Accountant Salary in Olympia, WA: $96,936 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time accountant in Olympia, WA earns a median $96,936/year (≈ $46.61/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 13-2011). Once you factor in Olympia's price level (4% above national, BEA RPP 103.7), that paycheck buys what $93,504 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 5.4% above the Washington state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, the accountant salary in Olympia, Washington, is projected to reach a median of $96,936, which is notably higher than the national median of $85,864, reflecting a premium that Illinois offers within the accounting profession. Accountants in this region earn between $68,400 at the 10th percentile and up to $130,900 at the 90th percentile, showcasing a robust salary range influenced by factors such as licensure, experience, and industry specialization. Data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) indicates that obtaining a CPA license significantly enhances earning potential, particularly as individuals transition from staff positions to senior roles, thus highlighting Olympia's competitive job market for accounting professionals.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $68,400 | $32.89 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $79,769 | $38.36 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $96,936 | $46.61 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $116,247 | $55.89 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $130,900 | $62.93 |
Median Salary Position
12.89% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Olympia
In Olympia, WA, the accountant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $62,500 (2026 est.). At $96,936, the local median is 12.89% above the national median of $85,864.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Olympia: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Olympia Accountant Pay Compares
Olympia median: $96,936/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Olympia Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Washington Average | $91,969 | +5.40% more |
| National Average | $85,864 | +12.89% more |
Accountants in Olympia, WA earn a median of $96,936 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.89% higher than the national median of $85,864 and 5.40% above the Washington state average of $91,969.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Olympia has a cost of living 3.67% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Olympia, WA has a cost-of-living index of 103.67 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $96,936 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $93,504 — a 3.54% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$69,260
2025 BLS Actual
$94,470
2026 Current Est.
$96,936
2019–2027 Growth
+43.6%
Salary Trajectory for Accountants in Olympia (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.61% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $69,260 | Actual |
| 2020 | $73,670 | Actual |
| 2021 | $81,090 | Actual |
| 2022 | $81,430 | Actual |
| 2023 | $82,510 | Actual |
| 2024 | $90,140 | Actual |
| 2025 | $94,470 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $96,936 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $99,466 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Olympia metropolitan area, the median accountant salary grew 36.4% from $69,260 (2019) to $94,470 (2025). At a 2.61% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $99,466 by 2027 — a total increase of $30,206 (43.61%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Olympia 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $68,400 – $79,769 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $79,769 – $96,936 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $96,936 – $116,247 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $116,247 – $130,900 |
CPA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual accountant compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Accountant Job Market in Olympia
Local employment figures indicate that approximately 1,330 accountants are currently working in Olympia, providing a supportive environment for career advancement. The cost of living index is slightly above the national average at 103.67, which means that while salaries are relatively robust, accounting professionals will need to strategically consider their take-home pay in relation to living expenses. Among the highest-paying employers are Big 4 firms, such as Deloitte and PwC, known for offering substantial salaries and extensive growth opportunities, though the regional and boutique firms also present competitive pay, particularly for specialized functions like tax and forensic accounting. The variation in salary can be attributed to factors such as the entry-to-senior pay gap linked to CPA licensure, the prestige associated with larger firms, and additional compensation in the form of bonuses during busy seasons. To maximize earnings, accounting professionals should actively pursue licensure, seek specialized certifications, and consider transitional roles in industry, which often provide increased compensation compared to public accounting.
More salary data for Olympia, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $94,470 for accountantsin the Olympia metropolitan area. A 2.61% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
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