Accountant Hourly Pay in Palatine, IL: $37.87 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a accountant working in Palatine, IL runs $37.87 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $78,772 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 13-2011). Weighted against Palatine's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.1, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $39.00 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $47,266 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
With a median hourly rate of $37.87, accountants in Palatine, Illinois, earn slightly less than the national median hourly pay of $41.28. This rate allows for a reasonable living for those engaged in part-time work, such as a three-day work week, where earnings can offer a strong balance between work-life commitment and financial responsibility. For per-diem accountants, who often work on project bases in diverse settings like corporate offices or tax season remote environments, the flexibility and opportunities serve as a substantial complement to their overall income. The hourly wage range in Palatine varies widely, from entry-level positions commanding $24.55 to more experienced and specialized accountants earning up to $58.70. These figures provide insight into the broader salary scale in a region like Palatine, which, while enjoying a cost of living index of 97.1, reflects the dynamics of local demand and professional experience.
About the Palatine 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) | $24.55 | $196.44 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $29.56 | $236.50 |
| Median (P50) | $37.87 | $302.99 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $48.47 | $387.78 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $58.70 | $469.63 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Palatine
Based on $37.87/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $37.87/hr, a accountant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Palatine, IL can expect to earn approximately $78,777 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $45,448. With a cost-of-living index of 97.10 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Palatine.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Palatine
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,514.93 | $6,565 | $78,777 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $908.96 | $3,939 | $47,266 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $605.97 | $2,626 | $31,511 |
Compare CPA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Accountant (Palatine) | $37.87 |
| 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 Palatine, IL earn a median of $78,772 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.26% lower than the national median of $85,864 and 0.20% above the Illinois state average of $78,614.
Accountant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $37.87/hr = $47,266/year (purchasing power: $48,678).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $78,777/year (purchasing power: $81,129).
CoL index: 97.1 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$31.56/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$36.91/hr
2026 Current Est.
$37.87/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+23.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Accountants in Palatine (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.61% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $31.56/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $32.45/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $34.07/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $34.40/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $35.23/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $41.16/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $36.91/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $37.87/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $38.86/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for accountants in Palatine grew 17.0% from $31.56/hr (2019) to $36.91/hr (2025). At a 2.61% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $38.86/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 Palatine 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 Palatine
For those weighing the financial benefits of part-time versus full-time accounting roles, the earning potential can significantly differ. An accountant working 24 hours a week would bring home approximately $47,238 annually, compared to a full-time counterpart, which underscores the effective choice many make for flexibility. Per-diem and contract accountants in Palatine have the chance to bill rates between $50-$95 per hour based on their niche skills, with former Big 4 staff potentially commanding up to $130 per hour during busy season engagements. The landscape of hourly pay varies across different employer types, with public accounting giants typically offering robust benefits packages in exchange for competitive, yet often lower hourly pay rates compared to high-skilled roles in the forensic and valuation sectors. Trade-offs often come into play as accountants consider the balance of benefits and pay. For those negotiating their hourly wages in Palatine, articulating one’s unique skills and understanding the employer's compensation framework can greatly enhance their bargaining power, especially as both entry-level and seasoned professionals aim to position themselves advantageously within the market.
More salary data for Palatine, 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 Palatine. 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 Palatine 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