FinanceOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/1000–2 years
Entry Level Accountant Salary in Chicago
2026 · Recent graduates and professionals with under 2 years of experience.
$48,693/yr
Typical range: $43,547 – $57,600
P10–P25 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Accountant salary by experience level in Chicago
Accountant Salary Progression in Chicago
From entry-level through staff — based on BLS OEWS percentile data
| Experience Level | Years | Percentile | Annual Salary | Monthly | vs Entry |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EntryThis page | 0 yrs | 0 yrs | $48,693 | $4,058 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $62,830 | $5,236 | +29% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $73,301 | $6,108 | +51% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $88,276 | $7,356 | +81% |
| Staff | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $127,230 | $10,603 | +161% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $173,096 | $14,425 | +255% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $184,562 | $15,380 | +279% |
Current Salary
$48,693
Entry Level · 0–2 years
Hourly: $23/hr
Next Level Target
$62,830
Junior · 2
+$14Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
17/100
High Risk
+6% demand · Moderate AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the entry level Accountant salary in Chicago, IL?
Entry Level Accountants in Chicago, IL earn approximately $49K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P10–P25 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a entry level Accountant make per hour in Chicago, IL?
Based on $49K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $23/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from entry level to senior Accountant in Chicago, IL?
The typical progression takes 4–6 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Accountant in Chicago, IL earns $107K–$142K/yr.