Chicago vs Naperville: Accountant Salary (2026)
Compare accountant salaries between Chicago, IL and Naperville, IL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Chicago, IL | Naperville, IL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $84,510 | $85,392▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $40.63 | $41.05▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $61,084▲ | $54,315 |
| 25th Percentile | $74,167▲ | $65,839 |
| 75th Percentile | $105,811 | $109,302▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $137,600▲ | $132,358 |
| Total Employed | 41,360▲ | 23 |
Verdict
Chicago and Naperville are closely matched on overall accountant compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Chicago and Naperville is $882 (1.04%). Naperville's median is -0.55% compared to the US national median of $85,864.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Chicago spans $76,516,Naperville spans $78,043. Naperville has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced accountants.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Naperville ($87,942 effective) pays 7.80% more than Chicago ($81,577 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Chicago if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($137,600)
- ✓Larger job market (41,360 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Choose Naperville if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($85,392/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $87,942)
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, accountant salaries in Chicago grew 14.4% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -4.6% growth in Naperville over the same period.
Chicago, IL
$71,970 (2019) → $82,360 (2025)
Naperville, IL
$87,203 (2024) → $83,220 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Chicago, IL
Naperville, IL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays accountants more: Chicago or Naperville?
What is the hourly rate difference between Chicago and Naperville?
Should I relocate from Chicago to Naperville as a accountant?
What do entry-level accountants earn in Chicago vs Naperville?
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Written by Sofia Patel, CPA
Career Analyst
Sofia Patel has over 10 years of experience in financial analysis. She specializes in tax preparation for small businesses. She has worked in both corporate and public accounting environments.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.61% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Sofia Patel, CPA, a licensed accountant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov