Chicago vs Decatur: Pharmacy Technician Salary (2026)
Compare pharmacy technician salaries between Chicago, IL and Decatur, IL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Chicago, IL | Decatur, IL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $49,367▲ | $42,766 |
| Hourly Rate | $23.73▲ | $20.56 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $39,835▲ | $38,338 |
| 25th Percentile | $40,942▲ | $39,561 |
| 75th Percentile | $52,667▲ | $49,852 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $62,389▲ | $54,797 |
| Total Employed | 15,830▲ | 180 |
Verdict
Chicago, IL offers better overall compensation for pharmacy technicians, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Decatur.
The salary gap between Chicago and Decatur is $6,601 (15.44%). Chicago's median is +2.34% compared to the US national median of $48,239.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Chicago spans $22,554,Decatur spans $16,459. Chicago 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, Decatur ($48,366 effective) pays 1.49% more than Chicago ($47,654 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Chicago if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($49,367/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($62,389)
- ✓Larger job market (15,830 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Choose Decatur if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $48,366)
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, pharmacy technician salaries in Chicago grew 44.7% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 37.3% growth in Decatur over the same period.
Chicago, IL
$32,360 (2019) → $46,820 (2025)
Decatur, IL
$29,540 (2019) → $40,560 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Chicago, IL
Decatur, IL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays pharmacy technicians more: Chicago or Decatur?
What is the hourly rate difference between Chicago and Decatur?
Should I relocate from Chicago to Decatur as a pharmacy technician?
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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
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