Pharmacy Technician Hourly Pay in Mount Prospect, IL: $21.57 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a pharmacy technician working in Mount Prospect, IL runs $21.57 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $44,871 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2052). Weighted against Mount Prospect's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.1, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $22.22 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $26,923 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Pharmacy technicians in Mount Prospect, IL, can expect a median hourly pay of $21.57, which is somewhat less than the national median of $23.19. This wage reflects the growing demand for technicians in various settings, including retail pharmacies, hospitals, and specialty pharmacies. For those working part-time, such as three days a week, this hourly rate can translate into approximately $27,000 annually, making it a viable option for those not looking to commit to full-time employment. The pay scale for pharmacy technicians varies significantly, with entry-level technicians starting around $16.53 per hour, while those at the higher end of the spectrum can earn as much as $28.35 per hour, allowing for substantial differences in income based on experience and specific job roles within the field.
About the Mount Prospect Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($42,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Pharmacy Technician Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $16.53 | $132.26 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $17.34 | $138.76 |
| Median (P50) | $21.57 | $172.58 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $23.47 | $187.77 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $28.35 | $226.82 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Mount Prospect
Based on $21.57/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $21.57/hr, a pharmacy technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Mount Prospect, IL can expect to earn approximately $44,872 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $25,888. With a cost-of-living index of 97.10 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Mount Prospect.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Mount Prospect
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $862.92 | $3,739 | $44,872 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $517.75 | $2,244 | $26,923 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $345.17 | $1,496 | $17,949 |
Compare CPhT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Pharmacy Technician (Mount Prospect) | $21.57 |
| 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 Mount Prospect, IL earn a median of $44,871 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.98% lower than the national median of $48,239.
Pharmacy Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $21.57/hr = $26,923/year (purchasing power: $27,727).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $44,872/year (purchasing power: $46,212).
CoL index: 97.1 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$15.18/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$20.46/hr
2026 Current Est.
$21.57/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Pharmacy Technicians in Mount Prospect (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.44% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $15.18/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $15.70/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $16.43/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $16.90/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $18.02/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $19.60/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $20.46/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $21.57/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $22.75/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for pharmacy technicians in Mount Prospect grew 34.8% from $15.18/hr (2019) to $20.46/hr (2025). At a 5.44% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $22.75/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 Mount Prospect 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 Mount Prospect
Part-time pharmacy technicians who work approximately 24 hours a week can earn a modest income, showcasing the potential annual take-home amount compared to full-time positions. On the other hand, many per diem pharmacy technicians in Mount Prospect command an hourly pay ranging from $20 to $32, especially for roles that involve sterile compounding, which can go as high as $40 per hour. In terms of workplace settings, varying hourly rates can be observed, with retail pharmacy chains typically offering competitive wages but often lacking benefits. Conversely, hospital positions may provide a slightly higher pay scale but could involve more demanding work environments. It is crucial for pharmacy technicians to weigh the trade-offs between a higher hourly rate without benefits versus lower rates with health insurance. For those considering negotiations, it’s beneficial to understand the local market value of their skills, especially in specialized areas complying with USP <797> and <800> standards, to improve their earning potential in Mount Prospect.
More salary data for Mount Prospect, 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 Mount Prospect. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Mount Prospect 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 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