Crystal Lake vs Springfield: Pharmacist Salary (2026)
Compare pharmacist salaries between Crystal Lake, IL and Springfield, IL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Crystal Lake, IL | Springfield, IL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $135,354 | $137,919▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $65.07 | $66.31▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $100,334 | $103,683▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $126,642 | $130,261▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $155,829 | $162,999▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $165,837 | $177,754▲ |
| Total Employed | 9 | 300▲ |
Verdict
Springfield, IL offers better overall compensation for pharmacists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Crystal Lake.
The salary gap between Crystal Lake and Springfield is $2,565 (1.90%). Springfield's median is -3.88% compared to the US national median of $143,489.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Crystal Lake spans $65,503,Springfield spans $74,071. Springfield has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced pharmacists.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Springfield ($148,708 effective) pays 6.68% more than Crystal Lake ($139,396 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Crystal Lake if…
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Choose Springfield if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($137,919/year)
- ✓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 Crystal Lake grew 8.9% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 6.2% growth in Springfield over the same period.
Crystal Lake, IL
$122,054 (2024) → $132,922 (2025)
Springfield, IL
$127,560 (2019) → $135,440 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Crystal Lake, IL
Springfield, IL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays pharmacists more: Crystal Lake or Springfield?
What is the hourly rate difference between Crystal Lake and Springfield?
Should I relocate from Crystal Lake to Springfield as a pharmacist?
What do entry-level pharmacists earn in Crystal Lake vs Springfield?
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