Pharmacist salary in Chicago, IL
Median pay, Chicago metro
$140,880/year
about $67.73 an hour full-time
Middle half earns $126,050 – $163,710
Half of pharmacists in the Chicago metro area earn more than $140,880 a year and half earn less. That's about the same as the national median of $140,910, and ranks #17 of the 30 big metro areas we track for this job.
Pay range
| Percentile | Yearly | Hourly* |
|---|---|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $84,950 | $40.84 |
| 25th | $126,050 | $60.60 |
| Median (50th) | $140,880 | $67.73 |
| 75th | $163,710 | $78.71 |
| 90th (top earners) | $171,710 | $82.55 |
*Yearly pay divided by 2,080 hours (40 hours × 52 weeks), the full-time basis BLS uses.
Is your offer fair?
For a pharmacist job in the Chicago metro area, here's how an offer compares:
- Below market under $126,050 ($60.60/hr). Fine for a first job in the field, otherwise worth negotiating.
- Typical $126,050 to $163,710 ($60.60 to $78.71/hr). The middle half of what people in this job earn.
- Strong offer over $163,710 ($78.71/hr). Higher than three quarters of workers here.
Before you accept
- Retail and hospital pharmacist roles differ a lot in hours and workload. Ask about staffing and scripts per day.
- Ask whether you'd float between locations and whether travel time is paid.
- Some roles pay more for evening, overnight or weekend shifts.
Also watch for the common warning signs in the posting itself: 15 job posting red flags.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, 2025, Chicago metro. Occupation: Pharmacists (SOC 29-1051). Figures cover wage and salary workers and don't include bonuses, benefits or overtime.