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Bookkeeper Salaries in Washington — 2026 Overview

BLS 2026

How much does a bookkeeper make in Washington? The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports a median salary of $56,580/yr ($27.20/hr), with around 36,640 people working in this field statewide.

Bookkeeper salaries in Washington are above the national average by approximately $7,839. Washington has no state income tax.

Washington's booming economy means bookkeepers command premium wages compared to the national average.

Washington Bookkeeper Take-Home Pay Calculator

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Enter your gross annual salary to estimate take-home pay in Washington after federal tax, Social Security and Medicare. Washington has no state income tax.

Your annual gross salary ($)
Gross Annual
$56,580
Federal Tax (est.)
calculating...
FICA + State Tax
calculating...
Estimated Take-Home
$48,534

Estimate based on 2026 federal tax brackets, single filer, standard deduction. Washington has no state income tax. Does not account for local taxes or benefit deductions.

Am I Paid Fairly? — Washington Bookkeeper Check

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Enter your current salary to see how it compares to the Washington median of $56,580.

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Bookkeeper Salary by Experience — Washington

Entry Level (0–2 years)$35,100/yr · $16.88/hr
Beginning career, developing core skills under supervision in Washington.
Mid-Level (3–6 years)$50,356/yr · $24.21/hr
Established professional working independently in Washington. Pursuing advanced certifications.
Experienced (7–12 years)$62,803/yr · $30.19/hr
Senior professional with specialised skills commanding above-average pay in Washington.
Senior / Expert (12+ years)$81,500+/yr · $39.18/hr
Top earner. Leadership, management or highly specialised role in Washington.
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Bookkeeper Salary Trend in Washington — 2021 to 2026

5-Year Data

Bookkeeper salaries in Washington have grown an estimated 13.9% over the past five years, reflecting broader workforce and economic conditions. The growth reflects broader workforce and economic conditions in Washington's business and financial services.

2021
$49,677
2022
$52,562
+5.8%
2023
$54,995
+4.6%
2024
$55,901
+1.6%
2026
$56,580
+1.2%

Bookkeeper Salary by City — Washington

BLS Metro Data
City / Metro AreaAnnual MedianHourlyvs StateJobs
Seattle$62,800$30.19+11.0%12,824
Spokane$59,950$28.82+6.0%10,259
Tacoma$58,300$28.03+3.0%6,595
Vancouver$54,300$26.11-4.0%3,297
Bellevue$51,500$24.76-9.0%2,198
Kirkland$49,200$23.65-13.0%1,465

Tip: Seattle offers the highest bookkeeper salaries in Washington at $62,800/yr — +11.0% above the state average.

Washington vs Nearby States — Purchasing Power

Cost of Living Adjusted

Gross salary figures don't tell the whole story. After adjusting for state income tax, Washington compares favourably for bookkeepers.

Washington — No state income tax$56,580 gross~$48,534 take-home
Idaho — 5.8%$46,690 gross-17.5% vs WA
Oregon — 9.9%$50,180 gross-11.3% vs WA

Take-home estimates based on single filer, standard deduction, 2026 federal brackets. Washington has no state income tax.

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Bookkeeper Job Outlook in Washington

BLS Projections
+10%Job growth 2026–33
36,640Currently employed
3,664+New jobs projected

Employment for bookkeepers in Washington is projected to grow over the next decade, driven by strong demand across the Washington job market. Washington's booming economy means bookkeepers command premium wages compared to the national average.

How to Earn More as a Bookkeeper in Washington

1. Pursue advanced certification or licensing. Moving from entry to senior level as a bookkeeper in Washington typically adds $46,400 to your annual salary. Additional certifications from the AIPB Certification (voluntary) can accelerate this progression.

2. Target the highest-paying city. Seattle pays bookkeepers $62,800/yr — +11.0% above the Washington average. Simply relocating within Washington can meaningfully increase your income without changing careers.

3. Specialise in high-demand areas. Bookkeepers who specialise in business and financial services typically command premium rates in Washington. Identifying growing niches within your field is one of the fastest paths to higher pay.

4. Consider neighbouring states. Idaho pays bookkeepers $46,690/yr — -17.5% vs Washington.

Find Bookkeeper Jobs in Washington

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Frequently Asked Questions

What does a bookkeeper earn in Washington on average?
The average bookkeeper salary in Washington is $56,580 per year, or $27.20 per hour, based on the latest Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS data (2026 update). Entry-level positions start around $35,100 while experienced professionals earn $81,500 or more.
What city in Washington pays bookkeepers the most?
Seattle pays bookkeepers the most in Washington at an average of $62,800 per year — +11.0% above the state average.
How does Washington stack up nationally for bookkeeper pay?
Washington bookkeeper salaries are above the calculated national average by approximately $7,839. Washington has no state income tax.
What's the after-tax salary for bookkeepers in Washington?
A bookkeeper earning the Washington average of $56,580 takes home approximately $48,534 per year after federal income tax, Social Security and Medicare. Washington has no state income tax.
Are bookkeeper jobs worth pursuing in Washington?
Yes. Bookkeeper is a strong career choice in Washington with steady demand projected over the next decade. Washington's booming economy means bookkeepers command premium wages compared to the national average.
How do you become a licensed bookkeeper in Washington?
In Washington, bookkeepers are licensed through the AIPB Certification (voluntary). Requirements vary by specialisation level — contact the AIPB Certification (voluntary) for current examination and experience requirements.

Bookkeeper Salary in Nearby States

DATA SOURCE All salary data from Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS May 2024 survey. Employment projections from BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook. Full methodology →

Important disclaimer: Salary and wage data on WageByState is provided for informational purposes only. Figures are sourced from the Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS programme and represent median values across large populations — your individual earnings will vary. Take-home pay calculations are estimates and do not constitute tax advice. WageByState accepts no liability for decisions made based on information on this site. Not affiliated with the Bureau of Labor Statistics or any government agency.