How to Become a Bookkeeper in Washington (2026)
Washington employs about 32,930 bookkeepers earning a median $58,620 a year (BLS OEWS, May 2025). Most bookkeepers train through an approved program before entering the field in Washington.
Compare Bookkeeper Schools in Washington
| # | School | BOC Score (0–100) | Tuition (published, per year) | Median grad earnings (all majors) | Graduation rate | Online | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bellevue College | 73.6 | $4,436 in-state / $10,502 out-of-state | $64,079 | 36% | Yes* | 58 mi |
| 2 | Lake Washington Institute of Technology | 68.9 | $5,997 in-state / $12,062 out-of-state | $55,891 | 37% | Yes* | 64 mi |
| 3 | Tacoma Community College | 68.9 | $5,507 in-state / $11,646 out-of-state | $55,189 | 32% | Yes* | 65 mi |
| 4 | Highline College | 68.6 | $4,772 in-state / $5,332 out-of-state | $59,261 | 35% | Yes* | 58 mi |
| 5 | Bates Technical College | 65.2 | $6,027 in-state / $12,165 out-of-state | Not reported | 43% | Yes* | 62 mi |
| 6 | Clover Park Technical College | 63.9 | $6,634 | $51,699 | 43% | Yes* | 63 mi |
| 7 | Renton Technical College | 63.3 | $6,308 in-state / $7,369 out-of-state | $56,466 | 46% | Yes* | 56 mi |
| 8 | Green River College | 56.8 | $4,711 in-state / $5,263 out-of-state | $60,643 | 39% | — | 51 mi |
| 9 | Yakima Valley College | 55.9 | $5,312 in-state / $5,873 out-of-state | $51,006 | 29% | — | 45 mi |
| 10 | Seattle Central College | 55.0 | $5,184 in-state / $5,745 out-of-state | $60,072 | 32% | — | 66 mi |
Schools closest to the page's primary location are gathered first, then ranked by BOC Score; distance from the page's primary location is shown for reference. The BOC Score is an independent measure of school outcomes (graduation, earnings, net price, retention) expressed as a 0–100 percentile within each school's peer group; higher is better and advertising never affects it. *Online availability refers to coursework; hands-on trade training is completed in person. Read the full methodology.
Washington employs approximately 32,930 bookkeepers according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, with a median annual wage of $58,620 1. Nationally, bookkeeper employment is projected to change by -5.6% from 2025 to 2035, with about 144,100 openings per year 2. This page covers how to become a Bookkeeper in Washington, including requirements, training programs, and salary data.
At a Glance
- Training paths: trade school or community college
- Typical timeline: varies by program; confirm with the school
- Median wage (Washington): $58,620 per year 1
Quick Answers About How to Become a Bookkeeper in Washington
How to become a Bookkeeper in Washington? Complete a training program or apprenticeship, gain work experience, and meet any state or employer requirements for bookkeepers in Washington.
How long does it take? bookkeeper training length in Washington varies by program. Confirm current requirements with the school and the state board before you enroll.
What do bookkeepers earn in Washington? The median annual wage for bookkeepers in Washington is $58,620 according to BLS data. Entry-level wages start around $45,070 and experienced professionals can earn $77,630 or more 1.
How to Become a Bookkeeper in Washington
- Finish high school or earn a GED. Most Washington training programs require a high school diploma or GED to enroll.
- Complete an approved training program. Enroll in an approved bookkeeper program in Washington that combines classroom instruction with supervised practice.
- Gain supervised work experience. Build documented on-the-job hours under a qualified supervisor; confirm the exact total currently required with the licensing board.
- Meet state and employer requirements. Confirm any registration, certification, or employer requirements that apply to bookkeepers in Washington before you start working.
Steps and hour totals vary by credential level; confirm current requirements with the state board before you apply.
Bookkeeper Wages by Metro Area in Washington
Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing Clerks Wages by Metro Area in Washington
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics ( OES data), bookkeeping, accounting, and auditing clerks wages in Washington vary by metro area.
| Metro Area | Employment | Median Annual Wage | Avg. Annual Wage | Entry Level (10th pctile) | Experienced (90th pctile) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Washington-Arlington-Alexandria | 18,550 | $59,290 | $60,030 | $41,520 | $79,390 |
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue | 17,860 | $60,460 | $62,510 | $47,720 | $79,330 |
| Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro | 12,170 | $57,040 | $57,700 | $40,260 | $75,490 |
| Spokane-Spokane Valley | 2,550 | $53,050 | $55,070 | $43,040 | $70,720 |
| Bellingham | 1,140 | $57,000 | $58,040 | $44,770 | $74,970 |
| Kennewick-Richland | 1,070 | $57,290 | $58,000 | $42,540 | $73,900 |
| Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater | 1,050 | $55,590 | $57,140 | $41,290 | $76,610 |
| Yakima | 940 | $53,560 | $55,590 | $41,800 | $71,930 |
| Bremerton-Silverdale-Port Orchard | 780 | $58,590 | $60,110 | $44,810 | $78,910 |
| Mount Vernon-Anacortes | 560 | $59,020 | $60,730 | $44,440 | $79,470 |
| Wenatchee-East Wenatchee | 510 | $55,120 | $57,330 | $41,660 | $77,230 |
| Longview-Kelso | 490 | $56,620 | $57,680 | $43,920 | $73,360 |
| Lewiston | 250 | $48,200 | $50,900 | $38,530 | $66,850 |
| Walla Walla | 250 | $51,410 | $54,470 | $42,340 | $67,950 |
Wages reflect survey data and vary based on experience, credentials, employer, and local market conditions. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May .
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the job outlook for bookkeepers in Washington? Washington currently employs approximately 32,930 bookkeepers 1. Nationally, bookkeeper employment is projected to change by -5.6% from 2025 to 2035 2.
What training programs are available in Washington? Options include trade schools, community colleges, and state-approved training programs. Use the school finder above to search for programs in Washington.
How much do bookkeepers earn in Washington compared to the national average? The median annual wage for bookkeepers in Washington is $58,620, which is $9,410 above the national median of $49,210 according to BLS data 1.
Related guides
In Washington
Top local programs
- Best Bookkeeper Schools in Aberdeen, Washington (2026)
- Best Bookkeeper Schools in Anacortes, Washington (2026)
- Best Bookkeeper Schools in Arlington, Washington (2026)
- Best Bookkeeper Schools in Auburn, Washington (2026)
- Best Bookkeeper Schools in Bainbridge Island, Washington (2026)
- Best Bookkeeper Schools in Battle Ground, Washington (2026)
- Best Bookkeeper Schools in Bellevue, Washington (2026)
- Best Bookkeeper Schools in Bellingham, Washington (2026)
- Best Bookkeeper Schools in Bonney Lake, Washington (2026)
- Best Bookkeeper Schools in Bothell, Washington (2026)
- Best Bookkeeper Schools in Bremerton, Washington (2026)
- Best Bookkeeper Schools in Burien, Washington (2026)
Related trades & nearby areas
- Best Carpenter Schools in Washington (2026)
- Best Electrician Schools in Washington
- Best HVAC Schools in Washington (2026)
- Best Plumber Schools in Washington
- Best Plumbing Schools in Washington (2026)
- Best Welder Schools in Washington
Explore More Trades in Washington
- Electrician in Washington
- Plumber in Washington
- HVAC Technician in Washington
- Welder in Washington
- Carpenter in Washington
- Solar Installation Technician in Washington
- Auto Mechanic in Washington
- CNC Machinist in Washington
- Certified Nursing Assistant in Washington
- Medical Assistant in Washington
Citations
About this guide: Researched and written by the TradeCareerPath Editorial Team. Our editorial team researches and sources every trade school and career guide using federal labor and education data, including BLS OEWS and Employment Projections, DOL apprenticeship records, IPEDS, College Scorecard, and state licensing boards. We follow the editorial standards documented at /editorial-policy/.
References
Bureau of Labor Statistics - Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics: https://www.bls.gov/oes/ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎
Bureau of Labor Statistics - Employment Projections: https://www.bls.gov/emp/ ↩︎ ↩︎
Data sources
Figures on this page are sourced from the federal and state datasets below. Methodology: how we rank and source data.
| Data | Provider | Vintage |
|---|---|---|
| Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) | U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics | May 2025 |
| Employment Projections | U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics | 2025-2035 |
| Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System | National Center for Education Statistics (IPEDS) | 2024 |
| College Scorecard (school-level outcomes) | U.S. Department of Education | latest release |
| College Scorecard (field-of-study earnings) | U.S. Department of Education | latest release (updated 2026-06-12) |
| Occupational licensing requirements | CareerOneStop (U.S. Department of Labor) | latest release (updated 2026-02-22) |
| Registered apprenticeship programs | CareerOneStop / Apprenticeship.gov (U.S. Department of Labor) | latest release (updated 2025-10-25) |
| O*NET occupation profiles (skills, tasks, tools, job zones) | U.S. Department of Labor (O*NET / Employment & Training Admin.) | O*NET 31.0 (updated 2026-10-14) |