employers is 5-15 mins.	$1,550 - $1,800	Young professionals who want nightlife and culture at their doorstep.
North End (Near 6th Ave)	Lively, with great coffee shops and restaurants. Commute to downtown is 10-15 mins.	$1,500 - $1,700	A social, active lifestyle with easy access to Point Defiance Park.
Hilltop	Historic, diverse, rapidly gentrifying. 10-minute commute to downtown.	$1,400 - $1,650	Those seeking character, a strong community, and slightly lower rents.
Proctor District	Charming, village-like, with a classic main street. Commute to downtown is 15-20 mins.	$1,550 - $1,750	Professionals who prioritize a quiet, safe, family-friendly atmosphere.
South Tacoma	Suburban, more affordable, with great parks. Commute to hospitals/Port can be 15-25 mins.	$1,300 - $1,500	Budget-conscious professionals, especially those with a car.

Insider Tip: If you work in the Port of Tacoma or Tacoma General Hospital, consider the South End or Eastside for a shorter commute. For jobs in downtown corporate offices, the North End and Hilltop offer the best balance of proximity and lifestyle. Always check parking availability if you're considering a downtown apartment—street parking can be a challenge.

The Long Game: Career Growth

In Tacoma, career growth for accountants is less about explosive salary jumps (like in tech) and more about strategic specialization and sector movement.

Specialty Premiums:

• CPA Credential: The single biggest salary booster. Expect a 10-15% premium over non-CPAs in the same role.
• Niche Expertise: Accountants with experience in manufacturing cost accounting (relevant for local firms like Weyerhaeuser or Milgard Windows), healthcare revenue cycle management, or non-profit/grant accounting can command salaries at the high end of the ranges above.
• ERP System Gurus: Deep knowledge of SAP, Oracle, or Microsoft Dynamics 365 is highly valued by large local employers like MultiCare and the Port.

Advancement Paths:

1. Public Accounting: Start at a local firm (e.g., Windward in Tacoma), move to a senior role, then consider manager or partner tracks. Many leave public for industry roles after 3-5 years for better work-life balance.
2. Corporate Ladder: Staff Accountant → Senior Accountant → Accounting Manager → Controller/VP of Finance. The Controller role in Tacoma typically pays $130,000 - $160,000.
3. Government/Non-Profit: A stable, defined-benefit pension path. Growth is slower but secure, often moving from accountant to budget manager to finance director.

10-Year Outlook: The 4% job growth means competition will remain steady, not cutthroat. Automation will handle more AP/AR tasks, making analytical and advisory skills (financial planning, budgeting, strategy) more valuable. The key to long-term growth in Tacoma will be building a network across the healthcare, logistics, and public sectors—these are the pillars of the local economy that will continue to need skilled financial oversight.

The Verdict: Is Tacoma Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Competitive Salaries relative to the Pacific Northwest, with a median of $89,437.	High Cost of Living (Index 113) and home prices can be a barrier for single-income households.
Balanced Lifestyle with urban amenities and stunning natural access (Mt. Rainier, Puget Sound).	Job Market is smaller than Seattle's; fewer corporate HQs and tech roles.
Stable, Diverse Economy in healthcare, logistics, and government provides job security.	Traffic on I-5 and I-705 can be challenging, though commutes are shorter than in Seattle.
No State Income Tax boosts your take-home pay.	Weather: The famous "Tacoma Aroma" is rare now, but the long, gray, rainy winters (Oct-April) affect some.
Strong Networking Community where professionals know each other.	Nightlife/Culture is vibrant but smaller than a major metropolis like Seattle.

Final Recommendation: Tacoma is an excellent choice for accountants who value work-life balance, community, and outdoor access over the relentless pace of a mega-city like Seattle or San Francisco. It's ideal for mid-career professionals seeking a strategic move (e.g., from a smaller firm to a larger employer) or for those starting out who want to build a career in healthcare or public sector accounting without being priced out of the region. If you're a young, ambitious professional whose primary goal is to maximize salary above all else, Seattle might offer more high-paying opportunities—but you'll pay for it in rent, commute, and stress. For most, Tacoma's blend of a $43.0/hour wage and a livable community makes it a compelling destination.

FAQs

1. Should I get my CPA license before moving to Tacoma?
It's highly recommended. While you can find staff accountant roles with a bachelor's degree, the $89,437 median salary is much more attainable (and senior roles are nearly impossible to get) without a CPA. If you're already licensed, you'll have a significant advantage in the local market.

2. How competitive is the job market with only 445 jobs and 4% growth?
It's a stable, not hyper-competitive, market. The key is specificity. Apply for roles that match your experience (e.g., healthcare accounting). The low number of jobs means each application is more significant; quality over quantity is crucial. Use your network—many jobs are filled through referrals.

3. Is the "Tacoma Aroma" still a thing?
Not really. The historic industrial smell from the Tideflats has been largely eliminated through environmental regulations. The air quality is generally good, though occasional industrial odors can happen on rare windy days depending on where you live. The North End and Proctor districts almost never experience it.

**4. Can I commute from Tacoma to Seattle for a