Senior Accountant Salary in Quincy, IL: $118,249 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of accountants working in Quincy, IL — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $118,249/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 13-2011. Strip back Quincy's price premium (BEA RPP 97.1, 3% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $121,781 in average-cost America. The 55% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

For those eyeing top-tier roles in Quincy, Illinois, the compensation for senior accountants reflects both extensive experience and the market's growing demand, with the upper echelon of earners projected to reach a noteworthy $118,249 in 2026. This figure underscores a significant gap compared to the median salary of $76,290, illustrating the potential for substantial financial rewards in advanced positions within accounting. Senior professionals who aspire to enjoy this premium pay must not only gain over seven years of experience but may also need to hone specialized skills or certifications that align with high-demand sectors such as tax, audit, and forensic accounting. As such, achieving top accountant salary in Quincy requires both strategic career moves and a commitment to continued professional development.
About the Quincy Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($88,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Quincy
Experienced accountants at the top of the pay scale in Quincy earn between $97,651 and $118,249 per year (2026 est.). This $68,401 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Quincy median of $76,290 sits 11.15% below the US median.
Top CPA Salary Comparison
| Level | Quincy | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $76,290 | $85,864 |
| 75th Percentile | $97,651 | $112,676 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $118,249 | $147,851 |
In Quincy, experienced accountants (P90) earn 55.00% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Accountant Pay in Quincy
Advanced Certifications in Illinois
IL accountants with additional specialty certifications within the accounting field earn significantly above the $76,290 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Quincy employers.
Specialty Focus
Accountants focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the accounting field in Quincy command premium compensation, often reaching the $97,651–$118,249 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Quincy metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced accountants who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured accountants in Quincy with established relationships have strong negotiating leverage. In this developing market, retention bonuses and annual raises are common for top performers.
Continuing Education & Leadership
Accountants in Illinois who pursue advanced degrees, mentor junior staff, or lead clinical education programs position themselves for the highest compensation tiers and management roles.
Accountant Career & Wage Growth Path in Quincy
Clinical Accountant
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Accountant
5-10 yearsAccountant Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedQuincy ranks #41 of 65 Illinois cities for top earner accountant salary (90th percentile: $118,249).
Top 10% accountant compensation in Quincy ($118,249) is 13.29% below the Illinois average P90 ($136,367).
2019 BLS Actual
$99,533
2025 BLS Actual
$115,241
2026 Current Est.
$118,249
2019–2027 Growth
+21.9%
Salary Trajectory for Accountants in Quincy (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.61% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $99,533 | Actual |
| 2020 | $102,916 | Actual |
| 2021 | $103,148 | Actual |
| 2022 | $106,123 | Actual |
| 2023 | $109,794 | Actual |
| 2024 | $128,528 | Actual |
| 2025 | $115,241 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $118,249 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $121,335 | Projected |
Top-earning accountants (90th percentile) in Quincy saw their compensation grow 15.8% from $99,533 in 2019 to $115,241 in 2025, based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for this metropolitan area. At a 2.61% annual growth rate, senior-level pay is projected to reach $121,335 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Quincy 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.
Maximizing Your Accountant Earnings in Quincy
While a solid baseline salary is a given, the factors influencing senior accountant pay in Quincy go far beyond just years of service. Specialized areas like corporate tax and forensic accounting command considerable premiums, while work environments can lead to varying compensation structures. For example, Big 4 firms like Deloitte and PwC typically offer higher salaries than regional firms or corporate accounting departments; however, those in industry roles often secure better work-life balance despite lower base compensation. Advancement opportunities remain robust across various paths, alongside the pursuit of advanced credentials such as the CPA, CMA, or CIA that further augment earning potential. Moreover, with salary components like bonuses and equity stakes in firms becoming more prevalent, senior accountants in Quincy can navigate a rewarding career well beyond their base pay.
More salary data for Quincy, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced accountants make in Quincy in 2026?
What drives higher accountant pay in Quincy?
What certifications boost accountant salary in Quincy?
Can experienced accountants make six figures in Quincy?
How much does accountant salary increase over time in Quincy?
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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
Top-earner salary figures on this page are 2026 projections derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. BLS reported a 90th percentile salary of $115,241 for accountants in the Quincy metro area. A 2.61% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 senior-level compensation. Individual earnings depend on certifications, specialization, practice type, and years of clinical experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Quincy 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