Accountant Salary in Washington, DC (2026)
Accountants and auditors prepare financial records, ensure accuracy, and assess financial operations for businesses and individuals.
Median Annual Salary
$108,670
in Washington · BLS OEWS
Real Purchasing Power
$99,203
adjusted for local cost of living
National Rank
#7
among cities with BLS data
Accountants in Washington
The median annual salary for a Accountant in Washington, DC is $108,670 per year, according to Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics data. This works out to approximately $9,056/month or $52/hour.
Compared to the median across all surveyed cities ($94,180), Washington pays 15% more than the typical city.
Washington has a cost of living index of 109.5 (US average = 100), so higher local costs reduce your real purchasing power. In inflation-adjusted terms, $108,670 in Washington is equivalent to $99,203 in a city at the US average cost of living.
BLS wage data is collected at the metropolitan statistical area (MSA) level, so this figure represents the Washington metro area, not just the city itself.
Top 10 Cities for Accountants by Salary
| # | City | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Newark, NJ | $121,970 |
| 2 | New York, NY | $121,970 |
| 3 | Jersey City, NJ | $121,970 |
| 4 | Berkeley, CA | $119,870 |
| 5 | San Francisco, CA | $119,870 |
| 6 | Oakland, CA | $119,870 |
| 7 | Washington, DCYou are here | $108,670 |
| 8 | Arlington, VA | $108,670 |
| 9 | Alexandria, VA | $108,670 |
| 10 | Tacoma, WA | $106,100 |
Source: BLS OEWS · Metro-level data
Other Occupations in Washington
| Occupation | Median Salary |
|---|---|
| Software Developer | $151,000 |
| Registered Nurse | $102,510 |
| Elementary School Teacher | $78,790 |
| Electrician | $78,580 |
Full cost of living profile for Washington
See median rent, home values, cost of living index, air quality, and more for Washington.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the median Accountant salary in Washington?
The median annual salary for a Accountant in Washington, DC is $108,670 per year, according to BLS OEWS data.
How does Washington Accountant pay compare nationally?
Washington Accountant pay ($108,670) is 15% above the median across surveyed cities ($94,180).
Does cost of living affect Accountant salaries in Washington?
Yes. Washington has a cost of living index of 109.5 (US average = 100). After adjusting for local prices, a $108,670 salary in Washington has the purchasing power of approximately $99,203 in an average-cost city.
Data last updated: June 1, 2026 · Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) · Methodology