FinanceOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Certified Public Accountant Salary in Seattle
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$209,811/yr
Typical range: $176,588 – $233,575
P90 · 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-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $120,879 | $10,073 | +51% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $145,573 | $12,131 | +81% |
| StaffThis page | 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
$209,811
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $101/hr
Next Level Target
$285,447
Principal · 14
+$76Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
24/100
High Risk
+8% demand · Moderate AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead Certified Public Accountant salary in Seattle, WA?
Staff / Lead Certified Public Accountants in Seattle, WA earn approximately $210K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P90 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a staff / lead Certified Public Accountant make per hour in Seattle, WA?
Based on $210K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $101/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead 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.