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Cost Accountant III Salary in District of Columbia

How much does a Cost Accountant III make in District of Columbia?

As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Cost Accountant III in District of Columbia is $104,754 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $50.

However, a Cost Accountant III's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $120,092
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $98,606 to $112,783
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $93,008
Salary Factors Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Key Factors That Influence Cost Accountant III Salaries

A Cost Accountant III's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location and company size can directly affect your earning potential.

How Experience Level Affects Cost Accountant III Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Cost Accountant III's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:

  • Cost Accountant I (0-2 years): $74,736
  • Cost Accountant II (2-4 years): $88,246
  • Cost Accountant III (4-7 years): $104,754
  • Cost Accountant IV (7+ years): $121,268
  • Cost Accounting Supervisor (7+ years): $118,669
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Cost Accountant I0-2 years$74,736
Cost Accountant II2-4 years$88,246
Cost Accountant III4-7 years$104,754
Cost Accountant IV7+ years$121,268
Cost Accounting Supervisor7+ years$118,669
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How Do Cost Accountant IIIs Salaries Vary from State to State?

Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Cost Accountant IIIs. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $104,754.
  • California: $104,357.
  • Massachusetts: $102,966.

Top Paying Cities for Cost Accountant III

Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:

  • Parcel Return Service: $104,186
  • Washington: $104,187
  • Naval Anacost Annex: $104,182

Cost Accountant III Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Cost Accountant III salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $117,267. While startup companies pay approximate $99,205.

Cost Accountant III Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $99,205
Growth Stage 51~500 $104,921
Established 501~5000 $113,242
Enterprise 5000+ $117,267

Cost Accountant III Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Cost Accountant III roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 135% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Software & Networking and Internet sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 50% above the average. In contrast, Cost Accountant positions in Transportation or Telecom typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Cost Accountant III as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a Cost Accountant III

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Software & Networking$141,918$68.050%
Internet$132,457$64.040%
Pharmaceuticals$127,726$61.035%
Biotechnology$122,996$59.030%
Financial Services$118,265$57.025%

Cost Accountant III Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Cost Accountant III's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.

Last Updated on August 01, 2026
$98,606
Average $104,754/year
$112,783
$8,217
Average $8,730/month
$9,399
$1,896
Average $2,015/week
$2,169
$47
Average $50/hour
$54
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $112,783 $9,399 $2,169 $54
Average $104,754 $8,730 $2,015 $50
25th Percentile $98,606 $8,217 $1,896 $47

Cost Accountant III Salary Growth & Career Path

Cost Accountant III

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Advancement

For a Cost Accountant III, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Cost Accountant IV role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $121,268 - a projected growth of 16% over your current level.

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Cost of Living In District of Columbia

Cost of Living in District of Columbia is
10.7% Higher
than the National Average

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Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

Salary.com salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons are derived from both employer job postings and third-party data sources. We also provide multiple percentiles of salary information for your reference, click here to know Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial to Getting Pay Equity Right. With more online, real-time compensation data than any other website, Salary.com helps you determine your exact pay target.

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