Chicago vs Champaign: Pharmacist Salary (2026)
Compare pharmacist salaries between Chicago, IL and Champaign, IL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Chicago, IL | Champaign, IL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $143,458▲ | $141,819 |
| Hourly Rate | $68.97▲ | $68.19 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $86,505 | $91,851▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $128,357 | $132,909▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $166,706▲ | $161,920 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $174,852 | $178,131▲ |
| Total Employed | 8,930▲ | 220 |
Verdict
Chicago, IL offers better overall compensation for pharmacists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Champaign.
The salary gap between Chicago and Champaign is $1,639 (1.16%). 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 Chicago spans $88,347,Champaign spans $86,280. Chicago has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Champaign ($152,980 effective) pays 10.47% 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 Chicago if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($143,458/year)
- ✓Larger job market (8,930 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Choose Champaign if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($178,131)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $152,980)
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, pharmacist salaries in Chicago grew 8.7% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -0.1% growth in Champaign over the same period.
Chicago, IL
$129,610 (2019) → $140,880 (2025)
Champaign, IL
$139,430 (2019) → $139,270 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Chicago, IL
Champaign, IL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays pharmacists more: Chicago or Champaign?
What is the hourly rate difference between Chicago and Champaign?
Should I relocate from Chicago to Champaign as a pharmacist?
What do entry-level pharmacists earn in Chicago vs Champaign?
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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