Accountant Salary in Chicago, IL
2024 BLS OEWS Data · Finance · COL Index: 107.3
$81,210
Median Salary
$92,100
Mean Salary
$75,685
COL-Adjusted
41,860
Employment
Salary Distribution
Percentile Breakdown
| Percentile | Salary | COL-Adjusted |
|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile (Entry Level) | $58,080 | $54,129 |
| 25th Percentile | $68,750 | $64,073 |
| 50th Percentile (Median) | $81,210 | $75,685 |
| 75th Percentile | $102,190 | $95,238 |
| 90th Percentile (Top Earners) | $136,490 | $127,204 |
What Drives the Range
The $78,410 spread between the 10th and 90th percentiles for Accountant positions in Chicago, IL reflects several factors. Entry-level professionals and those in smaller organizations typically fall in the lower quartiles, while senior specialists, those with in-demand certifications, and employees at large enterprises command salaries in the upper percentiles.
Chicago, IL's cost-of-living index of 107.3 means that a $81,210 median salary here has the same purchasing power as $75,685 in an average-cost U.S. city. The relatively moderate cost of living makes this a competitive market for purchasing power.