Pharmacy Technician salary in Chicago, IL
Median pay, Chicago metro
$46,820/year
about $22.51 an hour full-time
Middle half earns $38,830 – $49,950
Half of pharmacy technicians in the Chicago metro area earn more than $46,820 a year and half earn less. That's 2% higher than the national median of $45,750, and ranks #15 of the 30 big metro areas we track for this job.
Pay range
| Percentile | Yearly | Hourly* |
|---|---|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $37,780 | $18.16 |
| 25th | $38,830 | $18.67 |
| Median (50th) | $46,820 | $22.51 |
| 75th | $49,950 | $24.01 |
| 90th (top earners) | $59,170 | $28.45 |
*Yearly pay divided by 2,080 hours (40 hours × 52 weeks), the full-time basis BLS uses.
Is your offer fair?
For a pharmacy technician job in the Chicago metro area, here's how an offer compares:
- Below market under $38,830 ($18.67/hr). Fine for a first job in the field, otherwise worth negotiating.
- Typical $38,830 to $49,950 ($18.67 to $24.01/hr). The middle half of what people in this job earn.
- Strong offer over $49,950 ($24.01/hr). Higher than three quarters of workers here.
Before you accept
- Certification (such as CPhT) is required in many states and often comes with higher pay.
- Hospital pharmacy roles often pay more than retail pharmacy roles.
- Ask about evening, weekend and holiday shifts, and any differential pay for them.
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: Pharmacy Technicians (SOC 29-2052). Figures cover wage and salary workers and don't include bonuses, benefits or overtime.