Pharmacist · Salary Comparison · 2026
Pharmacist Salary: Chicago, IL vs Austin, TX
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for Pharmacists in Chicago, IL and Austin, TX, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ Austin, TX
$92,000 vs $101,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Chicago, IL
$85,981 vs $81,452
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Chicago, IL
$75,514 vs $75,261
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Chicago, IL | Austin, TX | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $92,000 | $101,000▲ | -$9,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $70,840 | $77,770▲ | -$6,930 |
| 75th Percentile | $117,760 | $129,280▲ | -$11,520 |
| 90th Percentile | $147,200 | $161,600▲ | -$14,400 |
| Cost of Living Index | 107 | 124 | -17 |
| State Income Tax | 4.95% | 0%▲ | +4.95% |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $85,981▲ | $81,452 | +$4,529 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $80,800 | $93,324▲ | -$12,524 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $75,514▲ | $75,261 | +$253 |
| Total Employment | 28,000 | 30,400 | -2,400 |
▲ = Higher value wins for this metric. Diff = Chicago, IL minus Austin, TX.
3Summary Analysis
On paper, Austin, TX pays $9,000 more (median: $92,000 vs $101,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 107 vs 124), Chicago, IL provides better purchasing power ($85,981 vs $81,452 equivalent). Austin, TX has no state income tax, which is a significant advantage.
Data: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS · 2026 · Cost-of-living indices from composite metro area data. Take-home estimates approximate only — consult a tax professional for accurate figures.