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, 33-52871 and 333-33487) and in
the  Prospectus  constituting  part of the  Registration  Statements on Form S-3
(Nos. 33-62979,  333-07751 and 333-24449) of Barrett Business Services,  Inc. of
our report dated  February 11, 1998  appearing on page F-1 of this Annual Report
on Form 10-K.





PRICE WATERHOUSE LLP

Portland, Oregon
March 31, 1998