FinanceOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Accountant Salary in Chicago
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$136,360/yr
Typical range: $114,768 – $151,805
P90 · 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry | 0 yrs | 0 yrs | $52,187 | $4,349 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $67,338 | $5,612 | +29% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $78,561 | $6,547 | +51% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $94,610 | $7,884 | +81% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $136,360 | $11,363 | +161% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $185,517 | $15,460 | +255% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $197,807 | $16,484 | +279% |
Current Salary
$136,360
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $66/hr
Next Level Target
$185,517
Principal · 14
+$49Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
17/100
High Risk
+6% demand · Moderate AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead Accountant salary in Chicago, IL?
Staff / Lead Accountants in Chicago, IL earn approximately $136K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P90 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a staff / lead Accountant make per hour in Chicago, IL?
Based on $136K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $66/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead to senior Accountant in Chicago, IL?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Accountant in Chicago, IL earns $115K–$152K/yr.