Buffalo Grove vs Springfield: Pharmacist Salary (2026)
Compare pharmacist salaries between Buffalo Grove, IL and Springfield, IL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Buffalo Grove, IL | Springfield, IL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $139,546▲ | $137,919 |
| Hourly Rate | $67.09▲ | $66.31 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $106,093▲ | $103,683 |
| 25th Percentile | $132,631▲ | $130,261 |
| 75th Percentile | $154,519 | $162,999▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $173,919 | $177,754▲ |
| Total Employed | 7 | 300▲ |
Verdict
Buffalo Grove and Springfield are closely matched on overall pharmacist compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Buffalo Grove and Springfield is $1,627 (1.18%). Buffalo Grove's median is -2.75% compared to the US national median of $143,489.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Buffalo Grove spans $67,826,Springfield spans $74,071. Springfield 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, Springfield ($148,708 effective) pays 3.47% more than Buffalo Grove ($143,714 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Buffalo Grove if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($139,546/year)
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Choose Springfield if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($177,754)
- ✓Larger job market (300 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $148,708)
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, pharmacist salaries in Buffalo Grove grew 8.9% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 6.2% growth in Springfield over the same period.
Buffalo Grove, IL
$125,834 (2024) → $137,038 (2025)
Springfield, IL
$127,560 (2019) → $135,440 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Buffalo Grove, IL
Springfield, IL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays pharmacists more: Buffalo Grove or Springfield?
What is the hourly rate difference between Buffalo Grove and Springfield?
Should I relocate from Buffalo Grove to Springfield as a pharmacist?
What do entry-level pharmacists earn in Buffalo Grove vs Springfield?
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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