Accountant in Evanston, IL

Here is a comprehensive career guide for Accountants considering a move to Evanston, IL.

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The Salary Picture: Where Evanston Stands

As a local, I can tell you that Evanston’s accountant salaries are strong, punching above the national average while sitting in a more affordable market than its big-city neighbor to the south. The median salary for an Accountant in the Evanston metro area is $86,751/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $41.71/hour. This slightly edges out the national average of $86,080/year, a significant advantage when you factor in the local cost of living.

The job market is stable but not explosive. There are approximately 150 accountant jobs listed in the metro area at any given time, with a 10-year job growth projection of 4%. This isn't the meteoric rise you might see in a tech hub, but it's a steady, reliable demand that's tied to the city's robust healthcare, education, and nonprofit sectors.

Experience-Level Breakdown

Salary progression in Evanston follows a clear path. While the median is $86,751, your specific earnings will depend heavily on your experience, credentials (like a CPA), and industry.

Experience Level	Typical Title	Estimated Annual Salary Range
Entry-Level	Staff Accountant, Junior Analyst	$55,000 - $70,000
Mid-Career	Senior Accountant, Accounting Manager	$75,000 - $95,000
Senior-Level	Controller, Finance Director	$95,000 - $130,000+
Expert/Partner	Partner (CPA Firm), CFO	$130,000 - $200,000+

Comparison to Other Illinois Cities

Evanston offers a compelling middle ground. It provides salaries competitive with Chicago but with a less frenetic pace and lower living costs compared to the Loop.

City	Median Salary (Est.)	Cost of Living Index	1BR Avg. Rent
Evanston	$86,751	102.6	$1,231
Chicago (Metro)	$88,000	106.5	$1,850
Peoria	$72,000	88.5	$950
Springfield	$74,500	91.0	$975

Sources: BLS, local rental listings, Cost of Living Index data.

Insider Tip: In Evanston, a CPA license is a powerful salary multiplier. Firms like Weinstein Spira and smaller local practices often have structured bonus and profit-sharing plans for licensed CPAs that can push total compensation 15-20% above the base median.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

The median salary of $86,751 sounds solid, but what does it mean for your monthly budget? Let's break it down for a single accountant.

Monthly Budget Breakdown (Annual Salary: $86,751)

• Gross Monthly Income: $7,229
• Estimated Taxes (Federal, FICA, State ~25%): -$1,807
• Net Monthly Income: ~$5,422
• Average 1BR Rent ($1,231): -$1,231
• Remaining for Utilities, Groceries, Transportation, Savings: $4,191

This leaves a comfortable cushion. Utilities (ComEd, Nicor) in an older building might run $150/month, and a monthly CTA/Metra pass is $105. After essentials, you're still looking at over $3,500 for discretionary spending, savings, and retirement contributions.

Can they afford to buy a home?
Yes, but with caveats. The median home price in Evanston is significantly higher than the national average, often hovering around $500,000-$600,000 for a single-family home. With a $86,751 income, you'd likely qualify for a mortgage in the $350,000-$400,000 range. This means buying a home in Evanston would likely require a substantial down payment (20%+) or looking at smaller condos or older homes in need of renovation. Many accountants in this salary bracket choose to buy in adjacent, more affordable suburbs like Skokie or Lincolnwood and commute in.

Where the Jobs Are: Evanston's Major Employers

Evanston's economy is diverse, anchored by Northwestern University, a major medical center, and a thriving small business ecosystem. Accountants aren't just working in "Big 4" firms here; they're in crucial roles across the community.

1. Northwestern University: This is the city's largest employer. The university's financial services department hires accountants for budgeting, grants management (a huge area with NIH and NSF funding), and compliance. The work is stable, with excellent benefits, though salaries can be slightly below the private sector median.

2. NorthShore University HealthSystem (Evanston Hospital): A major healthcare system requires a battalion of accountants for revenue cycle management, cost accounting, and compliance with complex healthcare regulations. This is a growth area due to the constant evolution of healthcare billing and policy.

3. Weinstein Spira: A prominent local CPA firm with a strong regional presence. They handle audit, tax, and advisory services for mid-sized businesses and nonprofits. They are a prime destination for accountants seeking public accounting experience without the relentless grind of a Chicago Big 4 office.

4. City of Evanston: Municipal government accounting is a stable niche. The city’s finance department handles everything from utility billing to pension fund accounting for public employees. It's a great path for those who value public service and predictable hours.

5. Local Nonprofits (e.g., YWCA Evanston/Northern Illinois, Childcare Network of Evanston): Evanston has a dense concentration of nonprofits. These organizations need skilled accountants for grant reporting, fund accounting, and operational budgeting. The pay may be slightly lower, but the mission-driven work is a major draw.

6. Small & Mid-Sized Businesses: From the tech startups on Chicago Avenue to the family-owned restaurants in downtown Evanston, the small business sector relies on local CPA firms and in-house accountants. This is where you'll find the most variety in day-to-day work.

Hiring Trends: Hiring is steady. There's a particular demand for accountants with experience in nonprofit fund accounting (due to the university and nonprofits) and healthcare revenue cycle management. Tech-savvy candidates proficient in cloud-based platforms (QuickBooks Online, Xero, Bill.com) are highly sought after by small businesses.

Getting Licensed in IL

For career advancement, especially to senior or management roles, becoming a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) is often essential. The Illinois Board of Accountancy (IDFPR) governs the process.

State-Specific Requirements:

• Education: 150 semester hours of college credit, including a bachelor's degree with at least 30 hours in upper-level accounting courses and 24 hours in general business courses.
• Exam: Pass all four parts of the Uniform CPA Exam (AUD, BEC, FAR, REG).
• Experience: One year (2,000 hours) of accounting experience verified by a licensed CPA.
• Ethics Exam: Pass the AICPA Professional Ethics Exam.

Costs & Timeline:

• Total Cost (Exam Fees, Review Course, Application): Approximately $3,000 - $5,000. Becker and Wiley review courses are popular and often subsidized by employers.
• Timeline: This is a multi-year effort. If you're starting from scratch with a bachelor's degree, expect 1.5 to 2.5 years to complete the 150-hour requirement, pass the exam, and gain the required experience.

Insider Tip: Many Evanston-area employers, especially the university and larger corporations, offer CPA exam support, including paid study time and reimbursement for exam fees. It's a critical question to ask during interviews.

Best Neighborhoods for Accountants

Where you live in Evanston impacts your commute, lifestyle, and social circle. Here’s a local's guide:

1. Downtown Evanston: The heart of the action. Walkable to restaurants, the lakefront, and the CTA Purple Line stop. Ideal for young professionals who want to be in the mix. You'll be close to many downtown firms and the city hall.

   • Rent Estimate: $1,400 - $2,000 for a 1BR.

2. Central/South Evanston: Quieter, more residential, with beautiful, tree-lined streets. Close to the main Northwestern campus and some university jobs. A short bike ride or bus ride to downtown. Great for those who want a neighborhood feel.

   • Rent Estimate: $1,200 - $1,600 for a 1BR.

3. North Evanston (Lake Michigan Shoreline): The most affluent and scenic area, with stunning lake views and larger, historic homes. Commute to downtown is still easy via the Davis Street Metra station. This is where senior executives and partners often live.

   • Rent Estimate: Hard to find rentals; homeownership is the norm. If you find a rental, expect $1,800+.

4. West Evanston (near Skokie): More affordable, with a mix of older apartment buildings and single-family homes. It's a quick commute to downtown Evanston or the northern suburbs. A practical choice for those prioritizing budget over a walkable downtown.

   • Rent Estimate: $1,000 - $1,400 for a 1BR.

5. Adjacent Suburbs (Skokie, Lincolnwood): While not technically Evanston, these are extremely popular for accountants. They offer more square footage for your dollar, easier parking, and are just a 10-15 minute drive or bus ride from downtown Evanston.

   • Rent Estimate: $1,100 - $1,500 for a 1BR.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Evanston is not a city of rapid, high-risk career jumps. It's a place for steady, sustainable growth.

Specialty Premiums:

• CPA License: This is the single biggest career accelerator. Expect a 10-20% salary premium over non-CPAs in comparable roles.
• Nonprofit Accounting Expertise: Given the local economy, deep expertise in FASB 116/117 and grant compliance can make you a highly valued specialist.
• Tax Specialization: For those in public accounting, specializing in corporate tax or high-net-worth individual tax can lead to partnership tracks at local firms.

Advancement Paths:
The typical path is Staff Accountant → Senior Accountant → Accounting Manager → Controller (for in-house) or Manager → Senior Manager → Director/Partner (for public accounting). The timeline from entry-level to Controller is typically 7-10 years.

10-Year Outlook: The 4% job growth indicates stability, not a boom. The accounting profession here will be shaped by technology (automation of routine tasks) and regulatory changes. Accountants who adapt by moving into advisory, financial analysis, and strategic planning roles will see the most growth.

The Verdict: Is Evanston Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Competitive Salaries relative to cost of living.	High Housing Costs relative to the Midwest; buying a home is challenging.
Stable, Diverse Job Market anchored by education and healthcare.	Slower Career Progression than in major financial hubs like Chicago or NYC.
Exceptional Quality of Life: Walkable, lakefront, diverse cultural scene.	Limited "Big 4" Presence – you'll likely commute to Chicago for that path.
Short Commute to Chicago via Metra for access to bigger opportunities.	Traffic on Sheridan Road can be a daily frustration.
Intellectually Stimulating Environment due to the university.	A "College Town" Vibe that may not suit everyone.

Final Recommendation:
Evanston is an excellent choice for accountants who value work-life balance, a high quality of life, and a stable career. It's perfect for mid-career professionals, those working in nonprofits or healthcare, and anyone who wants the amenities of a city without the intense pressure and cost of downtown Chicago. It's less ideal for someone seeking the fastest possible climb in a cutthroat corporate finance or Big 4 environment. If you can afford the rent or manage a commute from a more affordable suburb, the city offers a rewarding professional and personal environment.

FAQs

1. Do I need to live in Evanston to work there?
No, but it helps. Many accountants live in nearby suburbs like Skokie, Lincolnwood, or even Rogers Park in Chicago. The commute is manageable via the CTA Purple Line or Metra, which runs directly into downtown Evanston.

2. Is the market saturated with accountants?
Not saturated, but competitive. The 150 jobs in the metro area mean there's consistent opportunity, but also competition from Northwestern graduates and experienced professionals from Chicago. Tailoring your resume to local industries (nonprofit, healthcare, higher ed) is key.

3. What's the best way to find an accounting job in Evanston?
Network locally. Attend events hosted by the Illinois CPA Society and the Evanston Chamber of Commerce. Many local jobs are filled through referrals. Also, target the major employers listed above directly and connect with recruiters who specialize in the Chicago metro area.

4. How does the cost of living index of 102.6 compare to other cities?
It's slightly above the U.S. average (100) but significantly lower than coastal cities (e.g., New York ~187, San Francisco ~269). For a Midwest city with a major university and lakefront access, it's a reasonable trade-off for the amenities you get.

5. Are there opportunities for remote work?
Yes, especially post-2020. Many local businesses and even some university departments offer hybrid or fully remote roles. However, many employers, particularly in healthcare and public accounting, still prefer an in-office presence for collaboration and training. It's a growing but not yet universal option.