Accountant Salary in Chicago, IL
Based on BLS occupational employment data · Updated 2025
25th percentile
$60,500
Entry level
Median salary
$85,800
Most common
75th percentile
$121,000
Experienced
The median Accountant salary in Chicago, IL is $85,800, which is +48% above the national average of approximately $58,000.
How to negotiate your Accountant salary
- 1.Know your number. The median for Accountant in Chicago is $85,800. If you're offered less, you have data to back a counteroffer.
- 2.Ask for the top of the range. Employers rarely offer their max upfront. If you're experienced, targeting the 75th percentile ($121,000) is reasonable.
- 3.Factor in total comp. Benefits, PTO, and 401k match can add $10,000–$20,000 in annual value. Evaluate the whole package, not just base salary.
- 4.Don't negotiate over email. Phone or video gives you more flexibility and makes it easier to read the room and respond in real time.
Got a Accountant offer?
Paste in your details and get a verdict in 60 seconds — plus a word-for-word script to negotiate more.
Evaluate my offer freeNo credit card · 2 free evaluations/month