Pharmacy Technician Hourly Pay in Plainfield, IL: $20.87 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a pharmacy technician working in Plainfield, IL runs $20.87 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $43,406 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2052). Weighted against Plainfield's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.1, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $21.49 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $26,041 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Plainfield, Illinois, the projected median hourly rate for pharmacy technicians in 2026 is $20.87, which is noticeably lower than the national median of $23.19. This discrepancy may affect the decisions of those considering part-time roles or per-diem assignments in various settings, such as retail pharmacies, hospital sterile compounding areas, or long-term care facilities. For a pharmacy technician working part-time for three days a week, this means earning approximately $1,252 monthly if employed for about 24 hours. The range for hourly pay in the area spans from $17.68 for entry-level positions to $27.42 for highly experienced technicians, demonstrating a wide variance based on experience and specific job roles.
The financial landscape for pharmacy technicians can vary significantly based on part-time versus full-time employment, with the potential earnings for those working a 24-hour week totaling around $15,024 annually. For those considering per-diem pharmacy technician pay in Plainfield, hourly rates can range from $20 to $32, with hospital sterile compounding roles often commanding anywhere from $25 to $40. Additionally, traveling pharmacy technicians in high-demand areas can secure contracts worth $1,200 to $1,800 weekly. Employment types also play a crucial role in compensation; retail chains, hospitals, and specialty pharmacies like CVS Specialty or Omnicare each have differing pay structures, frequently influenced by factors like benefits and job responsibilities. Choosing a lower hourly wage for positions that include health insurance could be beneficial for some, while others might prefer higher pay without added benefits. Negotiating an hourly rate in Plainfield requires awareness of these dynamics and insight into specific employer practices that influence pay, especially given the growing demand post-2020 for skilled technicians with qualifications such as PTCB certification.
About the Plainfield 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) | $17.68 | $141.46 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $18.03 | $144.24 |
| Median (P50) | $20.87 | $166.93 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $22.80 | $182.37 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $27.42 | $219.40 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Plainfield
Based on $20.87/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $20.87/hr, a pharmacy technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Plainfield, IL can expect to earn approximately $43,402 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $25,040. With a cost-of-living index of 97.10 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Plainfield.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Plainfield
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $834.66 | $3,617 | $43,402 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $500.80 | $2,170 | $26,041 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $333.87 | $1,447 | $17,361 |
Compare CPhT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Pharmacy Technician (Plainfield) | $20.87 |
| 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 Plainfield, IL earn a median of $43,406 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.02% lower than the national median of $48,239 and 3.30% below the Illinois state average of $44,888.
Pharmacy Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $20.87/hr = $26,041/year (purchasing power: $26,819).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $43,402/year (purchasing power: $44,699).
CoL index: 97.1 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$14.69/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$19.79/hr
2026 Current Est.
$20.87/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Pharmacy Technicians in Plainfield (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.44% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $14.69/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $15.18/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $15.89/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $16.35/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $17.43/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $18.96/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $19.79/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $20.87/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $22.00/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for pharmacy technicians in Plainfield grew 34.8% from $14.69/hr (2019) to $19.79/hr (2025). At a 5.44% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $22.00/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 Plainfield 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.
More salary data for Plainfield, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for pharmacy technicians in Plainfield in 2026?
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Are pharmacy technicians in Plainfield paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time pharmacy technician make per year in Plainfield?
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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 Plainfield. 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 Plainfield 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