Accountant Salary in Galesburg, IL: $74,576 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time accountant in Galesburg, IL earns a median $74,576/year (≈ $35.85/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 13-2011). Once you factor in Galesburg's price level (3% below national, BEA RPP 97.1), that paycheck buys what $76,803 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 5.1% below the Illinois state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, accountants in Galesburg, Illinois, can expect a median annual salary of $74,576, which falls significantly below the national median of $85,864 for the same year. The projected salary range for this occupation in Galesburg spans from $52,114 at the 10th percentile to $115,592 at the 90th percentile, indicating a noteworthy variation in compensation depending on factors such as experience, specialization, and the nature of the employing organization. Estimates for these salary figures are derived from 2025 BLS data, adjusted for local cost-of-living considerations. As Galesburg transitions from a public sector-dominated job market to more private industry roles, the demand for accounting professionals is anticipated to grow, influencing long-term earnings potential.
About the Galesburg Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($88,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $52,114 | $25.06 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $60,554 | $29.11 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $74,576 | $35.85 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $95,457 | $45.90 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $115,592 | $55.57 |
Median Salary Position
13.15% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Galesburg
In Galesburg, IL, the accountant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $63,478 (2026 est.). At $74,576, the local median is 13.15% below the national median of $85,864.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Galesburg: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Galesburg Accountant Pay Compares
Galesburg median: $74,576/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Galesburg Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois Average | $78,584 | -5.10% less |
| National Average | $85,864 | -13.15% less |
Accountants in Galesburg, IL earn a median of $74,576 per year (2026 est.), which is 13.15% lower than the national median of $85,864 and 5.10% below the Illinois state average of $78,584.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Galesburg has a cost of living 2.90% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Galesburg, IL has a cost-of-living index of 97.1 (below the national average of 100). A accountant earning $74,576 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $76,803 in an average-cost city — an effective 2.99% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$62,144
2025 BLS Actual
$72,679
2026 Current Est.
$74,576
2019–2027 Growth
+23.1%
Salary Trajectory for Accountants in Galesburg (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.61% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $62,144 | Actual |
| 2020 | $63,889 | Actual |
| 2021 | $67,094 | Actual |
| 2022 | $67,746 | Actual |
| 2023 | $69,379 | Actual |
| 2024 | $81,058 | Actual |
| 2025 | $72,679 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $74,576 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $76,522 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Galesburg metropolitan area, the median accountant salary grew 17.0% from $62,144 (2019) to $72,679 (2025). At a 2.61% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $76,522 by 2027 — a total increase of $14,378 (23.14%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Galesburg 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $52,114 – $60,554 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $60,554 – $74,576 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $74,576 – $95,457 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $95,457 – $115,592 |
CPA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual accountant compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Accountant Job Market in Galesburg
With only four accountants currently employed in the Galesburg area, local job opportunities are somewhat limited, yet this can create a tighter competition among firms seeking talent. The area’s cost-of-living index stands at 97.1, which is below the national average, suggesting that take-home earnings may stretch further for residents. Major employers in the region include small CPA practices and some local corporate accounting departments, but opportunities in larger firms like the Big 4 are rare. Salary disparities often arise from the type of employer and the accreditations held by the accountants, with licensed CPAs typically commanding higher pay. Additionally, the variations between entry and senior-level positions can be significant. Accountants can maximize their compensation potential by pursuing CPA licensure, considering roles that offer bonuses, and honing in on specific specializations like tax or forensic accounting, which may come with higher pay premiums in Galesburg, IL.
More salary data for Galesburg, 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
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $72,679 for accountantsin the Galesburg metropolitan area. A 2.61% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Galesburg 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