Pharmacy Technician Salary in Illinois
Based on 21K+ workers in Illinois
Median Annual Salary (IL)
$46,650
$22.43/hr
vs National Average
$45,424
+2.7% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$37K – $58K
21K employed in Illinois
Pharmacy Technician salary in Illinois averages $46,650 per year, positioning the state slightly above the national average at 3% higher. With approximately 21,340 pharmacy technicians employed across Illinois, this represents a stable career path with competitive compensation. Salaries in the state typically range from $36,550 to $58,260 annually, reflecting variations based on experience and workplace setting.
Several factors influence pharmacy technician compensation throughout Illinois. Work environment plays a significant role, as technicians in hospital settings often earn differently than those in retail pharmacies or mail-order facilities. Years of experience, professional certifications, and geographic location within the state also impact earnings potential. Additionally, employer size and the technician's specific responsibilities can contribute to salary variations within the established range.
Salary Distribution — Pharmacy Technician in Illinois
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $36,550 |
| 25th percentile | $38,190 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $46,650 |
| 75th percentile | $49,150 |
| 90th percentile | $58,260 |
Top-Paying Industries for Pharmacy Technician (U.S.)
Which industries pay Pharmacy Technicians the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Pharmacy Technicians in Illinois tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Government (excl. schools, hospitals & USPS) | $63,230 | 10K |
| Educational Services | $60,840 | 1K |
| Real Estate and Rental and Leasing | $55,540 | 30 |
| Health Care and Social Assistance | $50,470 | 107K |
| Other Services (except Public Administration) | $50,440 | — |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Pharmacy Technician in Illinois vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Illinois) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $38,370 |
| 2023 | $39,940 |
| 2024 | $44,610 |
| 2025 | $46,650 |
| 2026 (projected) | $48,783 |
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 | $38,370 | $38,744 |
| 2023 | $39,940 | $41,026 |
| 2024 | $44,610 | $42,875 |
| 2025 | $46,650 | $45,424 |
| 2026 (projected) | $48,783 | $47,501 |
Pharmacy Technician Salary by Experience Level in Illinois
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $38,190 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $46,650 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $49,150 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $58,260 |
Pharmacy Technician Salary in Other States
Related Pharmacy Technician Salaries in Illinois
How other high-demand occupations in Illinois compare to Pharmacy Technician ($46,650 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Pharmacy Technician | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cardiologist in IL | $517,850 | +1010.1% | $248.97/hr |
| Surgeon in IL | $438,010 | +838.9% | $210.58/hr |
| Nurse Anesthetist in IL | $286,830 | +514.9% | $137.90/hr |
| Psychiatrist in IL | $258,740 | +454.6% | $124.39/hr |
| Family Medicine Physician in IL | $245,120 | +425.4% | $117.85/hr |
| Obstetrician and Gynecologist in IL | $208,000 | +345.9% | $100.00/hr |
| Pediatrician in IL | $196,760 | +321.8% | $94.60/hr |
| Podiatrist in IL | $167,400 | +258.8% | $80.48/hr |
| Dentist in IL | $156,110 | +234.6% | $75.05/hr |
| Optometrist in IL | $145,620 | +212.2% | $70.01/hr |
| Internal Medicine Physician in IL | $140,680 | +201.6% | $67.63/hr |
| Pharmacist in IL | $139,080 | +198.1% | $66.87/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do pharmacy technicians make in Illinois?
- The median salary for pharmacy technicians in Illinois is $46,650 per year, or approximately $22 per hour. This is 2.7% higher than the national average for the profession.
What is the salary range for pharmacy technicians in Illinois?
- Pharmacy technician salaries in Illinois typically range from $36,550 on the lower end to $58,260 on the higher end, depending on experience, location, and employer.
Is pharmacy technician a good paying job in Illinois?
- Yes, pharmacy technician positions in Illinois offer competitive compensation with a median salary of $46,650 annually, which exceeds the national average by 2.7%. There are currently 21,340 pharmacy technicians employed across the state.
What do entry-level pharmacy technicians earn in Illinois?
- Entry-level pharmacy technicians in Illinois can expect to earn around $36,550 per year, while experienced technicians can earn up to $58,260 annually depending on their qualifications and work environment.