Accountant Salary in Chicago, IL (2026)
Accountants and auditors prepare financial records, ensure accuracy, and assess financial operations for businesses and individuals.
Median Annual Salary
$92,100
in Chicago · BLS OEWS
Real Purchasing Power
$89,866
adjusted for local cost of living
National Rank
#64
among cities with BLS data
Accountants in Chicago
The median annual salary for a Accountant in Chicago, IL is $92,100 per year, according to Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics data. This works out to approximately $7,675/month or $44/hour.
Compared to the median across all surveyed cities ($94,180), Chicago pays 2% less than the typical city.
Chicago has a cost of living index of 102.5 (US average = 100), so higher local costs reduce your real purchasing power. In inflation-adjusted terms, $92,100 in Chicago is equivalent to $89,866 in a city at the US average cost of living.
BLS wage data is collected at the metropolitan statistical area (MSA) level, so this figure represents the Chicago metro area, not just the city itself.
Top 10 Cities for Accountants by Salary
| # | City | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Newark, NJ | $121,970 |
| 2 | New York, NY | $121,970 |
| 3 | Jersey City, NJ | $121,970 |
| 4 | Berkeley, CA | $119,870 |
| 5 | San Francisco, CA | $119,870 |
| 6 | Oakland, CA | $119,870 |
| 7 | Washington, DC | $108,670 |
| 8 | Arlington, VA | $108,670 |
| 9 | Alexandria, VA | $108,670 |
| 10 | Tacoma, WA | $106,100 |
Source: BLS OEWS · Metro-level data
Other Occupations in Chicago
| Occupation | Median Salary |
|---|---|
| Software Developer | $130,930 |
| Registered Nurse | $94,580 |
| Elementary School Teacher | $73,950 |
| Electrician | $92,320 |
Full cost of living profile for Chicago
See median rent, home values, cost of living index, air quality, and more for Chicago.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the median Accountant salary in Chicago?
The median annual salary for a Accountant in Chicago, IL is $92,100 per year, according to BLS OEWS data.
How does Chicago Accountant pay compare nationally?
Chicago Accountant pay ($92,100) is 2% below the median across surveyed cities ($94,180).
Does cost of living affect Accountant salaries in Chicago?
Yes. Chicago has a cost of living index of 102.5 (US average = 100). After adjusting for local prices, a $92,100 salary in Chicago has the purchasing power of approximately $89,866 in an average-cost city.
Data last updated: June 1, 2026 · Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) · Methodology