Pharmacist Salary in Elmhurst, IL: $134,461 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time pharmacist in Elmhurst, IL earns a median $134,461/year (≈ $64.64/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1051). Once you factor in Elmhurst's price level (3% below national, BEA RPP 97.1), that paycheck buys what $138,477 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 5.4% below the Illinois state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the projected median salary for pharmacists in Elmhurst, Illinois, stands at $134,461, which is slightly lower than the national median of $143,489. This reflects the impact of post-2023 retail chain consolidation, which has affected local pay dynamics and led to a broader salary range: the bottom 10% of earners make approximately $98,235, while the top 90% earn around $158,295. These figures are based on estimates derived from 2025 BLS data, adjusted for regional cost factors. The local job market for pharmacists needs to adapt to these changes, with competition driven by both retail chains and specialty pharmacy providers shaping compensation expectations.
About the Elmhurst Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($132,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $98,235 | $47.23 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $124,744 | $59.98 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $134,461 | $64.64 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $150,872 | $72.53 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $158,295 | $76.11 |
Median Salary Position
6.29% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Elmhurst
In Elmhurst, IL, the pharmacist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $60,060 (2026 est.). At $134,461, the local median is 6.29% below the national median of $143,489.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Elmhurst: You'd be above the median
How Elmhurst Pharmacist Pay Compares
Elmhurst median: $134,461/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Elmhurst Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois Average | $142,137 | -5.40% less |
| National Average | $143,489 | -6.29% less |
Pharmacists in Elmhurst, IL earn a median of $134,461 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.29% lower than the national median of $143,489 and 5.40% below the Illinois state average of $142,137.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Elmhurst has a cost of living 2.90% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Elmhurst, IL has a cost-of-living index of 97.1 (below the national average of 100). A pharmacist earning $134,461 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $138,477 in an average-cost city — an effective 2.99% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$120,032
2025 BLS Actual
$132,045
2026 Current Est.
$134,461
2019–2027 Growth
+14.1%
Salary Trajectory for Pharmacists in Elmhurst (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 1.83% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $120,032 | Actual |
| 2020 | $120,613 | Actual |
| 2021 | $120,481 | Actual |
| 2022 | $124,398 | Actual |
| 2023 | $127,472 | Actual |
| 2024 | $121,249 | Actual |
| 2025 | $132,045 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $134,461 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $136,922 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Elmhurst metropolitan area, the median pharmacist salary grew 10.0% from $120,032 (2019) to $132,045 (2025). At a 1.83% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $136,922 by 2027 — a total increase of $16,890 (14.07%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Elmhurst metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 1.83% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $98,235 – $124,744 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $124,744 – $134,461 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $134,461 – $150,872 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $150,872 – $158,295 |
PharmD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual pharmacist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Pharmacist Job Market in Elmhurst
The employment scene for pharmacists in Elmhurst comprises just nine professionals, which might seem limited but indicates a steady demand in the local healthcare landscape. Living costs in this area come in at a cost-of-living index of 97.1, slightly below the national average, meaning pharmacists can have a reasonable take-home purchasing power despite salary variances. Major employers like retail chains such as CVS and Walgreens feature prominently in terms of pay, while hospital inpatient pharmacies and specialty roles increasingly offer better compensation due to the complexities involved. Factors like board certification, various practice settings, and experience in hospital clinical roles contribute to the pay disparity seen within the profession. To maximize earnings in Elmhurst IL, securing advanced certifications, considering residency programs, and exploring opportunities in specialty pharmacies can be strategic pathways for pharmacists navigating their career development.
More salary data for Elmhurst, 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
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $132,045 for pharmacistsin the Elmhurst metropolitan area. A 1.83% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Elmhurst is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 1.83%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for pharmacists (SOC 29-1051).
Compiled and verified by Sofia Chen, PharmD, a licensed pharmacist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov