Pharmacist Hourly Pay in Joliet, IL: $67.90 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a pharmacist working in Joliet, IL runs $67.90 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $141,224 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1051). Weighted against Joliet's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.1, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $69.93 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $84,740 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Joliet, Illinois, the pharmacist hourly pay averages $67.90, slightly lower than the national hourly median of $68.99. This rate reflects the earnings potential for diverse roles found in community settings such as retail pharmacy counters, hospital pharmacies, specialty pharmacies, and mail-order facilities. For part-time employees, working just three days a week typically means a schedule of around 24 hours, which translates into a respectable income for those balancing other priorities. The hourly pay range in Joliet varies significantly, with entry-level positions earning approximately $48.07, while top earners can command up to $85.22 per hour. These figures, derived from annual salary estimates, illustrate the financial scope available within the pharmacy profession in Joliet.
About the Joliet Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($132,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Pharmacist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $48.07 | $384.59 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $62.11 | $496.85 |
| Median (P50) | $67.90 | $543.20 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $78.82 | $630.53 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $85.22 | $681.77 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Joliet
Based on $67.90/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $67.90/hr, a pharmacist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Joliet, IL can expect to earn approximately $141,233 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $81,480. With a cost-of-living index of 97.10 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Joliet.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Joliet
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,716.01 | $11,769 | $141,233 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,629.61 | $7,062 | $84,740 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,086.40 | $4,708 | $56,493 |
Compare PharmD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Pharmacist (Joliet) | $67.90 |
| Pharmacy Technician (National Avg) | $19.27 |
| Registered Nurse (National Avg) | $42.80 |
| Physician Assistant (National Avg) | $63.17 |
| Nurse Practitioner (National Avg) | $60.81 |
Pharmacists in Joliet, IL earn a median of $141,224 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.58% lower than the national median of $143,489 and 0.60% below the Illinois state average of $142,076.
Pharmacist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $67.90/hr = $84,740/year (purchasing power: $87,270).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $141,233/year (purchasing power: $145,451).
CoL index: 97.1 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$60.61/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$66.68/hr
2026 Current Est.
$67.90/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+14.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Pharmacists in Joliet (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 1.83% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $60.61/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $60.91/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $60.84/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $62.82/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $64.37/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $61.22/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $66.68/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $67.90/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $69.14/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for pharmacists in Joliet grew 10.0% from $60.61/hr (2019) to $66.68/hr (2025). At a 1.83% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $69.14/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem pharmacists can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Joliet 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.
Working as an Hourly Pharmacist in Joliet
Part-time pharmacists in Joliet who work 24 hours weekly can actually net a comfortable income, but the comparison to full-time positions reveals disparities. While full-time roles may yield higher earnings overall, many opt for part-time flexibility, receiving $45,000 to $65,000 annually depending on their specific hourly rates and work settings. Per diem pharmacists in this area can expect varying pay scales based on their work site; common rates range from $55 to $75 per hour for retail roles, while hospital clinical positions typically pay between $60 and $85 hourly. For specialized roles, particularly in critical care or oncology, pay may reach as high as $70-$95 per hour. Retail pharmacists might encounter compressed pay rates as major chains consolidate locations. Ultimately, considerations around hourly rates and benefits package negotiations shape career decisions in Joliet. Many prefer higher hourly wages without benefits, but those looking for security might accept lower pay for comprehensive health coverage. Discussing potential pay and benefits openly during the hiring process will often lead to a more favorable outcome.
More salary data for Joliet, 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
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 1.83% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for pharmacists in Joliet. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Joliet 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