Evanston vs Rockford: Pharmacist Salary (2026)
Compare pharmacist salaries between Evanston, IL and Rockford, IL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Evanston, IL | Rockford, IL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $141,343▲ | $136,646 |
| Hourly Rate | $67.95▲ | $65.70 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $95,462 | $106,983▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $125,619 | $133,326▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $166,198▲ | $162,225 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $179,436▲ | $166,390 |
| Total Employed | 16 | 300▲ |
Verdict
Evanston, IL offers better overall compensation for pharmacists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Rockford.
The salary gap between Evanston and Rockford is $4,697 (3.44%). Evanston's median is -1.50% compared to the US national median of $143,489.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Evanston spans $83,974,Rockford spans $59,407. Evanston 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 1.87% more than Evanston ($145,564 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Evanston if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($141,343/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($179,436)
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Choose Rockford if…
- ✓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 Evanston grew 8.9% from 2024 to 2025, compared to -2.8% growth in Rockford over the same period.
Evanston, IL
$127,454 (2024) → $138,803 (2025)
Rockford, IL
$138,120 (2019) → $134,190 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Evanston, IL
Rockford, 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
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