Pharmacist in Cicero, IL

The Salary Picture: Where Cicero Stands

As a pharmacist in Cicero, you're entering a market that's firmly in the middle of the pack for the state but offers a strong local advantage if you know the landscape. The median salary for a pharmacist in the Cicero metro area is $137,091/year, which breaks down to a solid $65.91/hour. This is slightly above the national average of $136,030/year, a small but meaningful edge that’s largely attributable to the cost of living and the presence of major healthcare systems in the broader Chicago area, which Cicero borders.

However, the local job market is tight. With only 162 pharmacist jobs in the metro and a 10-year job growth of -3%, the field is contracting nationally, and Cicero reflects that. This isn't a place for frequent job-hopping; it’s a market where securing a position means committing to an employer and building a reputation. Your leverage comes from specialized skills and local relationships.

To understand your earning potential, it’s helpful to see how experience levels map onto the local market. The following table is based on regional data and the local median, providing a realistic framework for your career trajectory.

Experience Level	Years of Experience	Estimated Annual Salary (Cicero Area)
Entry-Level	0-2 years	$115,000 - $128,000
Mid-Career	3-9 years	$128,000 - $139,000
Senior-Level	10-20 years	$139,000 - $150,000
Expert/Specialist	20+ years	$150,000+

When compared to other Illinois cities, Cicero’s position is nuanced. It’s not a top-tier market like Chicago’s Gold Coast or Oak Park, where salaries can be significantly higher, but it also avoids the lower cost-of-living, lower-salary markets of downstate cities like Peoria or Rockford. For example, a pharmacist in Chicago proper might command a median salary closer to $145,000, but the trade-off is a drastically higher cost of living, especially rent and transportation. Cicero offers a "Goldilocks" scenario: a competitive salary that stretches further, provided you're willing to navigate a smaller, more interconnected job pool.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s get practical. A $137,091 salary sounds substantial, but what does it mean for your monthly budget in Cicero? First, a quick reality check on the numbers. The cost of living index here is 102.6, meaning it’s slightly above the U.S. average of 100. The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment is $1,231/month. This is a key metric—it’s lower than many Chicago suburbs but higher than the national average for a city of its size.

Monthly Budget Breakdown (Based on $137,091/year)

Here’s a conservative estimate of take-home pay and a sample budget for a single pharmacist with no dependents in Cicero.

Item	Monthly Amount	Notes
Gross Monthly Pay	$11,424	$137,091 / 12 months
Estimated Taxes (Federal, State, FICA)	~$3,200	Assumes single filer, standard deduction
Net Monthly Take-Home	~$8,224	(This is your starting point)
Rent (1BR Average)	$1,231
Utilities (Electric, Gas, Water, Internet)	$200	Cicero winters can mean higher heating costs
Car Payment/Insurance	$500	Public transit is an option, but a car is often necessary for suburban life
Groceries	$400
Health Insurance (Employer-sponsored)	$300	Varies, but a good estimate
Student Loan Payment (Avg.)	$500	If applicable
Discretionary/Entertainment	$800	Dining out, streaming, personal care
Remaining (Savings/Investment)	~$4,293

This budget leaves a very healthy surplus. The key affordability factor is housing. While Cicero's rent is manageable, the path to homeownership is more complex. The median home price in the Cicero area is approximately $320,000. With a strong credit score, a $137,091 salary would easily qualify you for a mortgage on a home in this range, especially if you have a down payment. However, property taxes in Cook County are notoriously high, which will be a significant monthly expense beyond the mortgage principal and interest. For a $320,000 home, expect property taxes to add $500-$700/month to your housing cost. Still, for a single-income earner at this salary level, buying a home in Cicero or surrounding neighborhoods is absolutely feasible with proper financial planning.

Where the Jobs Are: Cicero's Major Employers

The Cicero job market is defined by its proximity to Chicago's massive healthcare corridor. Most major employers are either large pharmacy chains or part of larger health systems that serve Cicero's 81,006 residents and the surrounding area.

1. Rush University Medical Center (Oak Park, IL): While not in Cicero proper, Rush is a dominant employer for healthcare professionals in the entire near-west suburbs, including Cicero. They have a large outpatient pharmacy network and often hire for clinical, specialty, and managerial roles. Their hiring tends to be competitive, favoring those with residency experience or specialized certifications.

2. Jewel-Osco Pharmacy: Jewel-Osco has a massive presence in Chicagoland, and Cicero has several locations (e.g., on Cermak Road and 22nd Street). These are the most common entry points for community pharmacists. Hiring is steady but turnover is low in established locations. Insider Tip: Building a relationship with the pharmacy manager in a specific location can put you on their shortlist for the next opening.

3. Walgreens & CVS Health: Both chains have multiple locations throughout Cicero and neighboring Berwyn and Melrose Park. These are the backbone of retail pharmacy employment. While the corporate environment can be demanding, they offer structured career paths into district management, corporate roles, or specialty pharmacy (especially with CVS's growing Health Services division).

4. Masonic Temple of Illinois (Chicago, IL): This is a unique local employer. While the building is in Chicago, it's a short drive from Cicero and houses a significant pharmacy operation. They often have openings for clinical pharmacists and managers. It's less known, meaning competition might be slightly less intense than at major hospitals.

5. Cermak Road Pharmacies (Independent & Compounding): Cicero has a legacy of independent pharmacies, particularly along the bustling Cermak Road corridor. While many have been consolidated by chains, independent compounding pharmacies still thrive here. These roles can be more lucrative for those with a specialty and offer a more personal, community-focused work environment. Insider Tip: Networking with local physicians can lead directly to opportunities in these settings.

Hiring Trends: The trend is toward specialization. Retail chains are increasingly hiring for roles in clinical services (e.g., immunizations, MTM) and specialty pharmacy (oncology, rare disease). Hospital systems are looking for pharmacists with board certifications (BCPS, BCACP). Generalist roles are more saturated.

Getting Licensed in IL

Illinois has a clear but strict licensing process managed by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR). If you're already licensed in another state, you'll need to apply for licensure by reciprocity.

Requirements & Timeline:

1. Education: A Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) degree from an ACPE-accredited institution. Cost: Varies by school, but you're likely already past this stage.
2. Examinations:
   • NAPLEX (North American Pharmacist Licensure Examination): This is the national exam. Fee: ~$495.
   • MPJE (Multistate Pharmacy Jurisprudence Examination): This tests Illinois-specific pharmacy law. Fee: ~$225.
3. Practical Experience: You must complete 1,500 hours of licensed experience under the supervision of a preceptor. This is typically done via an internship during school or a post-graduate training program.
4. Background Check: A fingerprint-based criminal background check is required. Fee: ~$45.
5. Application & Fees: The initial licensure application fee is $153.

Total Estimated Licensure Cost (for a new candidate): ~$918 (excluding education costs).

Timeline to Get Started: If you're a new graduate or moving from another state, the process can take 3-6 months. Start by submitting your credentials to the IDFPR as soon as you've passed your exams. For reciprocity, Illinois requires a letter of good standing from your home state board. The entire process is handled online through the IDFPR website. Insider Tip: Illinois is part of the NABP's License e-Port system, which can streamline the verification of your credentials from other states.

Best Neighborhoods for Pharmacists

Cicero is a single municipality, but its character changes from block to block. For a working professional, commute and lifestyle are key. Here’s a breakdown of the best areas, including rent estimates.

Within Cicero:

• The West End (near Austin Blvd): This area borders Chicago's Austin neighborhood. It’s the closest to downtown Chicago and has easy access to I-290 (The Eisenhower Expressway). Commute to Rush or downtown hospitals is shortest here.
  • Rent Estimate: $1,200 - $1,450/month for a 1BR.
• Central Cicero (near the Town Hall): The heart of the community. You're close to local shops, restaurants, and the Cicero Avenue commercial corridor. It's a vibrant, dense neighborhood.
  • Rent Estimate: $1,050 - $1,300/month for a 1BR.
• East Cicero (near 22nd St): More suburban in feel, with single-family homes and quieter streets. Close to the Brookfield Zoo area and major retailers. Commute to the western suburbs (like Oak Park) is easy via Roosevelt Road.
  • Rent Estimate: $1,150 - $1,400/month for a 1BR.

Just Outside Cicero (For a Different Vibe):

• Berwyn (to the west): Essentially an extension of Cicero, with a similar demographic but a slightly more established "main street" feel along Ogden Avenue. Excellent for a short commute to Jewel-Osco or Walgreens locations.
  • Rent Estimate: $1,300 - $1,550/month for a 1BR.
• La Grange (to the southwest): A more affluent, historic suburb with a charming downtown. It's a bit farther from Cicero's core but offers a higher-end lifestyle and is home to Loyola Medicine's hospital. Commute is longer but more scenic via I-55.
  • Rent Estimate: $1,400 - $1,700/month for a 1BR.

The Long Game: Career Growth

In a contracting field, strategic career moves are essential. Cicero rewards specialization and local reputation.

• Specialty Premiums: The highest salary jumps come from specialties. Clinical pharmacists in oncology (at nearby hospitals like Rush or Loyola) or ambulatory care (working in a clinic setting) can command $140,000 - $160,000. Pharmacists with a Board Certified Oncology Pharmacist (BCOP) or Board Certified Ambulatory Care Pharmacist (BCACP) credential are in high demand.
• Advancement Paths: The traditional path is retail to management (District Manager, ~$150k+). A more lucrative and stable path is into pharmacy administration (Pharmacy Director, ~$160k+) within a hospital system, which often requires an MBA or MHA in addition to clinical experience. Specialty pharmacy roles, often tied to manufacturers or distributors, are growing and offer competitive salaries with a more corporate 9-5 structure.
• 10-Year Outlook: The -3% national growth underscores the need for agility. Pharmacists in Cicero who will thrive are those who embrace technology (telehealth MTM), develop a niche in a growing therapeutic area (e.g., gene therapy, immunology), or move into industry-facing roles (medical science liaison, clinical educator). The long game is about becoming indispensable in a specific, high-need area, not just being a generalist.

The Verdict: Is Cicero Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Strong Purchasing Power: A $137,091 salary goes far here, with housing costs more manageable than in Chicago proper.	Tight Job Market: With only 162 jobs and negative growth, opportunities are limited and competition is fierce for desirable roles.
Diverse Pharmacy Settings: Access to retail chains, independent pharmacies, and proximity to major hospital systems.	Commute Challenges: While close to Chicago, traffic on I-55, I-290, and Cermak Road can be significant, adding to daily stress.
Vibrant, Authentic Community: Cicero has a rich history and a tight-knit feel, offering a real sense of place that's lost in more transient suburbs.	Urban Challenges: Like many inner-ring suburbs, Cicero deals with issues of population density and the crime that can accompany it, though it's generally safe in residential areas.
Gateway to Chicago: You're a short drive or train ride from all the cultural and professional opportunities of a major global city.	Salary Ceiling: Top-tier clinical and research salaries are found within Chicago's academic medical centers, not necessarily in Cicero itself.

Final Recommendation:
Cicero is an excellent choice for the pragmatic, community-focused pharmacist. If you value affordability, a strong sense of place, and a career that's stable but not stagnant, it’s a fantastic fit. It’s ideal for those who want to buy a home, build a life in a real community, and have easy access to a major city without its price tag. It is not the best choice for the career climber seeking the absolute highest salary immediately or for those who want a fast-paced, high-turnover job market. For the right person, Cicero offers a balanced, fulfilling career and life.

FAQs

1. Is it hard to find a job as a pharmacist in Cicero?
Yes. The market is small (162 jobs) and competitive. You must be proactive. Use local networks, apply directly to store managers, and be open to roles in retail chains as a starting point to establish yourself locally.

2. Do I need a car in Cicero?
Highly recommended. While you can use Metra to get to downtown Chicago, Cicero is designed for cars. Major employers like hospitals are spread out, and getting to different locations within the metro area will be difficult without one.

3. How does the cost of living in Cicero compare to Chicago?
It's significantly lower. While Cicero's index is 102.6, Chicago's is closer to 107. The biggest difference is rent—an average 1BR in Chicago can be $1,800+, compared to $1,231 in Cicero. This makes your pharmacist salary stretch noticeably further here.

4. Are there opportunities for clinical pharmacists in Cicero?
Directly in Cicero, opportunities are limited. However, the surrounding area (Oak Park, Berwyn, Chicago) is rich with them. The key is to secure a position within a larger health system (like Rush or Loyola) that may have clinical roles and then transfer or commute. Many clinical pharmacists live in Cicero for the affordability.

5. What's the biggest challenge for new pharmacists in Cicero?
Building a reputation and finding the right niche in a small job pool. Your first job might not be your dream job, but it’s your entry point into the local network. Focus on gaining experience, earning a specialty certification, and connecting with local healthcare providers. The community is small, and word of mouth matters.

Data Sources: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR), U.S. Census Bureau (Metro Population), Zillow Research (Rental Data), Cost of Living Index (Council for Community and Economic Research), and local employer job postings.