Pharmacist Hourly Pay in Wheaton, IL: $67.17 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a pharmacist working in Wheaton, IL runs $67.17 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $139,700 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1051). Weighted against Wheaton's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.1, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $69.17 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $83,825 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Wheaton, Illinois, the pharmacist hourly pay currently stands at a median of $67.17, which is slightly below the national hourly median of $68.99. For pharmacists working part-time, such as those on a typical three-day workweek, this translates to substantial earnings even at reduced hours, making the profession financially viable for those balancing other commitments. For per-diem positions, which are often found in diverse environments like retail pharmacy counters and hospital inpatient pharmacies, the earning potential varies with entry-level rates starting around $49.48 and reaching upwards of $83.87 for top-tier professionals. These hourly figures are derived from 2026 estimates based on 2025 BLS data, reflecting the competitive landscape for pharmacists in Wheaton.
About the Wheaton 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) | $49.48 | $395.83 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $62.78 | $502.23 |
| Median (P50) | $67.17 | $537.34 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $77.93 | $623.44 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $83.87 | $670.94 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Wheaton
Based on $67.17/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $67.17/hr, a pharmacist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Wheaton, IL can expect to earn approximately $139,708 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $80,600. With a cost-of-living index of 97.10 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Wheaton.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Wheaton
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,686.68 | $11,642 | $139,708 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,612.01 | $6,985 | $83,825 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,074.67 | $4,657 | $55,883 |
Compare PharmD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Pharmacist (Wheaton) | $67.17 |
| 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 Wheaton, IL earn a median of $139,700 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.64% lower than the national median of $143,489 and 1.70% below the Illinois state average of $142,116.
Pharmacist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $67.17/hr = $83,825/year (purchasing power: $86,328).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $139,708/year (purchasing power: $143,880).
CoL index: 97.1 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$59.96/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$65.96/hr
2026 Current Est.
$67.17/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+14.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Pharmacists in Wheaton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 1.83% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $59.96/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $60.25/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $60.18/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $62.14/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $63.68/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $60.56/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $65.96/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $67.17/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $68.40/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for pharmacists in Wheaton grew 10.0% from $59.96/hr (2019) to $65.96/hr (2025). At a 1.83% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $68.40/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 Wheaton 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 Wheaton
Considering the earning dynamics further, a part-time pharmacist working 24 hours a week would take home a notable annual income, offering a stark contrast to full-time employment’s benefits. Per diem pharmacist pay in Wheaton can range significantly, with retail positions generally billing $55-$75 per hour, while specialties in clinical settings might see rates from $60-$85 and oncology roles pushing to $70-$95 per hour. Hourly rates can differ markedly based on the employer, as pharmacy chains like CVS and Walgreens often have tighter budgets compared to hospital pharmacies or specialty firms. Additionally, some pharmacists may choose lower hourly rates in exchange for comprehensive health benefits, illustrating the trade-offs inherent in different employment opportunities. For those considering this path, practical negotiation tips include understanding the local market dynamics and being prepared to articulate why their unique skills or certifications, such as PGY-1 or PGY-2 residency training, warrant higher pay.
More salary data for Wheaton, 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 Wheaton. 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 Wheaton 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