Rockford vs Springfield: Pharmacist Salary (2026)
Compare pharmacist salaries between Rockford, IL and Springfield, IL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Rockford, IL | Springfield, IL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $136,646 | $137,919▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $65.70 | $66.31▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $106,983▲ | $103,683 |
| 25th Percentile | $133,326▲ | $130,261 |
| 75th Percentile | $162,225 | $162,999▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $166,390 | $177,754▲ |
| Total Employed | 300 | 300 |
Verdict
Springfield, IL offers better overall compensation for pharmacists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Rockford.
The salary gap between Rockford and Springfield is $1,273 (0.93%). 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 Rockford spans $59,407,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 0.29% more than Rockford ($148,280 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Rockford if…
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Choose Springfield if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($137,919/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($177,754)
- ✓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 Rockford grew -2.8% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 6.2% growth in Springfield over the same period.
Rockford, IL
$138,120 (2019) → $134,190 (2025)
Springfield, IL
$127,560 (2019) → $135,440 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Rockford, IL
Springfield, IL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays pharmacists more: Rockford or Springfield?
What is the hourly rate difference between Rockford and Springfield?
Should I relocate from Rockford to Springfield as a pharmacist?
What do entry-level pharmacists earn in Rockford 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