Pharmacy Technician Hourly Pay in Cicero, IL: $20.89 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a pharmacy technician working in Cicero, IL runs $20.89 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $43,452 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2052). Weighted against Cicero's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.1, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $21.51 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $26,068 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Cicero, the pharmacy technician hourly pay is projected to be $20.89 in 2026, a figure that falls below the national hourly median of $23.19. This hourly rate represents a range of earning potential for pharmacy technicians who work part-time or per-diem schedules at local retail pharmacy counters, hospital IV clean rooms, and specialty compounding areas. For those working three days each week, the moderate hourly rate allows for a reasonable income, although it may feel tight when compared to national averages. New entrants into the field may earn as little as $16.62 per hour, while experienced pharmacy technicians in Cicero could command up to $27.50, reflecting the diverse roles across various pharmacy settings. These figures are derived from the projected annual salary estimates, offering insight into industry trends specific to the region.
Considering the part-time earning potential, a pharmacy technician working 24 hours a week can expect to make around $26,000 annually, which is significantly lower than that of a full-time colleague. Per diem pharmacy technician pay in Cicero ranges from approximately $20 to $32 per hour for general roles, while specialized positions such as sterile compounding can yield rates between $25 and $40 per hour. Furthermore, travel pharmacy technician contracts can offer lucrative weekly earnings anywhere from $1,200 to $1,800, depending on market demand. Hourly rates also differ by employer type, with retail chains typically paying less than specialized hospitals and mail-order pharmacies. Many pharmacy technicians face a choice between lower pay with benefits or a higher hourly rate without health coverage, affecting overall job satisfaction. For those entering or advancing in the field, knowledge of local pay scales and negotiation strategies based on their qualifications can enhance their employment outcomes in Cicero.
About the Cicero Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($42,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Pharmacy Technician Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $16.62 | $132.94 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $17.25 | $138.00 |
| Median (P50) | $20.89 | $167.10 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $22.69 | $181.53 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $27.50 | $219.99 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Cicero
Based on $20.89/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $20.89/hr, a pharmacy technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Cicero, IL can expect to earn approximately $43,446 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $25,065. With a cost-of-living index of 97.10 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Cicero.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Cicero
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $835.51 | $3,621 | $43,446 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $501.30 | $2,172 | $26,068 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $334.20 | $1,448 | $17,379 |
Compare CPhT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Pharmacy Technician (Cicero) | $20.89 |
| Medical Assistant (National Avg) | $20.14 |
| Dental Assistant (National Avg) | $21.29 |
| Phlebotomist (National Avg) | $20.36 |
| Registered Nurse (National Avg) | $42.80 |
Pharmacy Technicians in Cicero, IL earn a median of $43,452 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.92% lower than the national median of $48,239 and 3.20% below the Illinois state average of $44,888.
Pharmacy Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $20.89/hr = $26,068/year (purchasing power: $26,846).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $43,446/year (purchasing power: $44,744).
CoL index: 97.1 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$14.70/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$19.81/hr
2026 Current Est.
$20.89/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Pharmacy Technicians in Cicero (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.44% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $14.70/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $15.20/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $15.91/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $16.36/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $17.45/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $18.98/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $19.81/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $20.89/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $22.02/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for pharmacy technicians in Cicero grew 34.8% from $14.70/hr (2019) to $19.81/hr (2025). At a 5.44% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $22.02/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem pharmacy technicians can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Cicero metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 5.44% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
More salary data for Cicero, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for pharmacy technicians in Cicero in 2026?
How much do part-time pharmacy technicians make in Cicero?
Are pharmacy technicians in Cicero paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time pharmacy technician make per year in Cicero?
Do pharmacy technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Cicero?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Illinois
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
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 5.44% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for pharmacy technicians in Cicero. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Cicero is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.44%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for pharmacy technicians (SOC 29-2052).
Compiled and verified by Emily Tran, PharmD, a licensed pharmacy technician with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov