Accountant Hourly Pay in Portland, OR: $45.49 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a accountant working in Portland, OR runs $45.49 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $94,606 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 13-2011). Weighted against Portland's regional price level (BEA RPP 105.4, 5% above national), each hour of work buys what $43.15 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $56,768 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
Accountants in Portland, Oregon, can expect a median hourly pay of $45.49 in 2026, which is notably above the national average of $41.28 for the profession. This provides substantial compensation for those working in diverse environments, such as client engagement rooms at public firms, corporate finance offices, or even in remote settings during tax season. The hourly range for accountants varies significantly, with entry-level positions starting around $31.91, while seasoned professionals can command up to $67.45 per hour. This official BLS data reflects not only the competitive nature of the accounting field in Portland but also highlights the allure of flexible work arrangements. Part-time accountants, frequently engaged in three-day work weeks, can enjoy a comfortable lifestyle while serving clients in various capacities, thereby maximizing their earning potential in this thriving market.
Accountant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $31.91 | $255.29 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $37.93 | $303.48 |
| Median (P50) | $45.49 | $363.90 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $54.20 | $433.59 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $67.45 | $539.56 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Portland
Based on $45.49/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $45.49/hr, a accountant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Portland, OR can expect to earn approximately $94,613 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $54,584. With a cost-of-living index of 105.42 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Portland.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Portland
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,819.48 | $7,884 | $94,613 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,091.69 | $4,731 | $56,768 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $727.79 | $3,154 | $37,845 |
Compare CPA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Accountant (Portland) | $45.49 |
| Financial Analyst (National Avg) | $47.61 |
| Bookkeeping / Accounting Clerk (National Avg) | $22.93 |
| Auditor (National Avg) | $39.88 |
| Tax Examiner / Collector (National Avg) | $29.61 |
Accountants in Portland, OR earn a median of $94,606 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.18% higher than the national median of $85,864 and 13.00% above the Oregon state average of $83,722.
Accountant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $45.49/hr = $56,768/year (purchasing power: $53,849).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $94,613/year (purchasing power: $89,748).
CoL index: 105.421 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$33.51/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$44.33/hr
2026 Current Est.
$45.49/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+39.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Accountants in Portland (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.61% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $33.51/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $35.69/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $37.16/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $37.23/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $38.72/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $40.40/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $44.33/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $45.49/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $46.67/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for accountants in Portland grew 32.3% from $33.51/hr (2019) to $44.33/hr (2025). At a 2.61% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $46.67/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem accountants can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Portland metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 2.61% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Working as an Hourly Accountant in Portland
When taking a closer look at hourly earnings, those working as part-time accountants in Portland can find that their income significantly varies depending on their work schedule and nature of employment. An accountant working three days a week for a total of 24 hours would bring home a lower annual income than their full-time counterparts, but they still enjoy a strong earning potential, especially if they pursue per-diem or contract opportunities. Per diem accountant pay in Portland generally ranges from $50 to $95 per hour, depending on the specialization. Contract-based accountants, particularly from Big 4 firms, may see busy-season hourly rates rising to $80-$130. Forensic accountants acting as expert witnesses can even demand up to $600 for their expertise in litigation scenarios. Meanwhile, hourly rates can reflect substantial differences across employer types, with positions in affluent Big 4 public accounting firms often paying more than roles in smaller firms or government positions. Balancing hourly rates against the benefits offered, especially regarding health insurance, is vital for those weighing contract work against full-time benefits. For accountants in Portland, negotiating their hourly rate effectively involves understanding not only the local market but also the specific nuances tied to their area of expertise and the employer type.
More salary data for Portland, OR:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for accountants in Portland in 2026?
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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
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 2.61% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for accountants in Portland. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.61%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for accountants (SOC 13-2011).
Compiled and verified by Sofia Patel, CPA, a licensed accountant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov