Accountant Salary in Northbrook, IL: $77,540 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time accountant in Northbrook, IL earns a median $77,540/year (≈ $37.28/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 13-2011). Once you factor in Northbrook's price level (3% below national, BEA RPP 97.1), that paycheck buys what $79,856 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.4% below the Illinois state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Northbrook, IL, accountants earn a median annual salary of $77,540, which represents a notable contrast to the national median of $85,864. This salary is accompanied by a range stretching from $52,681 for entry-level positions (10th percentile) to a maximum of $120,187 for experienced professionals (90th percentile). The salary figures are derived from estimates based on 2025 BLS state-level data and regional price adjustments. The local job market, primarily driven by Big 4 public accounting firms, regional CPA firms, and corporate accounting departments, indicates a dynamic environment for professionals in the area. Understanding these compensation levels can provide insight into the competitive landscape of accountant pay in Northbrook.
About the Northbrook Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($88,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $52,681 | $25.32 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $61,911 | $29.77 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $77,540 | $37.28 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $99,252 | $47.71 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $120,187 | $57.78 |
Median Salary Position
9.69% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Northbrook
In Northbrook, IL, the accountant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $67,506 (2026 est.). At $77,540, the local median is 9.69% below the national median of $85,864.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Northbrook: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Northbrook Accountant Pay Compares
Northbrook median: $77,540/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Northbrook Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois Average | $78,641 | -1.40% less |
| National Average | $85,864 | -9.69% less |
Accountants in Northbrook, IL earn a median of $77,540 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.69% lower than the national median of $85,864 and 1.40% below the Illinois state average of $78,641.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Northbrook 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.
Northbrook, IL has a cost-of-living index of 97.1 (below the national average of 100). A accountant earning $77,540 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $79,856 in an average-cost city — an effective 2.99% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$64,614
2025 BLS Actual
$75,568
2026 Current Est.
$77,540
2019–2027 Growth
+23.1%
Salary Trajectory for Accountants in Northbrook (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.61% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $64,614 | Actual |
| 2020 | $66,429 | Actual |
| 2021 | $69,761 | Actual |
| 2022 | $70,439 | Actual |
| 2023 | $72,136 | Actual |
| 2024 | $84,280 | Actual |
| 2025 | $75,568 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $77,540 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $79,564 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Northbrook metropolitan area, the median accountant salary grew 17.0% from $64,614 (2019) to $75,568 (2025). At a 2.61% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $79,564 by 2027 — a total increase of $14,950 (23.14%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Northbrook 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) | $52,681 – $61,911 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $61,911 – $77,540 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $77,540 – $99,252 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $99,252 – $120,187 |
CPA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual accountant compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Accountant Job Market in Northbrook
Examining the local job market reveals that only eight accountants are currently employed in Northbrook, suggesting a specialized and potentially competitive environment. The cost of living index stands at 97.1, indicating that the purchasing power for residents is slightly below the national average. This reality can significantly impact net income and lifestyle choices in Northbrook. Among local employers, Big 4 firms generally offer the highest pay, but professionals transitioning to corporate roles may find attractive compensation packages as well. The disparity between lower and higher salaries often relates to CPA licensure, with a greater premium for specialized fields such as tax and forensic accounting. For those looking to maximize their earnings in this market, pursuing CPA credentials, targeting high-demand specialties, and gaining experience at reputable firms can be effective strategies. With a solid game plan, accountants can enhance their earning potential in Northbrook, IL.
More salary data for Northbrook, 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 $75,568 for accountantsin the Northbrook 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 Northbrook 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