Accountant Salary in Urbana, IL: $71,228 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time accountant in Urbana, IL earns a median $71,228/year (≈ $34.24/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 13-2011). Once you factor in Urbana's price level (3% below national, BEA RPP 97.1), that paycheck buys what $73,355 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 9.4% below the Illinois state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Accountants in Urbana, Illinois, can expect to earn a median annual salary of $71,228 in 2026, which is significantly lower than the national median of $85,864, creating a gap of approximately 17.05%. The salary range stretches from $51,936 at the 10th percentile to $110,403 at the 90th percentile, showcasing a diverse earning potential for professionals in the field. These figures reflect local estimates based on 2025 BLS data, adjusted for the regional cost of living, which is indicated by a cost-of-living index of 97.1—below the national average of 100. Given the competitive nature of the accounting job market and the trend of many professionals transitioning from public firms to industry roles, aspiring accountants in Urbana must consider their specialization and licensure, such as CPA status, to optimize their earning potential.
About the Urbana Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($88,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $51,936 | $24.97 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $59,433 | $28.58 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $71,228 | $34.24 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $91,171 | $43.83 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $110,403 | $53.08 |
Median Salary Position
17.05% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Urbana
In Urbana, IL, the accountant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $58,467 (2026 est.). At $71,228, the local median is 17.05% below the national median of $85,864.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Urbana: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Urbana Accountant Pay Compares
Urbana median: $71,228/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Urbana Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois Average | $78,618 | -9.40% less |
| National Average | $85,864 | -17.05% less |
Accountants in Urbana, IL earn a median of $71,228 per year (2026 est.), which is 17.05% lower than the national median of $85,864 and 9.40% below the Illinois state average of $78,618.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Urbana 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.
Urbana, IL has a cost-of-living index of 97.1 (below the national average of 100). A accountant earning $71,228 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $73,355 in an average-cost city — an effective 2.99% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$59,354
2025 BLS Actual
$69,416
2026 Current Est.
$71,228
2019–2027 Growth
+23.1%
Salary Trajectory for Accountants in Urbana (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.61% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $59,354 | Actual |
| 2020 | $61,021 | Actual |
| 2021 | $64,082 | Actual |
| 2022 | $64,704 | Actual |
| 2023 | $66,264 | Actual |
| 2024 | $82,583 | Actual |
| 2025 | $69,416 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $71,228 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $73,087 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Urbana metropolitan area, the median accountant salary grew 17.0% from $59,354 (2019) to $69,416 (2025). At a 2.61% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $73,087 by 2027 — a total increase of $13,733 (23.14%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Urbana 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) | $51,936 – $59,433 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $59,433 – $71,228 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $71,228 – $91,171 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $91,171 – $110,403 |
CPA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual accountant compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Accountant Job Market in Urbana
Currently, there are just six accountants employed in Urbana, underscoring the tight job market in the area. The relatively affordable cost of living can offer some relief, yet professionals need to optimize their salary potential by strategically navigating their career paths. Big 4 firms tend to offer the highest salaries, with opportunities for bonuses and higher compensation tied to workloads during tax season. The disparity between the lowest and highest salaries can be attributed to factors like the CPA license, which significantly elevates pay, especially for those moving into senior roles. Furthermore, specialty areas such as tax and forensic accounting may command premium salaries, while industry roles often pay more cash but offer less prestige than public firm pathways. For those looking to maximize accountant pay in Urbana, actively pursuing CPA licensure, engaging in networking opportunities, and considering positions with larger firms can lead to better financial rewards and career growth.
More salary data for Urbana, 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 $69,416 for accountantsin the Urbana 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 Urbana 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