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Pharmacist Salary in Chicago, IL

How much does a pharmacist make in Chicago? Explore median, entry-level, and senior salaries adjusted for Chicago's cost of living.

Median Salary
$137,610
per year in Chicago
Entry Level
$89,289
Starting salary
Senior Level
$183,830
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
112
12% above national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

See how pharmacist salaries break down across different pay periods in Chicago.

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$89,289$137,610$183,830
Monthly$7,441$11,468$15,319
Biweekly$3,434$5,293$7,070
Weekly$1,717$2,646$3,535
Hourly$43$66$88

Chicago vs National Average

How Chicago's pharmacist salaries compare to national figures.

Chicago Salary
$137,610
COL Index: 112
National Average
$152,660
COL Index: 100
Difference
-$15,050
Lower in Chicago

Cost of Living in Chicago

1-Bedroom Rent
$1,700
per month
Median Income
$58,984
per year
Population
2,693,976
residents
Rent % of Income
34.6%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 112 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in Chicago have been adjusted to account for local cost differences.

About Pharmacist

Overview

Dispense medications and advise patients on medication use and side effects.

Education

Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD); licensure required

Key Skills

PharmacologyPatient CounselingMedication ManagementCompliance

Growth Rate

Expected job growth: +12% over the next decade

Compare Cities: Pharmacist Salary

See Pharmacist salaries in other top cities.

New York, NY
$135,720
-1%
Los Angeles, CA
$158,450
+15%
Houston, TX
$139,010
+1%
Phoenix, AZ
$136,870
-1%
Philadelphia, PA
$137,960
+0%

Financial Tools to Explore

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Cost of Living Calculator

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Pharmacist Salary in Chicago, IL — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a pharmacist in Chicago, IL is $137,610 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 112. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering Chicago's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level pharmacist professionals in Chicago can expect to earn around $89,289 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level pharmacists earning approximately $183,830 per year. This represents a 106% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

Chicago's cost of living index of 112 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a higher cost-of-living city, salaries in Chicago are adjusted accordingly. This means that while the nominal salary may appear higher or lower than the national average of $152,660, the actual purchasing power must be considered in context.

Housing and Affordability

A significant portion of a pharmacist's salary in Chicago typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $1,700 per month, housing represents about 14.8% of median salary. Financial experts generally recommend keeping housing expenses below 30% of gross income.

Career Growth and Opportunities

Pharmacists are in growing demand across the United States, with an expected job growth of 12% over the next decade. In Chicago, this translates to increasing opportunities and potential for salary growth as demand for experienced professionals continues to rise.

Source: BLS OEWS May 2024Metro-level wage data for this occupation and area
Data source: Salary data on this page are sourced from Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program May 2024 estimates. Figures are approximate and intended for informational purposes only. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, education, certifications, and local market conditions. This page does not constitute financial or career advice. For the most current wage data, visit bls.gov.