Accountant Hourly Pay in Seattle, WA: $49.03 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a accountant working in Seattle, WA runs $49.03 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $101,964 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 13-2011). Weighted against Seattle's regional price level (BEA RPP 111.1, 11% above national), each hour of work buys what $44.12 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $61,186 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Seattle, WA, the accountant hourly pay stands at a median rate of $49.03, significantly higher than the national median of $41.28. This premium reflects the city's competitive job market, particularly for positions within public accounting firms, corporate finance departments, and other professional settings. Part-time accountants working three days a week can expect to earn around $36.14 at entry levels, while experienced professionals can command rates as high as $79.25 per hour. For those engaged on a per-diem basis, opportunities abound in various work environments, including client engagement rooms at major accounting firms, IRS offices, and remote setups during peak tax season. In Seattle, the demand for skilled accountants translates into strong compensation, benefiting both full-time and part-time professionals alike.
Accountant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $36.14 | $289.11 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $39.91 | $319.24 |
| Median (P50) | $49.03 | $392.22 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $62.55 | $500.41 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $79.25 | $633.97 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Seattle
Based on $49.03/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $49.03/hr, a accountant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Seattle, WA can expect to earn approximately $101,976 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $58,832. With a cost-of-living index of 111.13 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Seattle.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Seattle
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,961.08 | $8,498 | $101,976 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,176.65 | $5,099 | $61,186 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $784.43 | $3,399 | $40,791 |
Compare CPA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Accountant (Seattle) | $49.03 |
| 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 Seattle, WA earn a median of $101,964 per year (2026 est.), which is 18.75% higher than the national median of $85,864 and 10.90% above the Washington state average of $91,942.
Accountant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $49.03/hr = $61,186/year (purchasing power: $55,056).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $101,976/year (purchasing power: $91,761).
CoL index: 111.133 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$37.06/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$47.78/hr
2026 Current Est.
$49.03/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+35.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Accountants in Seattle (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.61% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $37.06/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $38.74/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $38.95/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $39.98/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $45.95/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $47.78/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $47.78/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $49.03/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $50.31/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for accountants in Seattle grew 28.9% from $37.06/hr (2019) to $47.78/hr (2025). At a 2.61% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $50.31/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 Seattle 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 Seattle
Analyzing the potential earnings for a part-time accountant working 24 hours a week reveals an interesting dynamic. While a full-time accountant earns significantly more annually, part-timers can still achieve a respectable income. For instance, those operating on a per-diem or 1099 basis can expect to bill anywhere from $50 to $95 per hour, especially those with specialized skills or experience with Big 4 firms, where rates may reach $80 to $130 per hour during busy season. The average hourly pay varies across different employer types—public firms, corporate accounting departments, and boutique firms often present differing compensation packages. Some accountants may prioritize higher hourly rates over benefits, particularly if they seek flexibility or have alternative health coverage. When negotiating pay in Seattle, articulate the unique qualifications and experiences that justify higher compensation, highlighting the competitive nature of the local accounting market to secure the best possible rate.
More salary data for Seattle, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for accountants in Seattle in 2026?
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Related Pages
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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 Seattle. 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