Accountant Hourly Pay in DeKalb, IL: $36.36 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a accountant working in DeKalb, IL runs $36.36 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $75,649 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 13-2011). Weighted against DeKalb's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.1, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $37.45 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $45,384 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In DeKalb, IL, the accountant hourly pay stands at a median of $36.36, which is noticeably lower than the national median of $41.28. This rate reflects the financial landscape accountants face in the region and is indicative of the profession's earnings potential in various settings, such as corporate finance departments, public accounting firms, and remote tax season roles. For part-time accountants working three days a week, primarily in client engagement or remote setups, this hourly median offers a viable income, though it may be less competitive compared to larger urban markets. The hourly pay range in DeKalb spans from $26.26 for entry-level positions to $56.37 for seasoned experts, showcasing a diverse spectrum of opportunities for both novice and experienced accountants.
About the DeKalb Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($88,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Accountant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $26.26 | $210.06 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $30.16 | $241.26 |
| Median (P50) | $36.36 | $290.92 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $46.03 | $368.25 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $56.37 | $450.99 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in DeKalb
Based on $36.36/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $36.36/hr, a accountant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in DeKalb, IL can expect to earn approximately $75,639 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $43,638. With a cost-of-living index of 97.10 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in DeKalb.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in DeKalb
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,454.60 | $6,303 | $75,639 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $872.76 | $3,782 | $45,384 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $581.84 | $2,521 | $30,256 |
Compare CPA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Accountant (DeKalb) | $36.36 |
| Financial Analyst (National Avg) | $47.61 |
| Bookkeeping / Accounting Clerk (National Avg) | $22.93 |
| Auditor (National Avg) | $39.88 |
| Tax Examiner / Collector (National Avg) | $29.61 |
Accountants in DeKalb, IL earn a median of $75,649 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.90% lower than the national median of $85,864 and 3.80% below the Illinois state average of $78,637.
Accountant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $36.36/hr = $45,384/year (purchasing power: $46,739).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $75,639/year (purchasing power: $77,898).
CoL index: 97.1 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$30.30/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$35.44/hr
2026 Current Est.
$36.36/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+23.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Accountants in DeKalb (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.61% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $30.30/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $31.15/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $32.72/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $33.03/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $33.83/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $39.53/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $35.44/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $36.36/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $37.31/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for accountants in DeKalb grew 17.0% from $30.30/hr (2019) to $35.44/hr (2025). At a 2.61% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $37.31/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem accountants can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the DeKalb metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 2.61% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Working as an Hourly Accountant in DeKalb
Evaluating the income potential for a part-time accountant in DeKalb reveals that someone working 24 hours per week can earn a modest annual income compared to their full-time counterparts. Meanwhile, per diem accountants or 1099 contract workers often have the advantage of billing rates between $50 and $95 per hour, depending on their specialization, with Big 4 alumni potentially achieving rates from $80 to $130 during peak busy seasons. Forensic accountants and valuation experts can command significantly higher fees in litigation contexts, ranging from $300 to $600 per hour. Moreover, hourly rates can vary widely across employer types, with public accounting firms typically offering lower rates than corporate accounting departments or boutique firms. Accountants must weigh the benefits and drawbacks of lower hourly rates accompanied by health insurance versus more lucrative rates that lack such benefits. As you seek roles in DeKalb, honing negotiation skills tailored to hourly work will be crucial for securing the best compensation package possible while understanding the nuances of the local market.
More salary data for DeKalb, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 2.61% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for accountants in DeKalb. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for DeKalb is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.61%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for accountants (SOC 13-2011).
Compiled and verified by Sofia Patel, CPA, a licensed accountant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov