Accountant salary in Chicago, IL
Median pay, Chicago metro
$82,360/year
about $39.60 an hour full-time
Middle half earns $72,280 – $103,120
Half of accountants in the Chicago metro area earn more than $82,360 a year and half earn less. That's 2% lower than the national median of $83,680, and ranks #20 of the 30 big metro areas we track for this job.
Pay range
| Percentile | Yearly | Hourly* |
|---|---|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $59,530 | $28.62 |
| 25th | $72,280 | $34.75 |
| Median (50th) | $82,360 | $39.60 |
| 75th | $103,120 | $49.58 |
| 90th (top earners) | $134,100 | $64.47 |
*Yearly pay divided by 2,080 hours (40 hours × 52 weeks), the full-time basis BLS uses.
Is your offer fair?
For a accountant job in the Chicago metro area, here's how an offer compares:
- Below market under $72,280 ($34.75/hr). Fine for a first job in the field, otherwise worth negotiating.
- Typical $72,280 to $103,120 ($34.75 to $49.58/hr). The middle half of what people in this job earn.
- Strong offer over $103,120 ($49.58/hr). Higher than three quarters of workers here.
Before you accept
- A CPA license usually raises pay noticeably, and some employers support the exam with time off or fees.
- Busy season can mean long hours from January to April. Ask how overtime is handled for salaried roles.
- Public accounting and corporate (industry) roles often pay differently for similar titles.
Also watch for the common warning signs in the posting itself: 15 job posting red flags.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, 2025, Chicago metro. Occupation: Accountants and Auditors (SOC 13-2011). Figures cover wage and salary workers and don't include bonuses, benefits or overtime.