Pharmacy Technician Salary in Cicero, IL: $43,452 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time pharmacy technician in Cicero, IL earns a median $43,452/year (≈ $20.89/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2052). Once you factor in Cicero's price level (3% below national, BEA RPP 97.1), that paycheck buys what $44,750 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.2% below the Illinois state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, pharmacy technicians in Cicero, Illinois, can anticipate a median annual salary of $43,452, significantly lower than the national median of $48,239, translating to a difference of nearly 10%. The salary range for these roles varies widely, from $34,558 at the 10th percentile to $57,199 at the 90th percentile, indicating diverse opportunities based on experience and specific employer demands. Local estimates based on 2025 BLS data, projected to 2026, also reflect that credentials like Certified Sterile Pharmacy Technician (CSPT) can enhance earning potential through specialized premiums. Understanding the local market dynamics is critical for pharmacy technicians seeking to maximize their income potential in Cicero, where a small number of professionals—21—are currently employed in this field.
About the Cicero Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($42,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $34,558 | $16.62 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $35,884 | $17.25 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $43,452 | $20.89 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $47,205 | $22.69 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $57,199 | $27.50 |
Median Salary Position
9.92% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Cicero
In Cicero, IL, the pharmacy technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $22,641 (2026 est.). At $43,452, the local median is 9.92% below the national median of $48,239.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Cicero: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Cicero Pharmacy Technician Pay Compares
Cicero median: $43,452/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Cicero Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois Average | $44,888 | -3.20% less |
| National Average | $48,239 | -9.92% less |
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.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Cicero has a cost of living 2.90% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Cicero, IL has a cost-of-living index of 97.1 (below the national average of 100). A pharmacy technician earning $43,452 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $44,750 in an average-cost city — an effective 2.99% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$30,581
2025 BLS Actual
$41,210
2026 Current Est.
$43,452
2019–2027 Growth
+49.8%
Salary Trajectory for Pharmacy Technicians in Cicero (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.44% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $30,581 | Actual |
| 2020 | $31,617 | Actual |
| 2021 | $33,094 | Actual |
| 2022 | $34,040 | Actual |
| 2023 | $36,301 | Actual |
| 2024 | $39,475 | Actual |
| 2025 | $41,210 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $43,452 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $45,816 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Cicero metropolitan area, the median pharmacy technician salary grew 34.8% from $30,581 (2019) to $41,210 (2025). At a 5.44% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $45,816 by 2027 — a total increase of $15,235 (49.82%) from 2019.
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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $34,558 – $35,884 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $35,884 – $43,452 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $43,452 – $47,205 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $47,205 – $57,199 |
CPhT salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual pharmacy technician compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Pharmacy Technician Job Market in Cicero
Employment opportunities in Cicero suggest a strengthening market for pharmacy technicians, although the local cost of living index stands at 97.1, indicating a slightly lower-than-average expense for residents. This economic factor affects take-home pay and purchasing power, highlighting the importance of employers. Retail pharmacy chains like CVS and Walgreens, as well as local hospital systems, are among the highest-paying entities. Key drivers of salary variations include work settings, with hospital roles traditionally offering superior compensation, especially for those with CSPT certification. Additionally, overnight shifts typically command higher wages and can provide added income through shift differentials. For pharmacy technicians looking to boost their earnings in Cicero, obtaining specialized certifications while considering employment at hospitals or specialty pharmacies could lead to greater salary outcomes.
More salary data for Cicero, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $41,210 for pharmacy techniciansin the Cicero metropolitan area. A 5.44% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
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