Salary distribution
Where Chicago pharmacists fall on the wage curve.
Shaded band = interquartile range (where most full-time workers fall)
The middle 50% of workers earn between $130,160 and $158,340, with a median of $137,610.
Typical entry
Education
Doctoral or professional degree
Experience
None
On-the-job training
None
Top skills (O*NET)
- 4.6 / 5
Medicine and Dentistry
Knowledge
- 4.5 / 5
Mathematics
Knowledge
- 4.3 / 5
Oral Expression
Ability
- 4.2 / 5
English Language
Knowledge
- 4.2 / 5
Customer and Personal Service
Knowledge
- 4.1 / 5
Written Comprehension
Ability
- 4.1 / 5
Oral Comprehension
Ability
- 4.1 / 5
Chemistry
Knowledge
Common tasks (O*NET)
- 01
Review prescriptions to assure accuracy, to ascertain the needed ingredients, and to evaluate their suitability.
- 02
Assess the identity, strength, or purity of medications.
- 03
Provide information and advice regarding drug interactions, side effects, dosage, and proper medication storage.
- 04
Analyze prescribing trends to monitor patient compliance and to prevent excessive usage or harmful interactions.
- 05
Maintain records, such as pharmacy files, patient profiles, charge system files, inventories, control records for radioactive nuclei, or registries of poisons, narcotics, or controlled drugs.
- 06
Collaborate with other health care professionals to plan, monitor, review, or evaluate the quality or effectiveness of drugs or drug regimens, providing advice on drug applications or characteristics.
- 07
Plan, implement, or maintain procedures for mixing, packaging, or labeling pharmaceuticals, according to policy and legal requirements, to ensure quality, security, and proper disposal.
- 08
Order and purchase pharmaceutical supplies, medical supplies, or drugs, maintaining stock and storing and handling it properly.
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Explore coursesFrequently asked questions
- What is the median salary for Pharmacists in Chicago, Illinois?
- According to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, the median annual wage for Pharmacists in the Chicago metropolitan area is $137,610.
- Does Chicago pay more than the Illinois state average for Pharmacists?
- The Chicago metro median is +1.3% versus the Illinois state median of $135,880.
- How does Chicago compare to the national median for Pharmacists?
- The Chicago metro median is -1.8% versus the BLS national figure of $140,121.
- What is the salary range for Pharmacists in Chicago?
- BLS reports the 10th-percentile annual wage at $90,170 and the 90th-percentile at $166,320 for the Chicago metro area.
- What education is required for Pharmacists?
- BLS lists the typical entry-level education as Doctoral or professional degree. Many employers also weigh prior experience and credentials.
Information on this page is for general educational purposes only. It is not career, financial, or tax advice. BLS metro estimates reflect the Chicago CBSA boundary for the reference year shown and may not match individual offers, employer-specific ranges, or current market conditions. Confirm with a licensed professional before making career or compensation decisions.