How Chief Financial Officers in Illinois get paid in 2026 — median, range, experience tiers, metro breakdown, and a comparison against national pay.
Pay tiers reflect typical Illinois compensation across career stages. Specialized employers may pay above these ranges.
| Experience | Median 2026 | 25th % | 75th % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry (0–1 yr) | $292,600 | $222,300 | $380,300 |
| Junior (2–4 yrs) | $363,600 | $276,300 | $472,700 |
| Mid-Level (5–9 yrs) | $418,000 | $317,700 | $543,400 |
| Senior (10–14 yrs) | $501,600 | $381,200 | $652,000 |
| Veteran (15+ yrs) | $568,400 | $432,000 | $739,000 |
Pay varies sharply within Illinois. Major metros usually outpay state-wide averages.
| Metro | Median | 25th % | 75th % | vs Illinois |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chicago | $433,400 | $329,300 | $563,400 | +4% |
Top occupations by median pay in Illinois — useful context if you're weighing a career switch.
→ See full ranking of top 25 highest-paying jobs in Illinois
If you'd consider relocating, here's how regional and comparable markets pay for the same job.
The average Chief Financial Officer salary in Illinois is $418,000 per year as of 2026, based on projections from BLS Occupational Employment Statistics. The 25th percentile sits at $317,700 and the 75th at $543,400.
Pay-wise, Illinois sits +9% above the national Chief Financial Officer median ($383,500). That makes it one of the stronger markets — though cost of living should always be factored in alongside raw salary.
Senior Chief Financial Officers (10–14 years of experience) in Illinois earn around $501,600 per year on average. Veterans with 15+ years can reach $568,400 or more, especially at the 75th percentile and above.
Among all 51 jurisdictions (50 states + DC), Illinois ranks 14th for Chief Financial Officer pay. The highest-paying state pays around $575,200 on average.
The median is a benchmark, not a verdict. Your exact market value depends on your experience and education — plus your specific employer's pay band. Run the free calculator for a personalized number.
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