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 Prospectuses  constituting  part of the Registration  Statements on Form S-3
(Nos. 333-24449 and 333-62041) of Barrett Business Services,  Inc. of our report
dated  February 8, 1999,  except as to Note 16, which is as of February 15, 1999
appearing on page F-1 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.



PRICEWATERHOUSECOOPERS LLP

Portland, Oregon
March 26, 1999