Accountant Hourly Pay in Normal, IL: $36.64 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a accountant working in Normal, IL runs $36.64 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $76,219 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 13-2011). Weighted against Normal's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.1, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $37.74 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $45,729 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Normal, Illinois, the accountant hourly pay is projected to be $36.64 in 2026, which is notably lower than the national average of $41.28 per hour. This rate reflects the financial reality for accountants in various settings, including public firms and corporate finance departments, where hourly work is common. Part-time accountants working three days a week can expect to earn approximately $31,000 annually, even while this typically offers flexibility that many professionals seek. For those entering the field, the hourly rate starts around $23.85, while experienced accountants can earn as much as $56.79 per hour. Such variations in pay are essential for understanding the range of opportunities available in a city where the cost of living is slightly below the national average.
About the Normal 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) | $23.85 | $190.77 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $28.57 | $228.53 |
| Median (P50) | $36.64 | $293.14 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $46.90 | $375.22 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $56.79 | $454.36 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Normal
Based on $36.64/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $36.64/hr, a accountant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Normal, IL can expect to earn approximately $76,215 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $43,970. With a cost-of-living index of 97.10 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Normal.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Normal
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,465.68 | $6,351 | $76,215 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $879.41 | $3,811 | $45,729 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $586.27 | $2,541 | $30,486 |
Compare CPA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Accountant (Normal) | $36.64 |
| 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 Normal, IL earn a median of $76,219 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.23% lower than the national median of $85,864 and 3.00% below the Illinois state average of $78,576.
Accountant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $36.64/hr = $45,729/year (purchasing power: $47,095).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $76,215/year (purchasing power: $78,492).
CoL index: 97.1 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$30.53/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$35.71/hr
2026 Current Est.
$36.64/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+23.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Accountants in Normal (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.61% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $30.53/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $31.39/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $32.97/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $33.29/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $34.09/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $39.83/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $35.71/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $36.64/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $37.60/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for accountants in Normal grew 17.0% from $30.53/hr (2019) to $35.71/hr (2025). At a 2.61% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $37.60/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 Normal 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 Normal
The earning potential for accountants in Normal can shift dramatically based on the type of employment and workload. For instance, those working as per diem accountants or on a 1099 basis often bill between $50 and $95 per hour depending on their specialty. This arrangement is particularly lucrative for alumni of Big 4 firms during busy seasons, where they can command hourly rates between $80 and $130. Additionally, forensic and valuation experts acting as litigation witnesses can charge upwards of $300 to $600 per hour. When considering employer types, hourly rates vary significantly; accountants at Big 4 firms may earn different amounts than those in regional CPA firms or corporate settings. While some professionals accept lower hourly rates for the benefits and job security of traditional employment, others prefer the higher pay of freelance work despite the absence of health insurance and retirement plans. Negotiating rates in Normal requires an understanding of the local market dynamics, emphasizing the need for accountants to advocate for their worth based on their expertise and the demands of the role.
More salary data for Normal, 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 Normal. 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 Normal 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