Pharmacy Technician Hourly Pay in Chicago, IL: $23.73 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a pharmacy technician working in Chicago, IL runs $23.73 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $49,367 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2052). Weighted against Chicago's regional price level (BEA RPP 103.6, 4% above national), each hour of work buys what $22.91 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $29,621 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
Pharmacy technicians in Chicago, IL, earn a median hourly pay of $23.73, slightly above the national median of $23.19. This hourly rate is particularly relevant for part-time and per-diem workers who typically fill roles in diverse settings including retail pharmacies, hospital sterile compounding areas, and long-term care facilities. For those working three days a week, around 24 hours, it translates to a substantial income while still allowing flexibility. Entry-level technicians can expect to start around $19.15 per hour, while more experienced professionals may earn up to $30.00 per hour. These figures highlight the opportunities available in various pharmacy environments, where hourly compensation can vary significantly based on experience and specialization.
Pharmacy Technician Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $19.15 | $153.18 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $19.69 | $157.49 |
| Median (P50) | $23.73 | $189.88 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $25.32 | $202.53 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $30.00 | $239.98 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Chicago
Based on $23.73/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $23.73/hr, a pharmacy technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Chicago, IL can expect to earn approximately $49,368 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $28,481. With a cost-of-living index of 103.59 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Chicago.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Chicago
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $949.38 | $4,114 | $49,368 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $569.63 | $2,468 | $29,621 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $379.75 | $1,646 | $19,747 |
Compare CPhT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Pharmacy Technician (Chicago) | $23.73 |
| Medical Assistant (National Avg) | $20.14 |
| Dental Assistant (National Avg) | $21.29 |
| Phlebotomist (National Avg) | $20.36 |
| Registered Nurse (National Avg) | $42.80 |
Pharmacy Technicians in Chicago, IL earn a median of $49,367 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.34% higher than the national median of $48,239 and 10.00% above the Illinois state average of $44,879.
Pharmacy Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $23.73/hr = $29,621/year (purchasing power: $28,593).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $49,368/year (purchasing power: $47,655).
CoL index: 103.595 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$15.56/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$22.51/hr
2026 Current Est.
$23.73/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+60.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Pharmacy Technicians in Chicago (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.44% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $15.56/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $16.06/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $17.70/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $19.18/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $20.81/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $21.91/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $22.51/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $23.73/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $25.03/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for pharmacy technicians in Chicago grew 44.7% from $15.56/hr (2019) to $22.51/hr (2025). At a 5.44% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $25.03/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem pharmacy technicians can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Chicago 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 5.44% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Working as an Hourly Pharmacy Technician in Chicago
Considering part-time options, a pharmacy technician working 24 hours per week could bring home an estimated $29,496 annually, a noticeable financial boost compared to full-time salaries. Per-diem roles are also quite lucrative, with agency pharmacy technicians billing between $20 and $32 per hour. Those specializing in hospital sterile compounding might earn up to $40 per hour, further demonstrating the appeal of this niche. Employers like CVS, Walgreens, and specialty pharmacies offer varying pay scales, with retail positions historically lagging behind hospital roles. Pharmacy technicians should weigh the benefits of higher hourly rates against the security of health coverage offered in some positions. For negotiation, understanding the market and leveraging certifications such as PTCB or CSPT can greatly enhance earning potential in this competitive environment.
More salary data for Chicago, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 5.44% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for pharmacy technicians in Chicago. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.44%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for pharmacy technicians (SOC 29-2052).
Compiled and verified by Emily Tran, PharmD, a licensed pharmacy technician with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov