FinanceOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Tax Specialist Salary in Seattle
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$220,163/yr
Typical range: $185,301 – $245,099
P90 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Tax Specialist salary by experience level in Seattle
Tax Specialist 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 | $84,260 | $7,022 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $108,722 | $9,060 | +29% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $126,843 | $10,570 | +51% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $152,755 | $12,730 | +81% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $220,163 | $18,347 | +161% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $299,530 | $24,961 | +255% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $319,372 | $26,614 | +279% |
Current Salary
$220,163
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $106/hr
Next Level Target
$299,530
Principal · 14
+$79Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
22/100
High Risk
+8% demand · Moderate AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead Tax Specialist salary in Seattle, WA?
Staff / Lead Tax Specialists in Seattle, WA earn approximately $220K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P90 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a staff / lead Tax Specialist make per hour in Seattle, WA?
Based on $220K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $106/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead to senior Tax Specialist in Seattle, WA?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Tax Specialist in Seattle, WA earns $185K–$245K/yr.