How to Become a Accountants and Auditors in Illinois
Accountants and Auditors in Illinois earn a median salary of $79,300/year, which is 3% below the national average. Illinois has a state income tax of ~4.9%. After taxes and rent, a accountants and auditors takes home approximately $3,609/month. Most positions require Bachelor's degree.
What a accountants and auditors can afford in Illinois
Becoming a accountants and auditors in Illinois
Meet education requirements
Accountants and Auditors positions in Illinois typically require Bachelor's degree. Programs are available at colleges and training institutions across Illinois. Research accredited programs in your area.
Gain required experience
Many accountants and auditors positions in Illinois require hands-on experience through internships, apprenticeships, or entry-level roles. Look for training programs and mentorship opportunities in your metro area.
Obtain Illinois licensure or certification
Illinois may require specific licensing or professional certification for accountants and auditorss. Requirements vary by state — contact the Illinois Department of Labor or relevant licensing board for current requirements, exam schedules, and application procedures.
Find positions in Illinois
Illinois employs 54,690 accountants and auditors. The highest concentrations are in Springfield and Chicago-Naperville-Elgin.
Accountants and Auditors salary by metro area in Illinois
| Metro area | Median | Hourly | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Springfield | $84K | $40.37/hr | 1,580 |
| Chicago-Naperville-Elgin | $81K | $39.04/hr | 41,860 |
| Decatur | $78K | $37.62/hr | 340 |
| Peoria | $75K | $36.13/hr | 1,210 |
| Bloomington | $75K | $35.97/hr | 670 |
| Rockford | $70K | $33.68/hr | 800 |
| Champaign-Urbana | $65K | $31.07/hr | 680 |
| Kankakee | $64K | $30.73/hr | 220 |
Accountants and Auditors salary range in Illinois
Accountants and Auditors careers in other states
Frequently asked questions
How much does a accountants and auditors make in Illinois?▼
The median accountants and auditors salary in Illinois is $79,300 per year ($38.12/hr). This is 3% below the national median of $81,680. Salaries range from $51,690 to $132,080.
What are the requirements to become a accountants and auditors in Illinois?▼
Accountants and Auditors positions in Illinois typically require Bachelor's degree. Illinois may have specific licensing or certification requirements. Check with the Illinois licensing board or department of labor for current requirements.
Can a accountants and auditors afford to live in Illinois?▼
At the median salary of $79,300, a accountants and auditors in Illinois would take home approximately $5,021/month after taxes. With median 2-bedroom rent at $1,412/month, that's 28.1% of take-home pay going to housing. This is within the recommended 30% guideline.
What are the best cities for accountants and auditors in Illinois?▼
The highest paying metro areas for accountants and auditors in Illinois are Springfield ($83,970), Chicago-Naperville-Elgin ($81,210), Decatur ($78,240). However, cost of living varies significantly between metros — a higher salary may not mean more purchasing power.
Does Illinois have state income tax for accountants and auditors?▼
Yes, Illinois has a state income tax rate of approximately 4.9%. On a $79,300 salary, this means roughly $3,925/year in state income tax. Use our take-home pay calculator for a detailed breakdown.