Business & Finance Chicago, IL Pop. 2,693,976

Accountant Salary in Chicago, Illinois

The median accountant salary in Chicago, IL is $90,264 per year, which is 13.0% above the national median and 11.9% above the Illinois state average.

City Median
$90,264
vs State Avg
+$9,585
vs National
+$10,384
Cost of Living
107%

Accountant Salary in Chicago by Experience

In Chicago, an entry-level accountant earns around $58,760, while experienced professionals earn up to $135,600 per year. The local cost of living index is 107% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$58,760
+$6,760 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$90,400
+$10,400 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$135,600
+$15,600 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Chicago, IL

Percentile Chicago
10th Percentile $56,952
25th Percentile $70,851
Median (50th) $90,264
75th Percentile $115,712
90th Percentile $150,064

Accountant Salary in Other Illinois Cities

Naperville, IL
$91,063
Pop. 149,540
Aurora, IL
$80,679
Pop. 197,757
Springfield, IL
$72,691
Pop. 114,394
Rockford, IL
$70,294
Pop. 148,655

How to Become a Accountant in Chicago

Education

Most accountant positions require a bachelor's degree. Chicago and the surrounding Illinois area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

GAAPTax PreparationFinancial AnalysisQuickBooksExcelAuditing

Job Outlook

Nationally, accountant employment is projected to grow 4% over the next decade (as fast as average). Demand in Chicago may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Accountant Jobs in Chicago

Browse open accountant positions in Chicago, IL:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Accountant Salary in Chicago

How much does a Accountant make in Chicago, IL? ▼
The median accountant salary in Chicago, Illinois is $90,264 per year, which is 13.0% above the national median of $79,880. Salaries range from $56,952 (10th percentile) to $150,064 (90th percentile).
How much does a Accountant make per hour in Chicago? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $90,264, a accountant in Chicago earns approximately $43 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Chicago compare to the Illinois state average for accountant pay? ▼
Chicago's median accountant salary of $90,264 is 11.9% above the Illinois state average of $80,679. The local cost of living index is 107% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Chicago, IL? ▼
Chicago has a cost of living index of 107% compared to the national average. This means a accountant salary of $90,264 in Chicago has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a accountant in Chicago? ▼
Most accountant positions in Chicago require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include GAAP, Tax Preparation, Financial Analysis, QuickBooks. The job market is projected to grow 4% nationally over the next decade.