Pharmacist Salary in Illinois
Based on 12K+ workers in Illinois
Median Annual Salary (IL)
$139,080
$66.87/hr
vs National Average
$142,891
-2.7% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$99K – $169K
12K employed in Illinois
Pharmacist salary in Illinois averages $139,080 per year, with the state employing approximately 12,070 pharmacists across various healthcare settings. This median compensation is about 3% below the national average, reflecting regional differences in cost of living and healthcare market dynamics. Illinois remains a significant employment hub for pharmacy professionals seeking stable, well-compensated careers.
Several factors influence pharmacist salary in Illinois, including years of experience, type of employer, and specific work setting. Pharmacists working in hospital systems often earn differently than those in independent or chain retail pharmacies. Geographic location within the state, advanced certifications, and specialization in clinical areas can also create salary variations, with experienced professionals earning up to $169,430 annually while entry-level positions may start near $98,970.
Salary Distribution — Pharmacist in Illinois
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $98,970 |
| 25th percentile | $126,270 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $139,080 |
| 75th percentile | $162,280 |
| 90th percentile | $169,430 |
Top-Paying Industries for Pharmacist (U.S.)
Which industries pay Pharmacists the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Pharmacists in Illinois tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Health Care and Social Assistance | $156,600 | 122K |
| Transportation and Warehousing | $156,490 | 470 |
| Government (excl. schools, hospitals & USPS) | $153,650 | 10K |
| Other Services (except Public Administration) | $150,350 | — |
| Management of Companies and Enterprises | $144,820 | 5K |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Pharmacist in Illinois vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Illinois) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $131,770 |
| 2023 | $135,120 |
| 2024 | $135,880 |
| 2025 | $139,080 |
| 2026 (projected) | $142,355 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Illinois Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $131,770 | $132,955 |
| 2023 | $135,120 | $136,337 |
| 2024 | $135,880 | $138,804 |
| 2025 | $139,080 | $142,891 |
| 2026 (projected) | $142,355 | $146,256 |
Pharmacist Salary by Experience Level in Illinois
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $126,270 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $139,080 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $162,280 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $169,430 |
Pharmacist Salary in Other States
Related Pharmacist Salaries in Illinois
How other high-demand occupations in Illinois compare to Pharmacist ($139,080 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Pharmacist | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cardiologist in IL | $517,850 | +272.3% | $248.97/hr |
| Surgeon in IL | $438,010 | +214.9% | $210.58/hr |
| Nurse Anesthetist in IL | $286,830 | +106.2% | $137.90/hr |
| Psychiatrist in IL | $258,740 | +86.0% | $124.39/hr |
| Family Medicine Physician in IL | $245,120 | +76.2% | $117.85/hr |
| Obstetrician and Gynecologist in IL | $208,000 | +49.6% | $100.00/hr |
| Pediatrician in IL | $196,760 | +41.5% | $94.60/hr |
| Podiatrist in IL | $167,400 | +20.4% | $80.48/hr |
| Dentist in IL | $156,110 | +12.2% | $75.05/hr |
| Optometrist in IL | $145,620 | +4.7% | $70.01/hr |
| Internal Medicine Physician in IL | $140,680 | +1.2% | $67.63/hr |
| Veterinarian in IL | $133,580 | -4.0% | $64.22/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do pharmacists make in Illinois?
- The median salary for pharmacists in Illinois is $139,080 per year, or approximately $67 per hour. This is slightly below the national average, representing a difference of -2.7% compared to pharmacists across the United States.
What is the salary range for pharmacists working in Illinois?
- Pharmacist salaries in Illinois range from $98,970 at the lower end to $169,430 at the higher end. This range represents the spread between entry-level and experienced pharmacists in the state.
How many pharmacists are employed in Illinois?
- There are approximately 12,070 pharmacists currently employed in Illinois, making it a significant employment market for this profession in the state.
Is the pharmacist salary in Illinois competitive compared to the national average?
- Illinois pharmacist salaries are slightly below the national average at $139,080 annually, which is 2.7% lower than the national median. However, the state still offers competitive compensation within the typical salary range for the profession.