FinanceOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/1000–2 years
Entry Level Certified Public Accountant Salary in Chicago
2026 · Recent graduates and professionals with under 2 years of experience.
$64,232/yr
Typical range: $57,444 – $75,982
P10–P25 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Certified Public Accountant salary by experience level in Chicago
Certified Public 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 | $64,232 | $5,353 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $82,880 | $6,907 | +29% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $96,693 | $8,058 | +51% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $116,446 | $9,704 | +81% |
| Staff | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $167,832 | $13,986 | +161% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $228,334 | $19,028 | +255% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $243,460 | $20,288 | +279% |
Current Salary
$64,232
Entry Level · 0–2 years
Hourly: $31/hr
Next Level Target
$82,880
Junior · 2
+$19Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
24/100
High Risk
+8% demand · Moderate AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the entry level Certified Public Accountant salary in Chicago, IL?
Entry Level Certified Public Accountants in Chicago, IL earn approximately $64K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P10–P25 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a entry level Certified Public Accountant make per hour in Chicago, IL?
Based on $64K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $31/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from entry level to senior Certified Public Accountant in Chicago, IL?
The typical progression takes 4–6 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Certified Public Accountant in Chicago, IL earns $141K–$187K/yr.