Accountant Hourly Pay in Elmhurst, IL: $35.75 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a accountant working in Elmhurst, IL runs $35.75 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $74,368 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 13-2011). Weighted against Elmhurst's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.1, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $36.82 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $44,615 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Elmhurst, Illinois, the projected median hourly pay for accountants in 2026 is set at $35.75, which is notably lower than the national median of $41.28 per hour. For professionals considering part-time roles—such as three days a week—this hourly rate translates into a monthly income that can vary significantly based on the number of hours worked and engagement type. Accountants usually find themselves in diverse environments, from bustling corporate finance offices to remote tax season setups. The hourly earnings range from $24.82 at the entry-level to approximately $55.42 for top earners, indicating a competitive field for those with diverse expertise. These figures reflect estimated hourly rates derived from annual salary projections, giving a clear snapshot of earning potential within the local profession.
About the Elmhurst 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) | $24.82 | $198.57 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $28.92 | $231.32 |
| Median (P50) | $35.75 | $285.99 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $45.76 | $366.11 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $55.42 | $443.36 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Elmhurst
Based on $35.75/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $35.75/hr, a accountant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Elmhurst, IL can expect to earn approximately $74,359 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $42,899. With a cost-of-living index of 97.10 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Elmhurst.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Elmhurst
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,429.97 | $6,197 | $74,359 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $857.98 | $3,718 | $44,615 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $571.99 | $2,479 | $29,743 |
Compare CPA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Accountant (Elmhurst) | $35.75 |
| 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 Elmhurst, IL earn a median of $74,368 per year (2026 est.), which is 13.39% lower than the national median of $85,864 and 5.40% below the Illinois state average of $78,613.
Accountant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $35.75/hr = $44,615/year (purchasing power: $45,948).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $74,359/year (purchasing power: $76,579).
CoL index: 97.1 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$29.79/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$34.84/hr
2026 Current Est.
$35.75/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+23.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Accountants in Elmhurst (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.61% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $29.79/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $30.63/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $32.16/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $32.48/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $33.26/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $38.86/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $34.84/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $35.75/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $36.68/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for accountants in Elmhurst grew 17.0% from $29.79/hr (2019) to $34.84/hr (2025). At a 2.61% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $36.68/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 Elmhurst 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 Elmhurst
For part-time accountants working a typical 24-hour week, the overall compensation presents a stark contrast compared to full-time counterparts in Elmhurst. Annually, part-time accountants often earn substantially less, affecting their financial stability. However, per diem roles or contract assignments can offer lucrative opportunities, with compensation rates ranging from $50 to $95 per hour, especially for specialized skills. Accountants with experience at Big 4 firms frequently see rate increases up to $130 per hour during busy seasons or provide forensic expertise, which can yield rates as high as $600 per hour in legal disputes. Different employer types in Elmhurst also play a significant role in shaping these rates; public accounting firms typically offer structured salary ranges, while corporate accounting and boutique firms often provide more flexibility, albeit potentially lower hourly rates. Many accountants make trade-offs between hourly rates and benefits, such as health insurance. Negotiation skills can also be crucial, particularly in a competitive market like Elmhurst, allowing professionals to advocate effectively for fair compensation.
More salary data for Elmhurst, 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 Elmhurst. 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 Elmhurst 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