Aurora vs Chicago: Pharmacist Salary (2026)
Compare pharmacist salaries between Aurora, IL and Chicago, IL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Aurora, IL | Chicago, IL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $140,362 | $143,458▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $67.48 | $68.97▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $98,065▲ | $86,505 |
| 25th Percentile | $124,359 | $128,357▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $161,924 | $166,706▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $174,469 | $174,852▲ |
| Total Employed | 44 | 8,930▲ |
Verdict
Chicago, IL offers better overall compensation for pharmacists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Aurora.
The salary gap between Aurora and Chicago is $3,096 (2.21%). Chicago's median is -0.02% compared to the US national median of $143,489.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Aurora spans $76,404,Chicago spans $88,347. Chicago has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced pharmacists.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Aurora ($144,554 effective) pays 4.39% more than Chicago ($138,480 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Aurora if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $144,554)
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Choose Chicago if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($143,458/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($174,852)
- ✓Larger job market (8,930 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, pharmacist salaries in Aurora grew 8.9% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 8.7% growth in Chicago over the same period.
Aurora, IL
$126,569 (2024) → $137,840 (2025)
Chicago, IL
$129,610 (2019) → $140,880 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Aurora, IL
Chicago, IL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays pharmacists more: Aurora or Chicago?
What is the hourly rate difference between Aurora and Chicago?
Should I relocate from Aurora to Chicago as a pharmacist?
What do entry-level pharmacists earn in Aurora vs Chicago?
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Written by Sofia Chen, PharmD
Career Analyst
Sofia Chen has 10 years of experience in community pharmacy. She specializes in medication therapy management.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 1.83% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Sofia Chen, PharmD, a licensed pharmacist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov