Accountant Hourly Pay in Plainfield, IL: $36.55 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a accountant working in Plainfield, IL runs $36.55 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $76,016 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 13-2011). Weighted against Plainfield's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.1, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $37.64 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $45,614 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the projected accountant hourly pay in Plainfield, Illinois is estimated at $36.55, which falls below the national median of $41.28. For part-time accountants, this pay translates to a potential income that is solid, especially for those working three days a week. Typical settings might include client engagement rooms in public firms, corporate finance offices, and even IRS cubicles. Those on the lower end of the spectrum can expect around $26.52 per hour, while top earners can command up to $56.65. This range suggests that entry-level roles provide a feasible starting point, allowing for potential growth as professionals gain experience, credentials, and specialization within the field.
About the Plainfield 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) | $26.52 | $212.20 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $30.52 | $244.13 |
| Median (P50) | $36.55 | $292.40 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $46.78 | $374.24 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $56.65 | $453.21 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Plainfield
Based on $36.55/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $36.55/hr, a accountant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Plainfield, IL can expect to earn approximately $76,023 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $43,860. With a cost-of-living index of 97.10 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Plainfield.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Plainfield
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,461.99 | $6,335 | $76,023 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $877.19 | $3,801 | $45,614 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $584.79 | $2,534 | $30,409 |
Compare CPA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Accountant (Plainfield) | $36.55 |
| 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 Plainfield, IL earn a median of $76,016 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.47% lower than the national median of $85,864 and 3.30% below the Illinois state average of $78,610.
Accountant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $36.55/hr = $45,614/year (purchasing power: $46,976).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $76,023/year (purchasing power: $78,294).
CoL index: 97.1 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$30.46/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$35.62/hr
2026 Current Est.
$36.55/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+23.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Accountants in Plainfield (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.61% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $30.46/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $31.31/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $32.88/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $33.20/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $34.00/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $39.72/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $35.62/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $36.55/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $37.50/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for accountants in Plainfield grew 17.0% from $30.46/hr (2019) to $35.62/hr (2025). At a 2.61% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $37.50/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 Plainfield 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 Plainfield
Examining part-time work in greater detail, an accountant who works 24 hours a week could see an annual take-home that varies significantly compared to their full-time peers. When considering per-diem roles or 1099 contractors, some accountants bill rates between $50 and $95 per hour, depending on their expertise. For example, former Big 4 employees stepping into busy-season fill-in roles during peak times can earn upwards of $80-$130 per hour. The variety of employer types available in Plainfield also influences pay: larger firms like Deloitte and PwC typically offer competitive wages, whereas boutique firms may pay less but provide essential health benefits. Many accountants face a trade-off when it comes to hourly compensation; while higher rates may exist in the freelance world, full-time employment often provides stability and benefits. Negotiating hourly compensation requires understanding the market and recognizing what employers in Plainfield are willing to pay for various accounting roles.
More salary data for Plainfield, 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 Plainfield. 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 Plainfield 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