FinanceOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Certified Public Accountant Salary in Washington DC
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$219,460/yr
Typical range: $184,709 – $244,316
P90 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Certified Public Accountant salary by experience level in Washington DC
Certified Public 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 | $83,991 | $6,999 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $108,375 | $9,031 | +29% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $126,438 | $10,537 | +51% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $152,267 | $12,689 | +81% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $219,460 | $18,288 | +161% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $298,574 | $24,881 | +255% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $318,352 | $26,529 | +279% |
Current Salary
$219,460
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $106/hr
Next Level Target
$298,574
Principal · 14
+$79Kpotential 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 Washington DC, DC?
Staff / Lead Certified Public Accountants in Washington DC, DC earn approximately $219K 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 Washington DC, DC?
Based on $219K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $106/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead to senior Certified Public Accountant in Washington DC, DC?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Certified Public Accountant in Washington DC, DC earns $185K–$244K/yr.