Pharmacy Technician Hourly Pay in Downers Grove, IL: $20.59 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a pharmacy technician working in Downers Grove, IL runs $20.59 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $42,829 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2052). Weighted against Downers Grove's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.1, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $21.21 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $25,699 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Downers Grove, Illinois, the average pharmacy technician hourly pay stands at $20.59, which is below the national median of $23.19. This disparity can impact part-time and per diem workers in various pharmacy settings, including retail counters and hospital compounding areas. For those working three days a week, this hourly rate translates to a reliable income, especially when considering entry-level positions earn around $17.08 per hour, while experienced technicians at top earning levels can command up to $27.26. Given the hourly wages are estimated from annual salary data, it's crucial to understand how these figures reflect the local market dynamics and the technician's specific responsibilities within the pharmacy landscape.
About the Downers Grove 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) | $17.08 | $136.65 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $17.42 | $139.35 |
| Median (P50) | $20.59 | $164.74 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $22.62 | $180.94 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $27.26 | $218.05 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Downers Grove
Based on $20.59/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $20.59/hr, a pharmacy technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Downers Grove, IL can expect to earn approximately $42,832 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $24,711. With a cost-of-living index of 97.10 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Downers Grove.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Downers Grove
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $823.70 | $3,569 | $42,832 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $494.22 | $2,142 | $25,699 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $329.48 | $1,428 | $17,133 |
Compare CPhT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Pharmacy Technician (Downers Grove) | $20.59 |
| 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 Downers Grove, IL earn a median of $42,829 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.21% lower than the national median of $48,239 and 4.60% below the Illinois state average of $44,894.
Pharmacy Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $20.59/hr = $25,699/year (purchasing power: $26,467).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $42,832/year (purchasing power: $44,111).
CoL index: 97.1 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$14.49/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$19.53/hr
2026 Current Est.
$20.59/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Pharmacy Technicians in Downers Grove (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.44% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $14.49/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $14.98/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $15.68/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $16.13/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $17.20/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $18.71/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $19.53/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $20.59/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $21.71/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for pharmacy technicians in Downers Grove grew 34.8% from $14.49/hr (2019) to $19.53/hr (2025). At a 5.44% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $21.71/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 Downers Grove 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.
Working as an Hourly Pharmacy Technician in Downers Grove
Focusing on part-time opportunities, a pharmacy technician working 24 hours a week at the $20.59 hourly wage would take home approximately $24,000 annually, significantly less than full-time counterparts. Per diem pharmacy technician pay in Downers Grove typically ranges from $20-$32, with specialized roles in hospital sterile compounding often attracting rates between $25-$40 per hour, especially in areas experiencing staff shortages. Different employer types can also sway wage potential; retail chains might offer lower rates, while hospitals and specialty pharmacies often provide higher compensation for skilled technicians. Factors such as benefits versus hourly pay create a trade-off for many pharmacy technicians, making negotiation a critical skill. Workers might prioritize health insurance and job stability over a higher hourly wage without benefits, reflecting personal circumstances. For those entering negotiations, focusing on relevant experience, specific skill sets like compliance with USP <797>/<800>, and any credentials—like the CSPT—could enhance securing a more favorable hourly rate.
More salary data for Downers Grove, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for pharmacy technicians in Downers Grove in 2026?
How much do part-time pharmacy technicians make in Downers Grove?
Are pharmacy technicians in Downers Grove paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time pharmacy technician make per year in Downers Grove?
Do pharmacy technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Downers Grove?
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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
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 Downers Grove. 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 Downers Grove 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