Hoffman Estates vs Springfield: Pharmacy Technician Salary (2026)
Compare pharmacy technician salaries between Hoffman Estates, IL and Springfield, IL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Hoffman Estates, IL | Springfield, IL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $44,724▲ | $44,454 |
| Hourly Rate | $21.50▲ | $21.37 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $34,042 | $37,031▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $35,788 | $37,726▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $48,421 | $51,012▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $58,595▲ | $51,824 |
| Total Employed | 8 | 570▲ |
Verdict
Hoffman Estates, IL offers better overall compensation for pharmacy technicians, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Springfield.
The salary gap between Hoffman Estates and Springfield is $270 (0.61%). Hoffman Estates's median is -7.29% compared to the US national median of $48,239.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Hoffman Estates spans $24,553,Springfield spans $14,793. Hoffman Estates 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, Springfield ($47,931 effective) pays 4.06% more than Hoffman Estates ($46,060 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Hoffman Estates if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($44,724/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($58,595)
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Choose Springfield if…
- ✓Larger job market (570 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $47,931)
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, pharmacy technician salaries in Hoffman Estates grew 4.4% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 36.9% growth in Springfield over the same period.
Hoffman Estates, IL
$40,631 (2024) → $42,417 (2025)
Springfield, IL
$30,790 (2019) → $42,160 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Hoffman Estates, IL
Springfield, IL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays pharmacy technicians more: Hoffman Estates or Springfield?
What is the hourly rate difference between Hoffman Estates and Springfield?
Should I relocate from Hoffman Estates to Springfield as a pharmacy technician?
What do entry-level pharmacy technicians earn in Hoffman Estates vs Springfield?
Related Comparisons
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