FinanceOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Accountant Salary in Washington DC
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$169,907/yr
Typical range: $143,003 – $189,151
P90 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Accountant salary by experience level in Washington DC
Accountant Salary Progression in Washington DC
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 | $65,026 | $5,419 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $83,905 | $6,992 | +29% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $97,889 | $8,157 | +51% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $117,886 | $9,824 | +81% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $169,907 | $14,159 | +161% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $231,158 | $19,263 | +255% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $246,470 | $20,539 | +279% |
Current Salary
$169,907
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $82/hr
Next Level Target
$231,158
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 Washington DC, DC?
Staff / Lead Accountants in Washington DC, DC earn approximately $170K 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 Washington DC, DC?
Based on $170K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $82/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead to senior Accountant in Washington DC, DC?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Accountant in Washington DC, DC earns $143K–$189K/yr.