FinanceOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/1003–5 years
3–5 Years Experience Certified Public Accountant Salary in Seattle
2026 · Professionals with 3–5 years building toward senior-level expertise.
$120,879/yr
Typical range: $94,987 – $176,588
P25–P50 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Certified Public Accountant salary by experience level in Seattle
Certified Public 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 | $80,298 | $6,692 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $103,610 | $8,634 | +29% |
| Mid-LevelThis page | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $120,879 | $10,073 | +51% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $145,573 | $12,131 | +81% |
| Staff | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $209,811 | $17,484 | +161% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $285,447 | $23,787 | +255% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $304,356 | $25,363 | +279% |
Current Salary
$120,879
3–5 Years Experience · 3–5 years
Hourly: $58/hr
Next Level Target
$145,573
Senior · 6
+$25Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
24/100
High Risk
+8% demand · Moderate AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the 3–5 years experience Certified Public Accountant salary in Seattle, WA?
3–5 Years Experience Certified Public Accountants in Seattle, WA earn approximately $121K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P25–P50 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a 3–5 years experience Certified Public Accountant make per hour in Seattle, WA?
Based on $121K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $58/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from 3–5 years experience to senior Certified Public Accountant in Seattle, WA?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Certified Public Accountant in Seattle, WA earns $177K–$234K/yr.