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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for an Accounting Assistant I in Illinois is $43,800 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $21.
However, an Accounting Assistant I's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Accounting Assistant I Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $46,500 | $3,875 | $894 | $22 |
| Average | $43,800 | $3,650 | $842 | $21 |
| 25th Percentile | $39,200 | $3,267 | $754 | $19 |
Fusion Tech Integrated Inc. - Roseville, IL
TA Resources LLC - Lake Forest, IL
TDK Corporation of America - Lincolnshire, IL
Viscofan - Oak Brook, IL
An Accounting Assistant I's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location, and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of an Accounting Assistant I's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:
| Job Role | Years of Experience | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Accounting Assistant I | 0-1 years | $43,716 |
| Accounting Assistant II | 1-3 years | $49,603 |
| Accounting Assistant III | 3-5 years | $55,805 |
| Accounting Assistant IV | 5-7 years | $62,344 |
| Accounting Operations Supervisor | 7+ years | $91,282 |
What Am I Worth?
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Accounting Assistant Is. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:
Accounting Assistant I salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $49,032. While startup companies pay approximate $41,480.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $41,480 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $43,870 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $47,349 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $49,032 |
For Accounting Assistant I roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 30% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Aerospace & Defense and Healthcare sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 15% above the average. In contrast, Accounting Assistant positions in Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit or Hospitality & Leisure typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Accounting Assistant I as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aerospace & Defense | $50,370 | $24.0 | 15% |
| Healthcare | $49,056 | $24.0 | 12% |
| Business Services | $48,180 | $23.0 | 10% |
| Insurance | $47,304 | $23.0 | 8% |
| MFG Nondurable | $46,866 | $23.0 | 7% |
Understanding how an Accounting Assistant I's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $46,500 | $3,875 | $894 | $22 |
| Average | $43,800 | $3,650 | $842 | $21 |
| 25th Percentile | $39,200 | $3,267 | $754 | $19 |
Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As an Accounting Assistant I, you have the following paths for advancement. The table below compares the salary raises for common next-step roles. By comparing these figures, you can choose the career path that best meets your financial goals.
| Next Step Role | Estimate Salary | Projected Raise |
|---|---|---|
| Bookkeeper/Accounting Assistant | $44,700 | 2% |
| Customer Account Adjustments Clerk II | $43,500 | -1% |
| Accounting Assistant II | $49,700 | 13% |
| Plant General and Cost Accounting Manager | $119,700 | 173% |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Accounting Assistant I job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
Mohs Surgery & Dermatology Center
Elgin, IL
Mohs Surgery & Dermatology Center | Elgin, IL
Job Description. Job Description. Job Title: Accounting Assistant - Part Time. Company Overview. Join our healthcare organization which is known for its in... more
5 Days Ago
Good Shepherd Lutheran Church
Naperville, IL
Good Shepherd Lutheran Church | Naperville, IL
Job Description. Job Description. Naperville, ILPosition Summary: If you have experience in accounting, are detail orientated, and looking for a part-time ... more
6 Days Ago
Georgia IT Inc
Jacksonville, IL
Georgia IT Inc | Jacksonville, IL
Accounting AssistantLocation:Jacksonville, ILDuration:Long-termRate:DOESkills and Experience Needed:Deposit daily cash receipts SLA target:100% of daily ca... more
6 Days Ago
Actus Consulting Group
Itasca, IL
Actus Consulting Group | Itasca, IL
Job Description. Job Description. Job Description / Qualifications. Position: Accounting Assistant. Location: Hybrid (3 days in office). Schedule: Full-tim... more
6 Days Ago
BORNQUIST INC
Northbrook, IL
BORNQUIST INC | Northbrook, IL
Job Description. Job Description. Bornquist, one of the premier Manufacturer’s Reps in the Chicagoland area, has built dominant brand name recognition for ... more
3 Days Ago
Swissport
Rosemont, IL
Swissport | Rosemont, IL
Swissport - - Responsibilities: Answer telephones and screen calls. Transcribe and proofread documents. Schedule and organize workload. Maintain confidenti... more
3 Days Ago
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