Business & Finance Rockford, IL Pop. 148,655

Accountant Salary in Rockford, Illinois

The median accountant salary in Rockford, IL is $70,294 per year, which is 12% below the national median and 12.9% below the Illinois state average.

City Median
$70,294
vs State Avg
$-10,385
vs National
$-9,586
Cost of Living
82%

Accountant Pay in Rockford: What to Expect (2026)

Rockford offers a median accountant salary of $70,294, which is $10,385 below the Illinois state average of $80,679. Compared to the national median of $79,880, Rockford pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Rockford's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 82% of the national average. This means the $70,294 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $85,724 in an average-cost city. This makes Rockford an attractive option for accountants seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for accountants in Rockford spans from $44,352 at the 10th percentile to $116,864 at the 90th percentile — a $72,512 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $45,760, while senior accountants with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $105,600. With a population of 148,655, Rockford is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Accountant Salary in Rockford by Experience

In Rockford, an entry-level accountant earns around $45,760, while experienced professionals earn up to $105,600 per year. The local cost of living index is 82% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$45,760
$-6,240 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$70,400
$-9,600 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$105,600
$-14,400 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Rockford, IL

Percentile Rockford
10th Percentile $44,352
25th Percentile $55,176
Median (50th) $70,294
75th Percentile $90,112
90th Percentile $116,864

Accountant Salary in Other Illinois Cities

Naperville, IL
$91,063
Pop. 149,540
Chicago, IL
$90,264
Pop. 2,693,976
Aurora, IL
$80,679
Pop. 197,757
Springfield, IL
$72,691
Pop. 114,394

How to Become a Accountant in Rockford

Education

Most accountant positions require a bachelor's degree. Rockford 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 Rockford may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Accountant Jobs in Rockford

Browse open accountant positions in Rockford, IL:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Accountant Salary in Rockford

How much does a Accountant make in Rockford, IL? ▼
The median accountant salary in Rockford, Illinois is $70,294 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $79,880. Salaries range from $44,352 (10th percentile) to $116,864 (90th percentile).
How much does a Accountant make per hour in Rockford? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $70,294, a accountant in Rockford earns approximately $34 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Rockford compare to the Illinois state average for accountant pay? ▼
Rockford's median accountant salary of $70,294 is 12.9% below the Illinois state average of $80,679. The local cost of living index is 82% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Rockford, IL? ▼
Rockford has a cost of living index of 82% compared to the national average. This means a accountant salary of $70,294 in Rockford has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a accountant in Rockford? ▼
Most accountant positions in Rockford 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.