Chicago vs Des Plaines: Pharmacist Salary (2026)
Compare pharmacist salaries between Chicago, IL and Des Plaines, IL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Chicago, IL | Des Plaines, IL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $143,458▲ | $137,413 |
| Hourly Rate | $68.97▲ | $66.07 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $86,505 | $97,662▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $128,357▲ | $122,759 |
| 75th Percentile | $166,706▲ | $156,762 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $174,852▲ | $167,125 |
| Total Employed | 8,930▲ | 12 |
Verdict
Chicago, IL offers better overall compensation for pharmacists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Des Plaines.
The salary gap between Chicago and Des Plaines is $6,045 (4.40%). Chicago's median is -0.02% compared to the US national median of $143,489.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Chicago spans $88,347,Des Plaines spans $69,463. Chicago 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, Des Plaines ($141,517 effective) pays 2.19% more than Chicago ($138,480 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Chicago if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($143,458/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($174,852)
- ✓Larger job market (8,930 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Choose Des Plaines if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $141,517)
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, pharmacist salaries in Chicago grew 8.7% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 8.9% growth in Des Plaines over the same period.
Chicago, IL
$129,610 (2019) → $140,880 (2025)
Des Plaines, IL
$123,911 (2024) → $134,944 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Chicago, IL
Des Plaines, IL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays pharmacists more: Chicago or Des Plaines?
What is the hourly rate difference between Chicago and Des Plaines?
Should I relocate from Chicago to Des Plaines as a pharmacist?
What do entry-level pharmacists earn in Chicago vs Des Plaines?
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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