Springfield vs Wheaton: Pharmacy Technician Salary (2026)
Compare pharmacy technician salaries between Springfield, IL and Wheaton, IL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Springfield, IL | Wheaton, IL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $44,454▲ | $44,120 |
| Hourly Rate | $21.37▲ | $21.21 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $37,031▲ | $36,151 |
| 25th Percentile | $37,726▲ | $37,232 |
| 75th Percentile | $51,012▲ | $48,728 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $51,824 | $59,406▲ |
| Total Employed | 570▲ | 14 |
Verdict
Springfield, IL offers better overall compensation for pharmacy technicians, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Wheaton.
The salary gap between Springfield and Wheaton is $334 (0.76%). Springfield's median is -7.85% compared to the US national median of $48,239.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Springfield spans $14,793,Wheaton spans $23,255. Wheaton has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced pharmacy technicians.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Springfield ($47,931 effective) pays 5.49% more than Wheaton ($45,438 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Springfield if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($44,454/year)
- ✓Larger job market (570 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $47,931)
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Choose Wheaton if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($59,406)
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, pharmacy technician salaries in Springfield grew 36.9% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 4.4% growth in Wheaton over the same period.
Springfield, IL
$30,790 (2019) → $42,160 (2025)
Wheaton, IL
$40,082 (2024) → $41,844 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Springfield, IL
Wheaton, IL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays pharmacy technicians more: Springfield or Wheaton?
What is the hourly rate difference between Springfield and Wheaton?
Should I relocate from Springfield to Wheaton as a pharmacy technician?
What do entry-level pharmacy technicians earn in Springfield vs Wheaton?
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