Rockford vs Springfield: Pharmacy Technician Salary (2026)
Compare pharmacy technician 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 | $47,627▲ | $44,454 |
| Hourly Rate | $22.90▲ | $21.37 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $37,052▲ | $37,031 |
| 25th Percentile | $39,002▲ | $37,726 |
| 75th Percentile | $52,636▲ | $51,012 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $56,748▲ | $51,824 |
| Total Employed | 560 | 570▲ |
Verdict
Rockford, IL offers better overall compensation for pharmacy technicians, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Springfield.
The salary gap between Rockford and Springfield is $3,173 (7.14%). Rockford's median is -1.27% compared to the US national median of $48,239.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Rockford spans $19,696,Springfield spans $14,793. Rockford 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 ($51,682 effective) pays 7.82% more than Springfield ($47,931 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Rockford if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($47,627/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($56,748)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $51,682)
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Choose Springfield if…
- ✓Larger job market (570 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, pharmacy technician salaries in Rockford grew 54.7% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 36.9% growth in Springfield over the same period.
Rockford, IL
$29,200 (2019) → $45,170 (2025)
Springfield, IL
$30,790 (2019) → $42,160 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Rockford, IL
Springfield, IL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays pharmacy technicians more: Rockford or Springfield?
What is the hourly rate difference between Rockford and Springfield?
Should I relocate from Rockford to Springfield as a pharmacy technician?
What do entry-level pharmacy technicians earn in Rockford vs Springfield?
Related Comparisons
Written by Emily Tran, PharmD
Career Analyst
Emily Tran has over 8 years of experience as a pharmacy technician. She specializes in medication therapy management. Her experience includes working in community pharmacies.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.44% 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 Emily Tran, PharmD, a licensed pharmacy technician with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov