Springfield vs Wheaton: Pharmacist Salary (2026)
Compare pharmacist salaries between Springfield, IL and Wheaton, IL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Springfield, IL | Wheaton, IL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $137,919 | $139,700▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $66.31 | $67.17▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $103,683▲ | $102,917 |
| 25th Percentile | $130,261 | $130,582▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $162,999▲ | $162,093 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $177,754▲ | $174,443 |
| Total Employed | 300▲ | 14 |
Verdict
Springfield and Wheaton are closely matched on overall pharmacist compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Springfield and Wheaton is $1,781 (1.29%). Wheaton's median is -2.64% compared to the US national median of $143,489.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Springfield spans $74,071,Wheaton spans $71,526. Springfield 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, Springfield ($148,708 effective) pays 3.36% more than Wheaton ($143,872 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
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
Choose Wheaton if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($139,700/year)
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, pharmacist salaries in Springfield grew 6.2% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 8.9% growth in Wheaton over the same period.
Springfield, IL
$127,560 (2019) → $135,440 (2025)
Wheaton, IL
$125,972 (2024) → $137,189 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Springfield, IL
Wheaton, IL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays pharmacists more: Springfield or Wheaton?
What is the hourly rate difference between Springfield and Wheaton?
Should I relocate from Springfield to Wheaton as a pharmacist?
What do entry-level pharmacists earn in Springfield vs Wheaton?
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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