HealthcareOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Pharmacist Salary in Chicago
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$207,299/yr
Typical range: $194,276 – $228,935
P90 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Pharmacist salary by experience level in Chicago
Pharmacist Salary Progression in Chicago
From entry-level through staff — based on BLS OEWS percentile data
| Experience Level | Years | Percentile | Annual Salary | Monthly | vs Entry |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry | 0 yrs | 0 yrs | $113,366 | $9,447 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $139,279 | $11,607 | +23% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $154,394 | $12,866 | +36% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $171,021 | $14,252 | +51% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $207,299 | $17,275 | +83% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $238,393 | $19,866 | +110% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $246,167 | $20,514 | +117% |
Current Salary
$207,299
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $100/hr
Next Level Target
$238,393
Principal · 14
+$31Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
30/100
High Risk
+4% demand · Moderate AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead Pharmacist salary in Chicago, IL?
Staff / Lead Pharmacists in Chicago, IL earn approximately $207K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P90 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a staff / lead Pharmacist make per hour in Chicago, IL?
Based on $207K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $100/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead to senior Pharmacist in Chicago, IL?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Pharmacist in Chicago, IL earns $194K–$229K/yr.