How to Become a Pharmacists in Illinois
Pharmacists in Illinois earn a median salary of $135,880/year, which is 1% below the national average. Illinois has a state income tax of ~4.9%. After taxes and rent, a pharmacists takes home approximately $6,663/month. Most positions require Doctoral or professional degree.
What a pharmacists can afford in Illinois
Becoming a pharmacists in Illinois
Meet education requirements
Pharmacists positions in Illinois typically require Doctoral or professional degree. Programs are available at colleges and training institutions across Illinois. Research accredited programs in your area.
Gain required experience
Many pharmacists positions in Illinois require hands-on experience through internships, apprenticeships, or entry-level roles. Look for training programs and mentorship opportunities in your metro area.
Obtain Illinois licensure or certification
Illinois may require specific licensing or professional certification for pharmacistss. Requirements vary by state — contact the Illinois Department of Labor or relevant licensing board for current requirements, exam schedules, and application procedures.
Find positions in Illinois
Illinois employs 12,450 pharmacists. The highest concentrations are in Rockford and Decatur.
Pharmacists salary by metro area in Illinois
| Metro area | Median | Hourly | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rockford | $140K | $67.1/hr | 260 |
| Decatur | $139K | $67.01/hr | 80 |
| Chicago-Naperville-Elgin | $138K | $66.16/hr | 9,630 |
| Peoria | $136K | $65.55/hr | 320 |
| Springfield | $135K | $64.93/hr | 290 |
| Kankakee | $135K | $64.86/hr | 90 |
| Champaign-Urbana | $135K | $64.82/hr | 220 |
| Bloomington | $133K | $64.02/hr | 100 |
Pharmacists salary range in Illinois
Pharmacists careers in other states
Frequently asked questions
How much does a pharmacists make in Illinois?▼
The median pharmacists salary in Illinois is $135,880 per year ($65.33/hr). This is 1% below the national median of $137,480. Salaries range from $99,610 to $166,090.
What are the requirements to become a pharmacists in Illinois?▼
Pharmacists positions in Illinois typically require Doctoral or professional degree. Illinois may have specific licensing or certification requirements. Check with the Illinois licensing board or department of labor for current requirements.
Can a pharmacists afford to live in Illinois?▼
At the median salary of $135,880, a pharmacists in Illinois would take home approximately $8,075/month after taxes. With median 2-bedroom rent at $1,412/month, that's 17.5% of take-home pay going to housing. This is within the recommended 30% guideline.
What are the best cities for pharmacists in Illinois?▼
The highest paying metro areas for pharmacists in Illinois are Rockford ($139,570), Decatur ($139,370), Chicago-Naperville-Elgin ($137,610). However, cost of living varies significantly between metros — a higher salary may not mean more purchasing power.
Does Illinois have state income tax for pharmacists?▼
Yes, Illinois has a state income tax rate of approximately 4.9%. On a $135,880 salary, this means roughly $6,726/year in state income tax. Use our take-home pay calculator for a detailed breakdown.