Downers Grove vs Peoria: Pharmacist Salary (2026)
Compare pharmacist salaries between Downers Grove, IL and Peoria, IL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Downers Grove, IL | Peoria, IL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $135,609 | $142,460▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $65.20 | $68.49▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $100,935 | $111,921▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $127,184 | $132,114▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $156,417 | $161,339▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $166,634▲ | $165,362 |
| Total Employed | 11 | 340▲ |
Verdict
Peoria, IL offers better overall compensation for pharmacists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Downers Grove.
The salary gap between Downers Grove and Peoria is $6,851 (5.05%). Peoria's median is -0.72% compared to the US national median of $143,489.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Downers Grove spans $65,699,Peoria spans $53,441. Downers Grove 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, Peoria ($156,153 effective) pays 11.81% more than Downers Grove ($139,659 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Downers Grove if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($166,634)
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Choose Peoria if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($142,460/year)
- ✓Larger job market (340 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $156,153)
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, pharmacist salaries in Downers Grove grew 8.9% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 2.9% growth in Peoria over the same period.
Downers Grove, IL
$122,283 (2024) → $133,172 (2025)
Peoria, IL
$136,020 (2019) → $139,900 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Downers Grove, IL
Peoria, IL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays pharmacists more: Downers Grove or Peoria?
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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