Accountant Hourly Pay in Gurnee, IL: $37.25 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a accountant working in Gurnee, IL runs $37.25 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $77,474 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 13-2011). Weighted against Gurnee's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.1, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $38.36 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $46,485 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Gurnee, Illinois, the accountant hourly pay stands at a median rate of $37.25, which is notably lower than the national median of $41.28. This rate presents a competitive option for part-time employees who may work three days a week, allowing them to earn a significant income while maintaining flexibility in their schedules. For per-diem accountants, such as those engaged in short-term projects or seasonal work, the opportunities can vary widely based on specialty, with entry-level positions starting around $25.29 per hour and experienced professionals earning up to $57.73. These estimates are derived from annual salary statistics, but they give a clear snapshot of what accountants in Gurnee can expect to earn in hourly terms.
About the Gurnee 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) | $25.29 | $202.35 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $29.70 | $237.56 |
| Median (P50) | $37.25 | $297.98 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $47.40 | $379.16 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $57.73 | $461.83 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Gurnee
Based on $37.25/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $37.25/hr, a accountant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Gurnee, IL can expect to earn approximately $77,475 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $44,697. With a cost-of-living index of 97.10 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Gurnee.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Gurnee
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,489.90 | $6,456 | $77,475 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $893.94 | $3,874 | $46,485 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $595.96 | $2,582 | $30,990 |
Compare CPA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Accountant (Gurnee) | $37.25 |
| 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 Gurnee, IL earn a median of $77,474 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.77% lower than the national median of $85,864 and 1.50% below the Illinois state average of $78,653.
Accountant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $37.25/hr = $46,485/year (purchasing power: $47,873).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $77,475/year (purchasing power: $79,789).
CoL index: 97.1 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$31.04/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$36.30/hr
2026 Current Est.
$37.25/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+23.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Accountants in Gurnee (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.61% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $31.04/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $31.91/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $33.51/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $33.84/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $34.65/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $40.48/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $36.30/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $37.25/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $38.22/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for accountants in Gurnee grew 17.0% from $31.04/hr (2019) to $36.30/hr (2025). At a 2.61% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $38.22/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 Gurnee 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 Gurnee
Focusing on part-time opportunities, an accountant working a 24-hour week can realistically take home a substantial amount annually, albeit less than someone employed full-time. Per-diem and 1099 contract accountants typically find themselves charging rates that can range from $50 to $95 per hour, with experienced professionals from Big 4 firms often billing even higher to $130 during peak periods. Hourly compensation also varies significantly depending on employer type in Gurnee. Accountants employed at public firms may earn more, while boutique practices or government roles often provide lower pay but may offer benefits. The decision often hinges on personal circumstances, as some professionals might accept lower hourly rates in exchange for health insurance coverage. Negotiating wages effectively requires an understanding of this dynamic, ensuring that hourly value aligns with the specific realities of Gurnee’s accountant market.
More salary data for Gurnee, 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 Gurnee. 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 Gurnee 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