FinanceOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Accountant Salary in Seattle
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$168,412/yr
Typical range: $141,745 – $187,487
P90 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Accountant salary by experience level in Seattle
Accountant Salary Progression in Seattle
From entry-level through staff — based on BLS OEWS percentile data
| Experience Level | Years | Percentile | Annual Salary | Monthly | vs Entry |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry | 0 yrs | 0 yrs | $64,454 | $5,371 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $83,166 | $6,931 | +29% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $97,027 | $8,086 | +51% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $116,849 | $9,737 | +81% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $168,412 | $14,034 | +161% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $229,123 | $19,094 | +255% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $244,301 | $20,358 | +279% |
Current Salary
$168,412
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $81/hr
Next Level Target
$229,123
Principal · 14
+$61Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
17/100
High Risk
+6% demand · Moderate AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead Accountant salary in Seattle, WA?
Staff / Lead Accountants in Seattle, WA earn approximately $168K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P90 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a staff / lead Accountant make per hour in Seattle, WA?
Based on $168K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $81/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead to senior Accountant in Seattle, WA?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Accountant in Seattle, WA earns $142K–$187K/yr.