May 31, 1999




BARRETT BUSINESS SERVICES, INC.
4724 SW Macadam Avenue
Portland, OR 97201

Gentlemen:

         This  letter  amendment  (this  "Amendment")  is to confirm the changes
agreed upon between Wells Fargo Bank, National  Association ("Bank") and Barrett
Business Services, Inc. ("Borrower") to the terms and conditions of that certain
letter agreement  between Bank and Borrower dated as of May 31, 1998, as amended
from time to time (the "Agreement"). For valuable consideration, the receipt and
sufficiency  of which are hereby  acknowledged,  Bank and Borrower  hereby agree
that the Agreement shall be amended as follows to reflect said changes.

         1. The  Agreement is hereby  amended (a) by deleting  "May 31, 1999" as
the last day on which Bank will make advances  under the Line of Credit,  and by
substituting  for said date "May 31, 2000," and (b) by deleting  "Seven  Million
Six Hundred Fifty Thousand  Dollars  ($7,650,000.00)"  as the maximum  principal
amount  available  under Line of Credit,  and by  substituting  for said  amount
"Twelve  Million  Dollars  ($12,000,000.00),"  with such changes to be effective
upon the execution and delivery to Bank of a promissory  note  substantially  in
the form of Exhibit A attached  hereto (which  promissory note shall replace and
be deemed the Line of Credit Note defined in and made pursuant to the Agreement)
and all other contracts,  instruments and documents required by Bank to evidence
such change.

         2. The following is hereby added to the Agreement as Paragraph 3.:

                           "3.  A term  loan in the  principal  amount  of Eight
                  Million Dollars  ($8,000,000.00) ("Term Loan A"), the proceeds
                  of  which  shall  be used for  acquisition  of other  business
                  operations.  Bank's  commitment to grant the Term Loan A shall
                  terminate on June 30, 1999."

         3.  Paragraph  I.1. (b) of the Agreement is hereby  amended by deleting
"Seven  Million Six  Hundred  Fifty  Thousand  Dollars  ($7,650,000.00)"  as the
aggregate  undrawn  amount  of  all


Barrett Business Services, Inc.
May 31, 1999
Page 2



outstanding Letters of Credit, and by substituting for said amount "Five Million
Dollars ($5,000,000.00)."

         4. Paragraph I.3. is hereby renumbered to paragraph I.4.

         5. The following is hereby added to the Agreement as Paragraph I.3:

                           "3. TERM LOAN A:

         (a) Term Note A.  Borrower's  obligation to repay the Term Loan A shall
be  evidenced  by a  promissory  note  substantially  in the form of  Exhibit  C
attached hereto ("Term Note A"), all terms of which are  incorporated  herein by
this reference.

         (b) Repayment.  The principal amount of the Term Loan A shall be repaid
in accordance with the provisions of the Term Note A.

         (c) Prepayment. Borrower may prepay principal on the Term Loan A solely
in accordance with the provisions of the Term Note A."

         6. Paragraph II.1. is hereby deleted in its entirety, and the following
substituted therefor:

                           "1. Interest.  The outstanding  principal  balance of
                  the Line of  Credit,  Term  Loan and  Term  Loan A shall  bear
                  interest  at the  rates of  interest  set forth in the Line of
                  Credit Note, Term Note and Term Note A.

                           (a) Computation and Payment.  Interest on the Line of
                  Credit and the Term Loan A shall be computed on the basis of a
                  360-day year,  actual days elapsed.  Interest on the Term Loan
                  shall be computed on the basis of a 366-day year,  actual days
                  elapsed.  Interest shall be payable at the times and place set
                  forth in the Line of Credit Note, Term Note and Term Note A."

         7. Paragraph II.2. is hereby deleted in its entirety, and the following
substituted therefor:

                           "2. Unused Commitment Fee. Borrower shall pay to Bank
                  a fee equal to one hundred fifteen hundredths percent (0.150%)
                  per annum (computed on the basis of a 360-day year,



Barrett Business Services, Inc.
May 31, 1999
Page 3


                  actual days elapsed) on the average daily unused amount of the
                  Line of Credit,  which fee shall be  calculated on a quarterly
                  basis by Bank and  shall be due and  payable  by  Borrower  in
                  arrears on the last day of each  March,  June,  September  and
                  December."

         8. Paragraph V.8. is hereby deleted in its entirety,  and the following
substituted therefor:

                           "8.   Financial   Condition.    Maintain   Borrower's
                  financial   condition  as  follows  using  generally  accepted
                  accounting   principles    consistently   applied   and   used
                  consistently  with  prior  practices  (except  to  the  extent
                  modified by the definitions herein):

                           (a) Working  Capital as of end of each fiscal quarter
                  not less than  $5,500,000  at 6/30/99,  $6,500,000 at 9/30/99,
                  $7,500,000  at 12/31/99 and 3/31/00 and  $8,000,000 at 6/30/00
                  and  thereafter,  with  "Working  Capital"  defined  as  total
                  current assets minus total current liabilities.

                           (b)  EBITDA  not less than  $8,000,000.00  as of each
                  fiscal  quarter  end,  on  a  trailing   four-quarters   basis
                  including  the  current  quarter  then  ended,  with  "EBITDA"
                  defined as net profit before tax plus interest expense (net of
                  capitalized   interest  expense),   depreciation  expense  and
                  amortization expense.

                           (c) Funded Debt to EBITDA Ratio as of the end of each
                  fiscal  quarter not more than 2.25 to 1.0,  with "Funded Debt"
                  defined  as  all  borrowed   funds  plus  the  amount  of  all
                  capitalized lease obligations of Borrower.

         9. Paragraph V.9. is hereby deleted in its entirety,  and the following
substituted therefor:

                           "9. Merger,  Consolidation,  Transfer of Assets.  Not
                  merge into or consolidate with any other entity;  nor make any
                  substantial  change in the nature of  Borrower's  business  as
                  conducted  as  of  the  date   hereof;   nor  acquire  all  or
                  substantially  all of the  assets of any  other  entity in any
                  transaction



Barrett Business Services, Inc.
May 31, 1999
Page 4



                  involving a purchase price of  $20,000,000.00  or more without
                  the prior written  approval of Bank,  which approval shall not
                  be  unreasonably   withheld;  nor  sell,  lease,  transfer  or
                  otherwise  dispose of all or a substantial or material portion
                  of  Borrower's  assets,  except in the ordinary  course of its
                  business."

         10.  Paragraph  V.12.  is  hereby  deleted  in its  entirety,  and  the
following substituted therefor:

                           "12. Pledge of Assets. Not mortgage, pledge, grant or
                  permit to exist a security  interest in, or lien upon,  all or
                  any  portion  of  Borrower's  assets  now  owned or  hereafter
                  acquired,  except  any of the  foregoing  in  favor of Bank or
                  which are  existing  as of, and  disclosed  to Bank in writing
                  prior to, the date hereof,  and except security  interests for
                  the purchase or lease of assets up to an  aggregate  principal
                  amount of $25,000.00."

         11. The following is hereby added to the Agreement as Paragraph V.14.:

                           "14. Other Indebtedness. Not create, incur, assume or
                  permit to exist any indebtedness or liabilities resulting from
                  borrowings,  loans or advances,  whether secured or unsecured,
                  matured or  unmatured,  liquidated or  unliquidated,  joint or
                  several,  except (a) the  liabilities of Borrower to Bank, (b)
                  any  other   liabilities  of  Borrower  existing  as  of,  and
                  disclosed  to Bank  prior  to,  the date  hereof,  and (c) the
                  unsecured  liabilities  of  Borrower  to sellers of  companies
                  acquired  by  Borrower,  the total of which  shall not  exceed
                  $3,500,000.00  at  any  point  in  time,  without  prior  Bank
                  approval."

         12. Borrower shall pay to Bank a  non-refundable  loan fee for the Term
Loan A equal to $10,000.00,  which fee shall be due and payable in full upon the
execution of the documents.

         13. Except as specifically provided herein, all terms and conditions of
the Agreement  remain in full force and effect,  without waiver or modification.
All terms defined in the



Barrett Business Services, Inc.
May 31, 1999
Page 5



Agreement  shall have the same meaning when used herein.  This Amendment and the
Agreement shall be read together, as one document.

         14.  Borrower  hereby  remakes  all   representations   and  warranties
contained in the  Agreement  and  reaffirms  all  covenants  set forth  therein.
Borrower further certifies that as of the date of Borrower's  acknowledgment set
forth  below  there  exists no  default or  defined  event of default  under the
Agreement  or any  promissory  note or other  contract,  instrument  or document
executed in connection therewith, nor any condition, act or event which with the
giving of notice or the passage of time or both would  constitute such a default
or defined event of default.

UNDER OREGON LAW, MOST  AGREEMENTS,  PROMISES AND COMMITMENTS MADE BY BANK AFTER
OCTOBER 3, 1989 CONCERNING  LOANS AND OTHER CREDIT  EXTENSIONS WHICH ARE NOT FOR
PERSONAL,  FAMILY OR  HOUSEHOLD  PURPOSES  OR SECURED  SOLELY BY THE  BORROWER'S
RESIDENCE MUST BE IN WRITING,  EXPRESS CONSIDERATION AND BE SIGNED BY BANK TO BE
ENFORCEABLE.

         Your  acknowledgment  of this Amendment shall constitute  acceptance of
the foregoing terms and conditions.


                                            Sincerely,

                                            WELLS FARGO BANK,
                                             NATIONAL ASSOCIATION


                                            By: /s/ Julie Wilson
                                                  Julie Wilson
                                                  Vice President


Acknowledged and accepted as of 6-1-99:


BARRETT BUSINESS SERVICES, INC.

By: /s/ Michael D. Mulholland

Title: Vice President - Finance



Portland RCBO
1300 S.W. Fifth Ave. T-13
Portland, OR 97201








                                  May 31, 1998



Barrett Business Services, Inc.
4724 SW Macadam Avenue
Portland, OR 97201

Dear Sir:

         This letter is to confirm that Wells Fargo Bank,  National  Association
("Bank"),  subject to all terms and conditions  contained herein,  has agreed to
make available to Barrett  Business  Services,  Inc.  ("Borrower") the following
described  credit  accommodations  (each,  a  "Credit"  and  collectively,   the
"Credits"):

         1. A revolving  line of credit  under which Bank will make  advances to
Borrower from time to time up to and  including  May 31, 1999,  not to exceed at
any time the maximum principal amount of Five Million Six Hundred Fifty Thousand
Dollars  ($5,650,000.00) ("Line of Credit"), the proceeds of which shall be used
for working capital requirements.

         2.  A term  loan  in  the  original  principal  amount  of Six  Hundred
Ninety-three  Thousand Seven Hundred Fifty Dollars  ($693,750.00) ("Term Loan"),
on which the outstanding principal balance as of the date hereof is $550,985.16.
Subject to the terms and  conditions of this letter,  Bank hereby  confirms that
the Term Loan remains in full force and effect.


I.       CREDIT TERMS:

         1. LINE OF CREDIT:

         (a) Line of Credit Note.  Borrower's obligation to repay advances under
the Line of Credit shall be evidenced by a promissory note  substantially in the
form of Exhibit A attached  hereto ("Line of Credit  Note"),  all terms of which
are incorporated herein by this reference.

         (b)  Letter of Credit  Subfeature.  As a  subfeature  under the Line of
Credit,  Bank agrees from time to time during the term thereof to issue  standby
letters of credit for the account of




Barrett Business Services, Inc.
May 31, 1998
Page 2



Borrower  (each,  a "Letter of Credit" and  collectively,  "Letters of Credit");
provided however,  that the form and substance of each Letter of Credit shall be
subject to approval by Bank, in its sole discretion;  and provided further, that
the aggregate  undrawn amount of all outstanding  Letters of Credit shall not at
any time exceed Five Million Six Hundred Fifty Thousand Dollars ($5,650,000.00).
Each  Letter of Credit  shall be issued  for a term not to exceed  365 days,  as
designated by Borrower; provided however, that no Letter of Credit shall have an
expiration  date more than ninety (90) days beyond the maturity date of the Line
of Credit.  The undrawn  amount of all Letters of Credit shall be reserved under
the Line of Credit and shall not be available for  borrowings  thereunder.  Each
Letter of Credit shall be subject to the additional  terms and conditions of the
Letter of Credit Agreement and related  documents,  if any,  required by Bank in
connection with the issuance thereof.  Each draft paid by Bank under a Letter of
Credit  shall be deemed an advance  under the Line of Credit and shall be repaid
by  Borrower  in  accordance  with  the  terms  and  conditions  of this  letter
applicable to such advances;  provided however,  that if advances under the Line
of Credit are not  available,  for any reason,  at the time any draft is paid by
Bank, then Borrower shall immediately pay to Bank the full amount of such draft,
together with interest  thereon from the date such amount is paid by Bank to the
date such amount is fully repaid by Borrower, at the rate of interest applicable
to advances under the Line of Credit.  In such event Borrower  agrees that Bank,
in its sole  discretion,  may debit any demand  deposit  account  maintained  by
Borrower with Bank for the amount of any such draft.

         (c) Borrowing and Repayment.  Borrower may from time to time during the
term of the Line of Credit  borrow,  partially or wholly  repay its  outstanding
borrowings,  and  reborrow,  subject  to  all  of  the  limitations,  terms  and
conditions  contained  herein or in the Line of Credit Note;  provided  however,
that the total outstanding  borrowings under the Line of Credit shall not at any
time exceed the maximum  principal  amount  available  thereunder,  as set forth
above. Notwithstanding the foregoing,  Borrower shall maintain a zero balance on
advances under the Line of Credit for a period of at least 30  consecutive  days
during each fiscal year.

         2. TERM LOAN:

         (a)  Term  Note.  Borrower's  obligation  to  repay  the  Term  Loan is
evidenced by a promissory note  substantially  in the form of Exhibit B attached
hereto  ("Term  Note"),  all  terms of which  are  incorporated  herein  by this
reference. Any reference in the



Barrett Business Services, Inc.
May 31, 1998
Page 3



Term Note to any prior loan agreement  between Bank and Borrower shall be deemed
a reference to this letter.

         (b)  Repayment.  The  principal  and  interest  on the Term Loan  shall
continue to be repaid in accordance with the provisions of the Term Note.

         (c) Prepayment.  Borrower may prepay  principal on the Term Loan solely
in accordance with the provisions of the Term Note.

         3.       COLLATERAL:

         As  security  for all  indebtedness  of Borrower to Bank under the Term
Loan,  Borrower  hereby grants to Bank a lien of not less than first priority on
that certain real property located at 4724 SW Macadam Avenue, Portland, OR.

         All of the foregoing  shall be evidenced by and subject to the terms of
such  security  agreements,  financing  statements,  deeds  of trust  and  other
documents  as  Bank  shall  reasonably  require,   all  in  form  and  substance
satisfactory to Bank.  Borrower shall reimburse Bank immediately upon demand for
all costs and expenses  incurred by Bank in connection with any of the foregoing
security,  including without limitation,  filing and recording fees and costs of
appraisals, audits and title insurance.


II.      INTEREST/FEES:

         1. Interest.  The outstanding  principal  balance of the Line of Credit
and the Term Loan shall bear  interest at the rates of interest set forth in the
Line of Credit Note and the Term Note.

         a.  Computation  and  Payment.  Interest on the Line of Credit shall be
computed on the basis of a 360-day year,  actual days  elapsed.  Interest on the
Term Loan shall be computed on the basis of a 366-day year, actual days elapsed.
Interest shall be payable at the times and place set forth in the Line of Credit
Note and the Term Note.

         2. Unused  Commitment  Fee.  Borrower  shall pay to Bank a fee equal to
one-eighth  percent (0.125%) per annum (computed on the basis of a 360-day year,
actual days  elapsed) on the average  daily unused amount of the Line of Credit,
which fee shall be calculated on a quarterly basis by Bank and shall be due and



Barrett Business Services, Inc.
May 31, 1998
Page 4



payable by Borrower in arrears on the last day of each  March,  June,  September
and December.

         3.  Letter of  Credit  Fees.  Borrower  shall pay to Bank fees upon the
issuance of each Letter of Credit,  upon the payment or  negotiation  by Bank of
each  draft  under any  Letter of Credit  and upon the  occurrence  of any other
activity with respect to any Letter of Credit (including without limitation, the
transfer,  amendment  or  cancellation  of any Letter of Credit)  determined  in
accordance  with  Bank's  standard  fees and  charges  then in  effect  for such
activity, but at any event not more than 90 basis points.

         4.  Collection  of Payments.  Borrower  authorizes  Bank to collect all
principal, interest and fees due under each Credit by charging Borrower's demand
deposit  account  number  4159-583848  with Bank,  or any other  demand  deposit
account  maintained by Borrower with Bank, for the full amount  thereof.  Should
there be  insufficient  funds in any such demand deposit account to pay all such
sums when due, the full amount of such  deficiency  shall be immediately due and
payable by Borrower.


III.     REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES:

         Borrower  makes the following  representations  and warranties to Bank,
which  representations and warranties shall survive the execution of this letter
and shall  continue in full force and effect  until the full and final  payment,
and satisfaction  and discharge,  of all obligations of Borrower to Bank subject
to this letter.

         1. Legal Status. Borrower is a corporation, duly organized and existing
and in good standing  under the laws of the state of Maryland,  and is qualified
or licensed to do business in all  jurisdictions in which such  qualification or
licensing is required or in which the failure to so qualify or to be so licensed
could have a material adverse effect on Borrower.

         2.  Authorization and Validity.  This letter,  the Line of Credit Note,
the Term Note, and each other document,  contract or instrument deemed necessary
by Bank to evidence any  extension  of credit to Borrower  pursuant to the terms
and conditions  hereof, or now or at any time hereafter required by or delivered
to Bank in connection with this letter (collectively, the "Loan Documents") have
been duly  authorized,  and upon their execution and delivery in accordance with
the provisions  hereof will constitute legal,  valid and binding  agreements and
obligations of



Barrett Business Services, Inc.
May 31, 1998
Page 5



Borrower or the party which executes the same,  enforceable  in accordance  with
their respective terms.

         3. No Violation. The execution, delivery and performance by Borrower of
each  of the  Loan  Documents  do  not  violate  any  provision  of  any  law or
regulation,  or  contravene  any provision of the Articles of  Incorporation  or
By-Laws of Borrower,  or result in a breach of or constitute a default under any
contract, obligation, indenture or other instrument to which Borrower is a party
or by which Borrower may be bound.

         4.  Litigation.  There  are no  pending,  or to the best of  Borrower's
knowledge threatened,  actions, claims, investigations,  suits or proceedings by
or before any governmental authority, arbitrator, court or administrative agency
which  could  have a  material  adverse  effect on the  financial  condition  or
operation of Borrower other than those  disclosed by Borrower to Bank in writing
prior to the date hereof.

         5.  Correctness  of Financial  Statement.  The  financial  statement of
Borrower  dated  March 31,  1998,  a true copy of which  has been  delivered  by
Borrower  to Bank prior to the date  hereof,  (a) is  complete  and  correct and
presents  fairly  the  financial  condition  of  Borrower,   (b)  discloses  all
liabilities  of Borrower  that are required to be reflected or reserved  against
under  generally   accepted   accounting   principles,   whether  liquidated  or
unliquidated,  fixed or contingent, and (c) has been prepared in accordance with
generally accepted accounting principles consistently applied. Since the date of
such  financial  statement  there  has been no  material  adverse  change in the
condition or operation of Borrower, nor has Borrower mortgaged, pledged, granted
a security  interest in or otherwise  encumbered any of its assets or properties
except in favor of Bank or as otherwise permitted by Bank in writing.

         6.  Income  Tax  Returns.  Borrower  has no  knowledge  of any  pending
assessments or adjustments of its income tax payable with respect to any year.

         7. No  Subordination.  There is no  agreement,  indenture,  contract or
instrument to which  Borrower is a party or by which  Borrower may be bound that
requires the subordination in right of payment of any of Borrower's  obligations
subject to this letter to any other obligation of Borrower.

         8. Permits, Franchises. Borrower possesses, and will hereafter possess,
all permits,  consents,  approvals,  franchises  and  licenses  required and all
rights to trademarks, trade names,



Barrett Business Services, Inc.
May 31, 1998
Page 6



patents and  fictitious  names,  if any,  necessary  to enable it to conduct the
business in which it is now engaged in compliance with applicable law.

         9.  ERISA.  To  the  best  of  Borrower's  knowledge,  Borrower  is  in
compliance  in all  material  respects  with all  applicable  provisions  of the
Employee  Retirement  Income Security Act of 1974, as amended or recodified from
time to time  ("ERISA");  Borrower has not violated any provision of any defined
employee pension benefit plan (as defined in ERISA) maintained or contributed to
by Borrower  (each, a "Plan");  no Reportable  Event,  as defined in ERISA,  has
occurred  and is  continuing  with  respect to any Plan  initiated  by Borrower;
Borrower has met its minimum  funding  requirements  under ERISA with respect to
each Plan; and each Plan will be able to fulfill its benefit obligations as they
come due in  accordance  with the Plan  documents and under  generally  accepted
accounting principles.

         10. Other Obligations. Borrower is not in default on any obligation for
borrowed  money,  any purchase  money  obligation or any other  material  lease,
commitment, contract, instrument or obligation.

         11. Environmental  Matters.  Except as disclosed by Borrower to Bank in
writing  prior to the date  hereof,  Borrower is in  compliance  in all material
respects with all applicable  federal or state  environmental,  hazardous waste,
health  and  safety  statutes,  and any rules or  regulations  adopted  pursuant
thereto,  which govern or affect any of Borrower's operations and/or properties,
including  without  limitation,   the  Comprehensive   Environmental   Response,
Compensation   and  Liability  Act  of  1980,   the  Superfund   Amendments  and
Reauthorization Act of 1986, the Federal Resource  Conservation and Recovery Act
of 1976, and the Federal Toxic Substances Control Act, as any of the same may be
amended,  modified or supplemented  from time to time. None of the operations of
Borrower is the subject of any federal or state investigation evaluating whether
any remedial action  involving a material  expenditure is needed to respond to a
release  of any toxic or  hazardous  waste or  substance  into the  environment.
Borrower has no material contingent  liability in connection with any release of
any toxic or hazardous waste or substance into the environment.

         12. Real Property  Collateral.  Except as disclosed by Borrower to Bank
in  writing  prior  to the  date  hereof,  with  respect  to any  real  property
collateral required hereby:



Barrett Business Services, Inc.
May 31, 1998
Page 7



         (a) All taxes, governmental assessments, insurance premiums, and water,
sewer and municipal charges,  and rents (if any) which previously became due and
owing in respect thereof have been paid as of the date hereof.

         (b) There are no  construction  or similar  liens or claims  which have
been filed for work, labor or material (and no rights are outstanding that under
law could give rise to any such lien)  which  affect all or any  interest in any
such real property and which are or may be prior to or equal to the lien thereon
in favor of Bank.

         (c)  None of the  improvements  which  were  included  for  purpose  of
determining  the  appraised  value of any such real property lies outside of the
boundaries  and/or building  restriction  lines thereof,  and no improvements on
adjoining properties materially encroach upon any such real property.

         (d)  There  is no  pending,  or to the  best  of  Borrower's  knowledge
threatened,  proceeding  for the  total or  partial  condemnation  of all or any
portion of any such real property,  and all such real property is in good repair
and free and clear of any damage that would  materially and adversely affect the
value thereof as security and/or the intended use thereof.


IV. CONDITIONS:

         1. Conditions of Initial Extension of Credit. The obligation of Bank to
grant any of the Credits is subject to fulfillment to Bank's satisfaction of all
of the following conditions:

         (a) Documentation. Bank shall have received each of the Loan Documents,
duly executed and in form and substance satisfactory to Bank.

         (b)  Financial  Condition.  There shall have been no  material  adverse
change,  as  determined  by Bank,  in the  financial  condition  or  business of
Borrower,  nor any material decline,  as determined by Bank, in the market value
of any collateral required hereunder or a substantial or material portion of the
assets of Borrower.

         (c)  Insurance.  Borrower  shall have  delivered  to Bank  evidence  of
insurance  coverage on all Borrower's  property,  in form,  substance,  amounts,
covering risks and issued by companies  satisfactory to Bank, and where required
by Bank, with loss payable endorsements in favor of Bank, including without




Barrett Business Services, Inc.
May 31, 1998
Page 8



limitation,  policies of fire and extended coverage  insurance covering all real
property  collateral  required hereby,  with replacement cost and mortgagee loss
payable  endorsements,  and such policies of insurance  against specific hazards
affecting any such real property as may be required by  governmental  regulation
or Bank.

         (d)  Appraisals.  Bank shall have  obtained,  at  Borrower's  cost,  an
appraisal of all real property  collateral required hereby, and all improvements
thereon,  issued by an appraiser  acceptable to Bank and in form,  substance and
reflecting values satisfactory to Bank, in its discretion.

         (e) Title  Insurance.  Bank shall have received an ALTA Policy of Title
Insurance,  with such endorsements as Bank may require,  issued by a company and
in form  and  substance  satisfactory  to Bank,  in such  amount  as Bank  shall
require, insuring Bank's lien on the real property collateral required hereby to
be of first  priority,  subject only to such exceptions as Bank shall approve in
its discretion, with all costs thereof to be paid by Borrower.

         2.  Conditions of Each  Extension of Credit.  The obligation of Bank to
make each extension of credit  requested by Borrower  hereunder shall be subject
to the fulfillment to Bank's satisfaction of each of the following conditions:

         (a) Compliance. The representations and warranties contained herein and
in each of the other Loan  Documents  shall be true on and as of the date of the
signing  of this  letter  and on the date of each  extension  of  credit by Bank
pursuant  hereto,  with the same  effect  as  though  such  representations  and
warranties  had been made on and as of each such date, and on each such date, no
default  hereunder,  and no  condition,  event or act which  with the  giving of
notice or the  passage of time or both would  constitute  such a default,  shall
have occurred and be continuing or shall exist.

         (b)  Documentation.  Bank shall have received all additional  documents
which may be required in connection with such extension of credit.


V.       COVENANTS:

         Borrower covenants that so long Bank remains committed to extend credit
to Borrower pursuant hereto,  or any liabilities  (whether direct or contingent,
liquidated or unliquidated) of



Barrett Business Services, Inc.
May 31, 1998
Page 9



Borrower to Bank under any of the Loan Documents remain  outstanding,  and until
payment in full of all obligations of Borrower  subject hereto,  Borrower shall,
unless Bank otherwise consents in writing:

         1. Punctual Payment.  Punctually pay all principal,  interest,  fees or
other liabilities due under any of the Loan Documents at the times and place and
in the manner specified therein.

         2.  Accounting   Records.   Maintain  adequate  books  and  records  in
accordance with generally accepted accounting  principles  consistently applied,
and permit any representative of Bank, at any reasonable time, to inspect, audit
and examine such books and  records,  to make copies of the same and inspect the
properties of Borrower.

         3. Financial Statements.  Provide to Bank all of the following, in form
and detail satisfactory to Bank:

         (a) not later than 95 days after and as of the end of each fiscal year,
an audited financial statement of Borrower, prepared by an independent certified
public  accountant   acceptable  to  Bank,  to  include  balance  sheet,  income
statement,  statement  of  cash  flow,  and  source  and  application  of  funds
statement,  and a copy of Borrower's  Form 10-K report filed with the Securities
and Exchange Commission;

         (b)  not  later  than 50 days  after  and as of the end of each  fiscal
quarter,  a copy of Borrower's  Form 10-Q report filed with the  Securities  and
Exchange Commission;

         (c) from time to time such  other  information  as Bank may  reasonably
request,   including  without  limitation,   copies  of  rent  rolls  and  other
information with respect to any real property collateral required hereby.

         4.   Compliance.   Preserve  and  maintain   all   licenses,   permits,
governmental  approvals,  rights,  privileges and  franchises  necessary for the
conduct  of its  business;  and  comply  with the  provisions  of all  documents
pursuant to which Borrower is organized and/or which govern Borrower's continued
existence and with the requirements of all laws,  rules,  regulations and orders
of a governmental agency applicable to Borrower and/or its business.

         5. Insurance.  Maintain and keep in force insurance of the types and in
amounts customarily carried in lines of business



Barrett Business Services, Inc.
May 31, 1998
Page 10



similar  to that of  Borrower,  including  but not  limited  to  fire,  extended
coverage,  public liability,  flood, property damage and workers'  compensation,
with all such insurance  carried with companies and in amounts  satisfactory  to
Bank, and deliver to Bank from time to time at Bank's request  schedules setting
forth all insurance then in effect.

         6.  Facilities.  Keep all properties  useful or necessary to Borrower's
business  in good  repair and  condition,  and from time to time make  necessary
repairs,  renewals and  replacements  thereto so that such  properties  shall be
fully and efficiently preserved and maintained.

         7. Taxes and Other Liabilities.  Pay and discharge when due any and all
indebtedness,  obligations,  assessments  and  taxes,  both  real  or  personal,
including without  limitation federal and state income taxes and state and local
property  taxes and  assessments,  except (a) such as Borrower may in good faith
contest or as to which a bona fide dispute may arise, and (b) for which Borrower
has made provision, to Bank's satisfaction,  for eventual payment thereof in the
event Borrower is obligated to make such payment.

         8. Financial  Condition.  Maintain  Borrower's  financial  condition as
follows using generally accepted accounting principles  consistently applied and
used  consistently  with prior  practices  (except to the extent modified by the
definitions herein):

         Total Liabilities divided by Net Worth not at any time greater than 1.5
to 1.0, with "Total Liabilities" defined as the aggregate of current liabilities
and  non-current  liabilities,  and with "Net Worth" defined as the aggregate of
assets minus liabilities.

         9.  Merger,  Consolidation,  Transfer  of  Assets.  Not  merge  into or
consolidate with any other entity; nor make any substantial change in the nature
of  Borrower's  business as conducted as of the date hereof;  nor acquire all or
substantially all of the assets of any other entity in any transaction involving
$20,000,000.00  or more  without  the  prior  written  approval  of Bank,  which
approval  shall not be  unreasonably  withheld;  nor sell,  lease,  transfer  or
otherwise  dispose of all or a  substantial  or material  portion of  Borrower's
assets except in the ordinary course of its business.

         10.  Guaranties.  Not  guarantee or become liable in any way as surety,
endorser (other than as endorser of negotiable



Barrett Business Services, Inc.
May 31, 1998
Page 11



instruments  for deposit or  collection  in the  ordinary  course of  business),
accommodation endorser or otherwise for, nor pledge or hypothecate any assets of
Borrower as security for, any  liabilities or obligations of any other person or
entity, except any of the foregoing in favor of Bank.

         11. Loans, Advances,  Investments. Not make any loans or advances to or
investments in any person or entity, except any of the foregoing existing as of,
and  disclosed  to Bank prior to, the date  hereof,  or any loans or advances or
investments made in the normal course,  such as short term advances to employees
or investments of excess cash.

         12. Pledge of Accounts.  Borrower shall give Bank at least fifteen (15)
days prior notice of any intent by Borrower to pledge,  grant or permit to exist
a security interest in, or lien upon, any of its accounts,  general  intangibles
that constitute payment of rights, and other rights to payment,  (the foregoing,
together   with  the  proceeds   thereof   being,   collectively,   "Receivables
Collateral") in favor of any party other than Bank (an "Other Lender"). Borrower
agrees that in such event,  Borrower shall grant to Bank a security interest and
lien in the  Receivables  Collateral to secure all of Borrower's  obligations to
Bank under the Line of Credit,  and Bank and any such Other Lender's  rights and
interests in and to the Receivables Collateral shall be of equal priority,  with
each of Bank and such  Other  Lender to share the  Receivables  Collateral  on a
pro-rata basis, based on the maximum principal amount of,  respectively the loan
from the Other  Lender and the maximum  principal  amount of the Line of Credit.
Further,  in such  event,  borrower  agrees to  execute,  and any such pledge of
receivables collateral to an Other Lender would be made subject to the execution
by such other lender of, appropriate documents to effectuate the foregoing.

         13. Year 2000  Compliance.  Perform all acts  reasonably  necessary  to
ensure that (a) Borrower and any business in which  Borrower holds a substantial
interest,  and (b) all  customers,  suppliers  and vendors  that are material to
Borrower's  business,  become Year 2000 Compliant in a timely manner.  Such acts
shall  include,  without  limitation,  performing  a  comprehensive  review  and
assessment  of all of  Borrower's  systems and  adopting a detailed  plan,  with
itemized budget, for the remediation, monitoring and testing of such systems. As
used herein, "Year 2000 Compliant" shall mean, in regard to any entity, that all
software,  hardware,  firmware,  equipment,  goods  or  systems  utilized  by or
material to the business  operations or financial condition of such entity, will
properly  perform date  sensitive  functions  before,  during and after the year
2000. Borrower



Barrett Business Services, Inc.
May 31, 1998
Page 12



shall,  immediately upon request,  provide to Bank such  certifications or other
evidence of Borrower's compliance with the terms hereof as Bank may from time to
time require.


VI.      DEFAULT, REMEDIES:

         1.  Default,  Remedies.  Upon the violation of any term or condition of
any of the Loan  Documents,  or upon the  occurrence  of any  default or defined
event of  default  under  any of the Loan  Documents:  (a) all  indebtedness  of
Borrower  under each of the Loan  Documents,  any term  thereof to the  contrary
notwithstanding,  shall at Bank's option and without  notice become  immediately
due and payable without presentment,  demand, protest or notice of dishonor, all
of which are expressly waived by Borrower;  (b) the obligation,  if any, of Bank
to extend any further credit under any of the Loan Documents  shall  immediately
cease and  terminate;  and (c) Bank shall have all rights,  powers and  remedies
available  under  each of the Loan  Documents,  or  accorded  by law,  including
without  limitation  the right to resort to any or all  security  for any of the
Credits and to  exercise  any or all of the rights of a  beneficiary  or secured
party pursuant to applicable law. All rights, powers and remedies of Bank may be
exercised at any time by Bank and from time to time after the  occurrence of any
such  breach or  default,  are  cumulative  and not  exclusive,  and shall be in
addition to any other rights, powers or remedies provided by law or equity.

         2. No Waiver. No delay, failure or discontinuance of Bank in exercising
any  right,  power or remedy  under any of the Loan  Documents  shall  affect or
operate  as a waiver of such  right,  power or  remedy;  nor shall any single or
partial exercise of any such right, power or remedy preclude, waive or otherwise
affect any other or further exercise thereof or the exercise of any other right,
power or remedy. Any waiver,  permit, consent or approval of any kind by Bank of
any breach of or default under any of the Loan  Documents must be in writing and
shall be effective only to the extent set forth in such writing.


VII. MISCELLANEOUS:

         1.  Notices.  All  notices,  requests  and  demands  which any party is
required or may desire to give to any other party  under any  provision  of this
letter must be in writing delivered to each party at its address first set forth
above,  or to such other address as any party may designate by written notice to
all other parties. Each such notice, request and demand shall be deemed



Barrett Business Services, Inc.
May 31, 1998
Page 13



given or made as follows:  (a) if sent by hand delivery,  upon delivery;  (b) if
sent by mail,  upon the  earlier  of the date of receipt or three (3) days after
deposit in the U.S. mail,  first class and postage  prepaid;  and (c) if sent by
telecopy, upon receipt.

         2. Costs,  Expenses and  Attorneys'  Fees.  Borrower  shall pay to Bank
immediately  upon demand the full  amount of all  payments,  advances,  charges,
costs and expenses,  including  reasonable  attorneys'  fees (to include outside
counsel fees and all allocated  costs of Bank's in-house  counsel),  expended or
incurred by Bank in connection  with (a) the negotiation and preparation of this
letter and the other Loan Documents,  Bank's continued administration hereof and
thereof,  and the preparation of amendments and waivers hereto and thereto,  (b)
the  enforcement  of Bank's  rights  and/or the  collection of any amounts which
become due to Bank under any of the Loan  Documents,  and (c) the prosecution or
defense of any action in any way related to any of the Loan Documents, including
without limitation,  any action for declaratory relief,  whether incurred at the
trial or  appellate  level,  in an  arbitration  proceeding  or  otherwise,  and
including  any of the  foregoing  incurred  in  connection  with any  bankruptcy
proceeding (including without limitation,  any adversary  proceeding,  contested
matter or motion  brought by Bank or any other person)  relating to any Borrower
or any other person or entity.

         3. Successors,  Assignment. This letter shall be binding upon and inure
to the benefit of the heirs, executors,  administrators,  legal representatives,
successors and assigns of the parties;  provided however,  that Borrower may not
assign or transfer its interest  hereunder without Bank's prior written consent.
Bank  reserves  the  right  to  sell,  assign,  transfer,   negotiate  or  grant
participations  in all or any part of, or any  interest  in,  Bank's  rights and
benefits  under each of the Loan  Documents.  In connection  therewith  Bank may
disclose all  documents  and  information  which Bank now has or  hereafter  may
acquire  relating  to any of  the  Credits,  Borrower  or its  business,  or any
collateral required hereunder.

         4.  Entire  Agreement;  Amendment.  This  letter  and  the  other  Loan
Documents constitute the entire agreement between Borrower and Bank with respect
to the Credits and supersede all prior negotiations, communications, discussions
and  correspondence  concerning the subject  matter  hereof.  This letter may be
amended or modified only in writing signed by each party hereto.



Barrett Business Services, Inc.
May 31, 1998
Page 14



         5. No Third Party  Beneficiaries.  This letter is made and entered into
for the sole  protection and benefit of the parties hereto and their  respective
permitted successors and assigns, and no other person or entity shall be a third
party beneficiary of, or have any direct or indirect cause of action or claim in
connection  with,  this letter or any other of the Loan Documents to which it is
not a party.

         6. Severability of Provisions. If any provision of this letter shall be
prohibited  by  or  invalid  under  applicable  law,  such  provision  shall  be
ineffective  only  to the  extent  of such  prohibition  or  invalidity  without
invalidating the remainder of such provision or any remaining provisions of this
letter.

         7.  Governing  Law.  This letter shall be governed by and  construed in
accordance with the laws of the State of Oregon.

         8.  Arbitration.

         (a)  Arbitration.  Upon the demand of any party,  any Dispute  shall be
resolved by binding arbitration (except as set forth in (e) below) in accordance
with the terms of this letter. A "Dispute" shall mean any action, dispute, claim
or  controversy  of any kind,  whether in contract or tort,  statutory or common
law,  legal  or  equitable,  now  existing  or  hereafter  arising  under  or in
connection with, or in any way pertaining to, any of the Loan Documents,  or any
past, present or future extensions of credit and other activities,  transactions
or  obligations  of any kind related  directly or  indirectly to any of the Loan
Documents,  including  without  limitation,  any of  the  foregoing  arising  in
connection  with the  exercise of any  self-help,  ancillary  or other  remedies
pursuant  to any of the Loan  Documents.  Any party may by  summary  proceedings
bring an action in court to compel arbitration of a Dispute. Any party who fails
or refuses to submit to arbitration following a lawful demand by any other party
shall bear all costs and  expenses  incurred by such other  party in  compelling
arbitration of any Dispute.

         (b) Governing Rules.  Arbitration  proceedings shall be administered by
the American Arbitration  Association ("AAA") or such other administrator as the
parties  shall  mutually  agree  upon in  accordance  with  the  AAA  Commercial
Arbitration  Rules. All Disputes  submitted to arbitration  shall be resolved in
accordance with the Federal Arbitration Act (Title 9 of the United States Code),
notwithstanding  any  conflicting  choice  of law  provision  in any of the Loan
Documents.  The arbitration  shall be conducted at a location in Oregon selected
by the AAA or other  administrator.  If there is any  inconsistency  between the
terms hereof and any



Barrett Business Services, Inc.
May 31, 1998
Page 15



such  rules,  the terms and  procedures  set forth  herein  shall  control.  All
statutes of limitation  applicable to any Dispute shall apply to any arbitration
proceeding.  All  discovery  activities  shall be  expressly  limited to matters
directly  relevant  to the Dispute  being  arbitrated.  Judgment  upon any award
rendered  in an  arbitration  may be entered in any court  having  jurisdiction;
provided  however,  that nothing contained herein shall be deemed to be a waiver
by any party that is a bank of the  protections  afforded  to it under 12 U.S.C.
ss.91 or any similar applicable state law.

         (c) No Waiver;  Provisional  Remedies,  Self-Help and  Foreclosure.  No
provision  hereof  shall  limit  the right of any  party to  exercise  self-help
remedies  such as setoff,  foreclosure  against or sale of any real or  personal
property collateral or security, or to obtain provisional or ancillary remedies,
including  without  limitation  injunctive  relief,  sequestration,  attachment,
garnishment  or the  appointment  of a  receiver,  from  a  court  of  competent
jurisdiction  before,  after or during the pendency of any  arbitration or other
proceeding.  The  exercise of any such  remedy  shall not waive the right of any
party to compel arbitration hereunder.

         (d) Arbitrator  Qualifications and Powers; Awards.  Arbitrators must be
active members of the Oregon State Bar or retired judges of the state or federal
judiciary of Oregon,  with  expertise in the  substantive  law applicable to the
subject matter of the Dispute.  Arbitrators are empowered to resolve Disputes by
summary  rulings in  response to motions  filed  prior to the final  arbitration
hearing.  Arbitrators  (i) shall  resolve all  Disputes in  accordance  with the
substantive law of the state of Oregon, (ii) may grant any remedy or relief that
a court of the state of Oregon  could order or grant within the scope hereof and
such  ancillary  relief as is necessary to make  effective any award,  and (iii)
shall  have the  power to award  recovery  of all  costs  and  fees,  to  impose
sanctions  and to take such  other  actions as they deem  necessary  to the same
extent a judge  could  pursuant  to the Federal  Rules of Civil  Procedure,  the
Oregon Rules of Civil  Procedure or other  applicable  law. Any Dispute in which
the amount in  controversy  is  $5,000,000  or less shall be decided by a single
arbitrator who shall not render an award of greater than  $5,000,000  (including
damages, costs, fees and expenses).  By submission to a single arbitrator,  each
party expressly waives any right or claim to recover more than  $5,000,000.  Any
Dispute in which the amount in controversy  exceeds  $5,000,000 shall be decided
by majority vote of a panel of three  arbitrators;  provided  however,  that all
three arbitrators must actively participate in all hearings and deliberations.



Barrett Business Services, Inc.
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Page 16



         (e) Judicial Review.  Notwithstanding  anything herein to the contrary,
in any arbitration in which the amount in controversy exceeds  $25,000,000,  the
arbitrators  shall be required to make  specific,  written  findings of fact and
conclusions of law. In such  arbitrations (i) the arbitrators shall not have the
power to make any award which is not supported by substantial  evidence or which
is based on legal  error,  (ii) an award  shall not be binding  upon the parties
unless the  findings  of fact are  supported  by  substantial  evidence  and the
conclusions of law are not erroneous  under the  substantive law of the state of
Oregon,  and (iii) the parties shall have in addition to the grounds referred to
in the Federal  Arbitration  Act for vacating,  modifying or correcting an award
the right to judicial review of (A) whether the findings of fact rendered by the
arbitrators  are  supported  by  substantial  evidence,   and  (B)  whether  the
conclusions  of law are  erroneous  under  the  substantive  law of the state of
Oregon. Judgment confirming an award in such a proceeding may be entered only if
a court determines the award is supported by substantial  evidence and not based
on legal error under the substantive law of the state of Oregon.

         (f)  Miscellaneous.  To the maximum  extent  practicable,  the AAA, the
arbitrators  and the parties  shall take all action  required  to  conclude  any
arbitration  proceeding  within 180 days of the filing of the  Dispute  with the
AAA. No arbitrator or other party to an arbitration  proceeding may disclose the
existence,  content or results thereof, except for disclosures of information by
a party  required in the ordinary  course of its business,  by applicable law or
regulation,  or to the extent  necessary to exercise any judicial  review rights
set forth herein.  If more than one agreement for  arbitration by or between the
parties  potentially  applies  to a  Dispute,  the  arbitration  provision  most
directly  related to the Loan  Documents  or the  subject  matter of the Dispute
shall control. This arbitration  provision shall survive termination,  amendment
or  expiration  of any of the Loan  Documents  or any  relationship  between the
parties.

UNDER OREGON LAW, MOST  AGREEMENTS,  PROMISES AND COMMITMENTS MADE BY BANK AFTER
OCTOBER 3, 1989 CONCERNING  LOANS AND OTHER CREDIT  EXTENSIONS WHICH ARE NOT FOR
PERSONAL,  FAMILY OR  HOUSEHOLD  PURPOSES  OR SECURED  SOLELY BY THE  BORROWER'S
RESIDENCE MUST BE IN WRITING,  EXPRESS CONSIDERATION AND BE SIGNED BY BANK TO BE
ENFORCEABLE.



Barrett Business Services, Inc.
May 31, 1998
Page 17


         Your  acknowledgment of this letter shall constitute  acceptance of the
foregoing  terms and  conditions.  Bank's  commitment  to extend  any  credit to
Borrower  pursuant to the terms of this letter shall terminate on June 19, 1998,
unless this letter is acknowledged by Borrower and returned to Bank on or before
that date.

                                       Sincerely,

                                       WELLS FARGO BANK,
                                         NATIONAL ASSOCIATION

                                       By:/s/ Marlene Roberts
                                           Marlene Roberts
                                           Vice President

Acknowledged and accepted as of 6-1-98:

BARRETT BUSINESS SERVICES, INC.

By: /s/ Michael D. Mulholland

Title:  Vice President-Finance