Entry-Level Pharmacist Salary in Moline, IL: $103,994 (2026)
Quick Answer:New pharmacists entering the Moline, IL job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $103,994 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1051, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Moline's local price level (BEA RPP 97.1 — 3% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $107,100 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($145,659) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
The starting pharmacist salary in Moline, Illinois, is expected to be approximately $103,994 in 2026. For recent graduates, this number sets the low boundary for entry-level positions in the area, presenting a gap relative to the overall city median salary of $145,659. Over the first three to five years, new pharmacists may experience significant salary growth, moving from the P10 level to the P25, which stands at $133,797. Given the competitive nature of the market and the current health landscape, Moline presents solid opportunities for new grads seeking their first roles, especially considering the city's stability and acceptable cost of living.
About the Moline Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($132,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Moline
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Moline
Entry-level pharmacists in Moline, IL typically start between $103,994 and $133,797 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $65,358 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $145,659 — 1.51% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average pharmacy program cost in Illinois of $160,000 represents just 153.86% of the starting pharmacist pay ($103,994/year) in Moline. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Program cost estimates based on ACPE-accredited PharmD program data and AACP tuition survey reports. Tuition-only averages; actual costs vary significantly by institution type (public in-state vs. private).
PharmD Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Moline
- 1Research the Moline market: entry-level pharmacist pay ranges from $103,994 to $133,797, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the pharmacy field — employers in IL often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Moline, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Moline for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Moline's moderate cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Pharmacist Compensation Range
The pharmacist wage spread in Moline is $65,358 ( 62.85%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $103,994, experienced hygienists can earn up to $169,352.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$90,924
2025 BLS Actual
$102,125
2026 Current Est.
$103,994
2019–2027 Growth
+16.5%
Salary Trajectory for Pharmacists in Moline (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 1.83% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $90,924 | Actual |
| 2020 | $87,643 | Actual |
| 2021 | $79,034 | Actual |
| 2022 | $82,233 | Actual |
| 2023 | $92,549 | Actual |
| 2024 | $80,903 | Actual |
| 2025 | $102,125 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $103,994 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $105,897 | Projected |
Entry-level pharmacist compensation (10th percentile) in Moline, IL grew 12.3% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $90,924 in 2019 to $102,125 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $105,897. New graduates entering the Moline job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Moline metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 1.83% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Starting Your pharmacy Career in Moline
In Moline, several employers actively recruit new pharmacists, including local hospital systems that may offer a PGY-1 residency, catering to those looking to specialize in clinical pharmacy. Retail chains like CVS and Walgreens remain top employers for non-residency positions, often providing modest sign-on bonuses that are lower than peaks seen in prior years. The essential credentials for enhancing entry-level pay in Illinois include obtaining a PharmD from an ACPE-accredited program, passing the NAPLEX and MPJE exams, and obtaining a state pharmacist license. Career strategies in the first few years will center around adaptability, as the retail pharmacy sector is consolidating, driven by closures in big chain stores, while opportunities in hospital and specialty pharmacy roles are evolving due to the increased scope of practice, such as vaccinations and point-of-care testing. In this context, realistic salary growth expectations should allow new pharmacists to transition from initial roles to more advanced positions that offer significantly higher compensation within the Moline market.
More salary data for Moline, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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
Entry-level salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new pharmacy graduates. A 1.83% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Moline. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Moline is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 1.83%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for pharmacists (SOC 29-1051).
Compiled and verified by Sofia Chen, PharmD, a licensed pharmacist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov