EXHIBIT 23 CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS We hereby consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statements on Form S-8 (Nos. 33-71792, 33-55117, and 33-52871) and on Form S-3 (No. 33-62979) of Barrett Business Services, Inc. of our report dated February 9, 1996 appearing on page 22 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Price Waterhouse LLP Portland, Oregon March 26, 1996