Calumet City vs Rockford: Pharmacist Salary (2026)
Compare pharmacist salaries between Calumet City, IL and Rockford, IL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Calumet City, IL | Rockford, IL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $134,792 | $136,646▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $64.80 | $65.70▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $99,010 | $106,983▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $125,445 | $133,326▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $151,831 | $162,225▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $158,978 | $166,390▲ |
| Total Employed | 7 | 300▲ |
Verdict
Rockford, IL offers better overall compensation for pharmacists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Calumet City.
The salary gap between Calumet City and Rockford is $1,854 (1.38%). Rockford's median is -4.77% compared to the US national median of $143,489.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Calumet City spans $59,968,Rockford spans $59,407. Calumet City 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, Rockford ($148,280 effective) pays 6.82% more than Calumet City ($138,818 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Calumet City if…
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Choose Rockford if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($136,646/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($166,390)
- ✓Larger job market (300 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $148,280)
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, pharmacist salaries in Calumet City grew 8.9% from 2024 to 2025, compared to -2.8% growth in Rockford over the same period.
Calumet City, IL
$121,547 (2024) → $132,370 (2025)
Rockford, IL
$138,120 (2019) → $134,190 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Calumet City, IL
Rockford, IL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays pharmacists more: Calumet City or Rockford?
What is the hourly rate difference between Calumet City and Rockford?
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Related Comparisons
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