Chicago vs Normal: Accountant Salary (2026)
Compare accountant salaries between Chicago, IL and Normal, IL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Chicago, IL | Normal, IL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $84,510▲ | $76,219 |
| Hourly Rate | $40.63▲ | $36.64 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $61,084▲ | $49,606 |
| 25th Percentile | $74,167▲ | $59,409 |
| 75th Percentile | $105,811▲ | $97,560 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $137,600▲ | $118,139 |
| Total Employed | 41,360▲ | 8 |
Verdict
Chicago, IL offers better overall compensation for accountants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Normal.
The salary gap between Chicago and Normal is $8,291 (10.88%). Chicago's median is -1.58% 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,Normal spans $68,533. Chicago has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Chicago ($81,577 effective) pays 3.93% more than Normal ($78,495 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Chicago if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($84,510/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($137,600)
- ✓Larger job market (41,360 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $81,577)
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Choose Normal if…
- ✓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 -10.3% growth in Normal over the same period.
Chicago, IL
$71,970 (2019) → $82,360 (2025)
Normal, IL
$82,844 (2024) → $74,280 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Chicago, IL
Normal, IL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays accountants more: Chicago or Normal?
What is the hourly rate difference between Chicago and Normal?
Should I relocate from Chicago to Normal as a accountant?
What do entry-level accountants earn in Chicago vs Normal?
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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