Business & Finance Arlington, VA Pop. 238,643

Accountant Salary in Arlington, Virginia

The median accountant salary in Arlington, VA is $109,436 per year, which is 37.0% above the national median and 25.7% above the Virginia state average.

City Median
$109,436
vs State Avg
+$22,367
vs National
+$29,556
Cost of Living
132%

Accountant Pay in Arlington: What to Expect (2026)

Arlington offers a median accountant salary of $109,436, which is $22,367 above the Virginia state average of $87,069. Compared to the national median of $79,880, Arlington pays above average for this role.

However, Arlington's cost of living index is 132%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $109,436 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $82,906. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Arlington should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for accountants in Arlington spans from $69,048 at the 10th percentile to $181,936 at the 90th percentile — a $112,888 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $71,240, while senior accountants with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $164,400. With a population of 238,643, Arlington is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Accountant Salary in Arlington by Experience

In Arlington, an entry-level accountant earns around $71,240, while experienced professionals earn up to $164,400 per year. The local cost of living index is 132% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$71,240
+$19,240 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$109,600
+$29,600 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$164,400
+$44,400 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Arlington, VA

Percentile Arlington
10th Percentile $69,048
25th Percentile $85,899
Median (50th) $109,436
75th Percentile $140,288
90th Percentile $181,936

Accountant Salary in Other Virginia Cities

Virginia Beach, VA
$85,472
Pop. 449,974
Richmond, VA
$83,874
Pop. 226,610
Chesapeake, VA
$82,276
Pop. 249,422
Norfolk, VA
$80,679
Pop. 238,005

How to Become a Accountant in Arlington

Education

Most accountant positions require a bachelor's degree. Arlington and the surrounding Virginia area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

GAAPTax PreparationFinancial AnalysisQuickBooksExcelAuditing

Job Outlook

Nationally, accountant employment is projected to grow 4% over the next decade (as fast as average). Demand in Arlington may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Accountant Jobs in Arlington

Browse open accountant positions in Arlington, VA:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Accountant Salary in Arlington

How much does a Accountant make in Arlington, VA? ▼
The median accountant salary in Arlington, Virginia is $109,436 per year, which is 37.0% above the national median of $79,880. Salaries range from $69,048 (10th percentile) to $181,936 (90th percentile).
How much does a Accountant make per hour in Arlington? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $109,436, a accountant in Arlington earns approximately $53 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Arlington compare to the Virginia state average for accountant pay? ▼
Arlington's median accountant salary of $109,436 is 25.7% above the Virginia state average of $87,069. The local cost of living index is 132% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Arlington, VA? ▼
Arlington has a cost of living index of 132% compared to the national average. This means a accountant salary of $109,436 in Arlington has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a accountant in Arlington? ▼
Most accountant positions in Arlington require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include GAAP, Tax Preparation, Financial Analysis, QuickBooks. The job market is projected to grow 4% nationally over the next decade.