Aurora vs Springfield: Pharmacist Salary (2026)
Compare pharmacist salaries between Aurora, IL and Springfield, IL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Aurora, IL | Springfield, IL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $140,362▲ | $137,919 |
| Hourly Rate | $67.48▲ | $66.31 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $98,065 | $103,683▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $124,359 | $130,261▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $161,924 | $162,999▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $174,469 | $177,754▲ |
| Total Employed | 44 | 300▲ |
Verdict
Aurora and Springfield are closely matched on overall pharmacist compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Aurora and Springfield is $2,443 (1.77%). Aurora's median is -2.18% compared to the US national median of $143,489.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Aurora spans $76,404,Springfield spans $74,071. Aurora 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 2.87% more than Aurora ($144,554 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Aurora if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($140,362/year)
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
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
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, pharmacist salaries in Aurora grew 8.9% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 6.2% growth in Springfield over the same period.
Aurora, IL
$126,569 (2024) → $137,840 (2025)
Springfield, IL
$127,560 (2019) → $135,440 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Aurora, IL
Springfield, IL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays pharmacists more: Aurora or Springfield?
What is the hourly rate difference between Aurora and Springfield?
Should I relocate from Aurora to Springfield as a pharmacist?
What do entry-level pharmacists earn in Aurora vs Springfield?
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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