Mount Prospect vs Rockford: Pharmacy Technician Salary (2026)
Compare pharmacy technician salaries between Mount Prospect, IL and Rockford, IL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Mount Prospect, IL | Rockford, IL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $44,871 | $47,627▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $21.57 | $22.90▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $34,389 | $37,052▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $36,083 | $39,002▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $48,825 | $52,636▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $58,966▲ | $56,748 |
| Total Employed | 13 | 560▲ |
Verdict
Rockford, IL offers better overall compensation for pharmacy technicians, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Mount Prospect.
The salary gap between Mount Prospect and Rockford is $2,756 (6.14%). Rockford's median is -1.27% compared to the US national median of $48,239.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Mount Prospect spans $24,577,Rockford spans $19,696. Mount Prospect 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, Rockford ($51,682 effective) pays 11.84% more than Mount Prospect ($46,211 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Mount Prospect if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($58,966)
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Choose Rockford if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($47,627/year)
- ✓Larger job market (560 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $51,682)
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, pharmacy technician salaries in Mount Prospect grew 4.4% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 54.7% growth in Rockford over the same period.
Mount Prospect, IL
$40,763 (2024) → $42,556 (2025)
Rockford, IL
$29,200 (2019) → $45,170 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Mount Prospect, IL
Rockford, IL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays pharmacy technicians more: Mount Prospect or Rockford?
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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