Pharmacy Tech Pay

Pharmacy Technician Hourly Pay in Gurnee, IL: $21.27 (2026)

Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a pharmacy technician working in Gurnee, IL runs $21.27 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $44,239 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2052). Weighted against Gurnee's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.1, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $21.90 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $26,542 per year.

$44,239
Median Annual Salary
$21.27/hr
Hourly Rate
$35,415
Entry Level (P10)
$55,479
Top Earners (P90)

Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

Pharmacy Technician Hourly Rate in Gurnee, IL — 2026 est., based on 2025 BLS
Gurnee, IL pharmacy technician hourly rate overview (2026 est., based on 2025 BLS)

In Gurnee, Illinois, the pharmacy technician hourly pay is projected to be $21.27 in 2026, which trails slightly behind the national average of $23.19. This hourly rate provides a solid foundation for both part-time and per-diem pharmacists. For those opting for a 24-hour workweek—typically broken down over three days—this translates to an income that can support a modest living while maintaining flexibility. Hourly compensation can vary significantly; entry-level positions might start around $17.03, while experienced technicians can earn up to $26.68. As pharmacy technicians work in varied environments, such as retail counters, hospital settings, and specialized compounding facilities, their earnings potential can shift considerably based on their employer and job responsibilities.

About the Gurnee Market

Salary estimated from Illinois average ($42,000) adjusted for local cost of living.

Pharmacy Technician Hourly Wage Breakdown

PercentileHourly RatePer 8hr Shift
Entry Level (P10)$17.03$136.23
Lower Range (P25)$17.53$140.28
Median (P50)$21.27$170.14
Upper Range (P75)$22.46$179.67
Top Earners (P90)$26.68$213.41

Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Gurnee

Based on $21.27/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.

Horizontal bars showing a pharmacy technician in Gurnee earning $21.27/hr would make approximately $25,521 part-time (24 hr/wk) or $44,236 full-time (40 hr/wk).Part-Time (24 hr/wk)$25,521Reduced (32 hr/wk)$34,028Full-Time (40 hr/wk)$44,236

At $21.27/hr, a pharmacy technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Gurnee, IL can expect to earn approximately $44,236 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $25,521. With a cost-of-living index of 97.10 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Gurnee.

Annual estimates assume 5052 working weeks per year. Actual earnings vary by employer, overtime, and benefits.

Hourly Rate Calculator

$170.14
per 8hr shift
$850.69
per week
$3,686
per month
$44,236
per year

Schedule Comparison in Gurnee

ScheduleWeeklyMonthlyAnnual
Full-Time (40 hrs)$850.69$3,686$44,236
Part-Time (24 hrs)$510.41$2,212$26,542
Per Diem (16 hrs)$340.28$1,475$17,694

Compare CPhT Wages With Similar Roles

RoleMedian Hourly
Pharmacy Technician (Gurnee)$21.27
Medical Assistant (National Avg)$20.14
Dental Assistant (National Avg)$21.29
Phlebotomist (National Avg)$20.36
Registered Nurse (National Avg)$42.80
Horizontal bar chart comparing pharmacy technician median salary in Gurnee ($44,239) with Illinois average ($44,913) and the US national median ($48,239).Gurnee$44,239Illinois Avg$44,913-1.50%US National$48,239-8.29%

Pharmacy Technicians in Gurnee, IL earn a median of $44,239 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.29% lower than the national median of $48,239 and 1.50% below the Illinois state average of $44,913.

Pharmacy Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living

Working 24h/week at $21.27/hr = $26,542/year (purchasing power: $27,334).

Working 40h/week (full-time) = $44,236/year (purchasing power: $45,557).

CoL index: 97.1 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.

2019 BLS Actual

$14.97/hr

2025 BLS Actual

$20.17/hr

2026 Current Est.

$21.27/hr

2019–2027 Growth

+49.8%

Hourly Rate Trajectory for Pharmacy Technicians in Gurnee (20192027)

2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.44% projection.

BLS Actual Estimated Projected
Hourly rate trajectory chart for pharmacy technicians in Gurnee. Baseline $14.97/hr in 2025, projected to $22.42/hr by 2027.$13$16$19$21$242019202020212022202320242025202620272025 BLS$14.97$15.47$16.20$16.66$17.77$19.32$20.17$21.27$22.42
YearHourly RateStatus
2019$14.97/hrActual
2020$15.47/hrActual
2021$16.20/hrActual
2022$16.66/hrActual
2023$17.77/hrActual
2024$19.32/hrActual
2025$20.17/hrActual
2026(current)$21.27/hrEstimated
2027$22.42/hrProjected

Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for pharmacy technicians in Gurnee grew 34.8% from $14.97/hr (2019) to $20.17/hr (2025). At a 5.44% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $22.42/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem pharmacy technicians can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.

Note: Historical values (20192025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Gurnee metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 20262026 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 Gurnee

The financial implications of part-time work can be significant for pharmacy technicians in Gurnee. A pharmacy technician working three days a week could take home around $33,000 annually, contrasting sharply with a full-time counterpart whose earnings typically reach upwards of $44,239. Additionally, per-diem and agency roles present different earning potentials, with some billing between $20 and $32 per hour, while specialized sterile compounding per-diem positions could pay between $25 and $40 hourly. Those seeking travel contracts might see lucrative weekly earnings of $1,200 to $1,800, especially in hospitals facing technician shortages. Hourly rates fluctuate across various employers, with retail pharmacy chains typically offering lower compensation compared to hospitals or specialty pharmacies. While some pharmacy technicians may accept positions that offer less pay but health benefits, others might prioritize higher hourly rates at the cost of employer-covered health insurance. When negotiating pay in this competitive market, candidates should emphasize their certifications, such as the CSPT credential, and their familiarity with USP <797> and <800> guidelines to bolster their marketability.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hourly rate for pharmacy technicians in Gurnee in 2026?

The estimated 2026 median hourly rate for pharmacy technicians in Gurnee is $21.27/hour, based on estimated 2026 salary (projected from 2025 BLS data at 5.44% annual growth). Rates range from $17.03 at entry level (10th percentile) to $26.68 for experienced practitioners (90th percentile). This is 8.3% below the national average. Hourly pay varies based on practice type, patient volume, years of experience, and whether the position includes benefits.

How much do part-time pharmacy technicians make in Gurnee?

A part-time pharmacy technician working 3 days per week (24 hours) in Gurnee earns approximately $2,212/month, or $26,542/year at the median hourly rate of $21.27. Many pharmacy technicians prefer part-time schedules for work-life balance, and some work at multiple practices to maximize earnings. Part-time positions may not include benefits like health insurance or retirement contributions, but typically offer higher hourly rates to compensate.

Are pharmacy technicians in Gurnee paid hourly or salary?

The majority of pharmacy technicians in Gurnee are paid hourly at a median rate of $21.27/hour. Some full-time positions at larger practices or organizations offer salaried compensation around $44,236/year, often bundled with benefits including health insurance, paid time off, retirement plans, and continuing education allowances. Hourly pay gives flexibility, while salary positions provide income stability.

How much does a full-time pharmacy technician make per year in Gurnee?

A full-time pharmacy technician working 40 hours per week (2,080 hours/year) in Gurnee earns approximately $44,236/year at the median hourly rate of $21.27. This is 8.3% below the national median. Top earners working full-time can reach $55,487/year at the 90th percentile rate. Overtime and weekend shifts may further increase annual earnings.

Do pharmacy technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Gurnee?

Part-time and per diem pharmacy technicians in Gurnee sometimes command higher hourly rates — up to $26.68/hour — because practices need flexible coverage for specific days or peak hours. However, part-time positions typically do not include benefits like health insurance, paid time off, or retirement contributions. When factoring in the value of benefits, full-time salaried positions may offer comparable or better total compensation despite a slightly lower hourly rate.

Related Pages

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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.

Clinically reviewed by David Kim, CPhTData verified by Fatima Hassan, CPhT

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 Gurnee. 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 Gurnee is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).

View estimation methodology

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

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