Chicago vs Decatur: Pharmacist Salary (2026)
Compare pharmacist salaries between Chicago, IL and Decatur, IL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Chicago, IL | Decatur, IL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $143,458 | $148,631▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $68.97 | $71.45▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $86,505 | $108,123▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $128,357▲ | $123,296 |
| 75th Percentile | $166,706▲ | $158,264 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $174,852▲ | $170,351 |
| Total Employed | 8,930▲ | 60 |
Verdict
Chicago and Decatur are closely matched on overall pharmacist compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Chicago and Decatur is $5,173 (3.61%). Decatur's median is +3.58% 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,Decatur spans $62,228. 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, Decatur ($168,093 effective) pays 21.38% 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…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($174,852)
- ✓Larger job market (8,930 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Choose Decatur if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($148,631/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $168,093)
- ✓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 16.8% growth in Decatur over the same period.
Chicago, IL
$129,610 (2019) → $140,880 (2025)
Decatur, IL
$124,970 (2019) → $145,960 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Chicago, IL
Decatur, IL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays pharmacists more: Chicago or Decatur?
What is the hourly rate difference between Chicago and Decatur?
Should I relocate from Chicago to Decatur as a pharmacist?
What do entry-level pharmacists earn in Chicago vs Decatur?
Related Comparisons
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