Seattle vs Kennewick: Accountant Salary (2026)
Compare accountant salaries between Seattle, WA and Kennewick, WA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Seattle, WA | Kennewick, WA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $101,964▲ | $95,715 |
| Hourly Rate | $49.03▲ | $46.02 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $75,162▲ | $64,439 |
| 25th Percentile | $82,991▲ | $77,070 |
| 75th Percentile | $130,109▲ | $118,946 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $164,833▲ | $140,473 |
| Total Employed | 22,100▲ | 1,020 |
Verdict
Seattle, WA offers better overall compensation for accountants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Kennewick.
The salary gap between Seattle and Kennewick is $6,249 (6.53%). Seattle's median is +18.75% compared to the US national median of $85,864.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Seattle spans $89,671,Kennewick spans $76,034. Seattle has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Kennewick ($95,639 effective) pays 4.24% more than Seattle ($91,750 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Seattle if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($101,964/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($164,833)
- ✓Larger job market (22,100 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle
Choose Kennewick if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $95,639)
- ✓You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, accountant salaries in Seattle grew 28.9% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 25.7% growth in Kennewick over the same period.
Seattle, WA
$77,080 (2019) → $99,370 (2025)
Kennewick, WA
$74,200 (2019) → $93,280 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Seattle, WA
Kennewick, WA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays accountants more: Seattle or Kennewick?
What is the hourly rate difference between Seattle and Kennewick?
Should I relocate from Seattle to Kennewick as a accountant?
What do entry-level accountants earn in Seattle vs Kennewick?
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Written by Sofia Patel, CPA
Career Analyst
Sofia Patel has over 10 years of experience in financial analysis. She specializes in tax preparation for small businesses. She has worked in both corporate and public accounting environments.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.61% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Sofia Patel, CPA, a licensed accountant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov