Pharmacist in Springfield, IL

As a career analyst who’s spent years watching the professional landscape of Springfield, IL, I can tell you that it’s a unique market for pharmacists. It’s not a sprawling metropolis like Chicago, but it’s the state capital, home to a major medical school, and a regional healthcare hub. This creates a specific demand for pharmacy professionals that’s different from both large cities and smaller rural towns.

This guide is cut from that real-world perspective. We’ll use hard data, talk about specific neighborhoods and employers, and give you the unvarnished truth about what it’s like to build a pharmacy career in the capital city.

Let’s get started.

The Salary Picture: Where Springfield Stands

When you’re evaluating a move, salary is the first piece of the puzzle. For pharmacists in Springfield, the numbers paint a picture of stability, but not explosive growth. The median salary for a pharmacist in Springfield, IL is $132,153 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $63.54. This is slightly below the national average of $136,030 per year, but the cost of living adjustment makes it highly competitive.

Here’s how experience breaks down in this market. Note that these are estimates based on local market analysis and BLS data.

Experience Level	Estimated Annual Salary	Typical Roles
Entry-Level (0-3 years)	$118,000 - $126,000	Staff Pharmacist (Retail, Hospital)
Mid-Career (4-9 years)	$128,000 - $138,000	Clinical Pharmacist, Pharmacy Manager
Senior (10-15 years)	$135,000 - $148,000	Clinical Specialist, Pharmacy Supervisor
Expert/Manager (15+ years)	$142,000 - $160,000+	Director of Pharmacy, Specialty Pharmacy Manager

How does Springfield compare to other Illinois cities? It sits in a middle ground. It’s more affordable than Chicago, where the median salary might be higher but is completely offset by a cost of living that’s nearly 50% higher. In cities like Peoria or Rockford, salaries are often similar, but the healthcare ecosystem is smaller. Springfield’s advantage is its concentration of major employers (we’ll get to them) within a compact geographic area.

Insider Tip: The -3% 10-year job growth projection is a critical data point. It suggests that while the base of jobs is stable (there are currently 224 jobs in the metro area), the market isn’t expanding rapidly. This means competition for the best positions, especially in desirable settings like hospitals or specialty clinics, can be stiff. You need to bring a specific skill set, not just a license.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s get practical. What does a $132,153 salary actually feel like in Springfield? We’ll run the numbers for a single person filing as "Head of Household" (a common scenario for professionals) with no dependents, using 2024 tax estimates (federal, state, and FICA).

• Annual Gross Salary: $132,153
• Estimated Annual Taxes (Federal, IL State, FICA): ~$34,000
• Annual Take-Home Pay: ~$98,153
• Monthly Take-Home Pay: ~$8,179

Now, let’s build a monthly budget. Springfield’s average 1BR rent is $873/month, but this can vary by neighborhood (more on that later). We’ll use a conservative $1,100/month for a comfortable 1BR in a safe area.

Expense Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes
Rent (1BR)	$1,100	Varies by neighborhood (see below)
Utilities (Elec, Water, Gas, Internet)	$250	Springfield's climate has hot summers and cold winters.
Groceries	$450	For one person, eating a mix of home-cooked and occasional takeout.
Car Payment & Insurance	$600	Springfield is car-dependent. A reliable vehicle is a must.
Gas & Maintenance	$200	Commuting costs within the metro area.
Health Insurance (if not fully covered)	$150	Employer plans vary.
Entertainment, Dining, Misc.	$500	Movies, local restaurants, coffee shops, etc.
Savings/Investments	$2,929	This is the key. After all expenses, you have significant room.

Can they afford to buy a home? Absolutely. With over $2,900 in monthly surplus after a comfortable lifestyle, saving for a down payment is very feasible. The Springfield housing market is reasonable. The median home price is around $160,000 - $180,000. A 20% down payment is $32,000 - $36,000. At the savings rate above, you could save that in about a year. Monthly mortgage payments (including taxes and insurance) for a $170,000 home would likely be in the $1,200 - $1,300 range, which is manageable on this salary.

Where the Jobs Are: Springfield's Major Employers

Springfield’s pharmacy job market is dominated by healthcare systems, retail chains, and a few unique local players. The -3% growth means openings are often due to retirements or internal promotions, not new positions.

Here are the major employers you need to know:

1. Memorial Health System: This is the largest employer in the region, operating Memorial Medical Center (a Level I Trauma Center) and several outpatient centers. They have a robust pharmacy department with roles in inpatient, ambulatory care, and oncology. Hiring is steady but competitive; they often look for pharmacists with a PGY-1 residency or equivalent experience.

2. HSHS St. John’s Hospital: Part of the Hospital Sisters Health System, St. John’s is another major medical center with a large central pharmacy. They have a strong presence in specialized areas like pediatrics and cardiovascular care. Their pharmacy leadership is known for investing in clinical services.

3. Rx Care Pharmacy: A large, independent pharmacy group with multiple locations in Springfield. They are a major employer for retail and long-term care pharmacists. They offer a different pace than corporate chains and often provide more direct community interaction. A great option if you prefer independent pharmacy over big-box models.

4. Sangamo Club Pharmacy: A historic, independent pharmacy in downtown Springfield, known for its compounding services and personal touch. It’s a niche employer but represents the core of community pharmacy. Jobs here are rare but highly sought after by those who value the independent model.

5. Corporate Retail (CVS, Walgreens, Walmart): These chains have a significant presence throughout the city. They offer reliable employment but often come with high-volume, metric-driven pressures. Turnover can be higher here, leading to more frequent openings, especially for overnight or floating pharmacist roles.

6. SIU School of Medicine: The Southern Illinois University School of Medicine is a major institution. While they don’t run a traditional pharmacy, they employ pharmacists in research, clinical trials, and academic roles. This is a pathway for those interested in moving beyond traditional practice.

Hiring Trends: Hospital positions are the most coveted due to their clinical focus and stable hours. Retail positions are more readily available but come with the typical challenges of the sector. Network with current pharmacists in the area; many positions are filled through internal referrals before they are publicly posted.

Getting Licensed in IL

If you’re moving from another state, the licensure process is straightforward but requires attention to detail.

Requirements:

1. Graduate from an ACPE-accredited pharmacy school.
2. Pass the NAPLEX (North American Pharmacist Licensure Examination).
3. Pass the Multi-State Pharmacy Jurisprudence Examination (MPJE) for Illinois.
4. Complete an internship or experiential hours as required by the state. Illinois requires 1,500 hours of pharmacy experience, which is typically completed during your academic program.

Costs & Timeline:

• NAPLEX Fee: ~$600
• MPJE Fee: ~$200
• Illinois Application Fee: ~$150
• Fingerprinting/Criminal Background Check: ~$50
• Total Estimated Cost: $1,000 - $1,200

Timeline: The process can take 3 to 6 months from the time you submit your final transcripts and application to the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR). Pro Tip: Start the application process before you move, if possible. You can often get licensed and then find a job, or secure a job offer contingent on licensure.

Best Neighborhoods for Pharmacists

Springfield is a city of distinct neighborhoods, each with a different vibe. Commutes are rarely a problem—most places are a 10-20 minute drive from the medical district.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Typical 1BR Rent	Best For
Downtown Springfield	Historic, walkable, lots of restaurants and bars. Easy access to Memorial Medical Center.	$900 - $1,250	Young professionals who want a social scene and a short, often walkable, commute.
Near North Side	Older, established, beautiful tree-lined streets. Family-oriented but close to downtown.	$850 - $1,100	Pharmacist looking for a quiet, established neighborhood with character. Short drive to hospitals.
Lakewood	A neighborhood within a large park-like setting. Very scenic and quiet, with mid-century homes.	$800 - $1,050	Those seeking tranquility. A bit further south, but still an easy commute.
Southern View	Affordable, residential, and convenient to the southern part of the city and I-55.	$750 - $950	Practical, budget-conscious professionals who prioritize a short commute and value.

Insider Tip: If you work at Memorial Medical Center or HSHS St. John’s, living in Downtown or Near North Side is ideal. You can avoid the worst of the traffic (which is minimal) and be part of the city’s cultural core. If you prefer a suburban feel, the Lakewood area offers a beautiful escape.

The Long Game: Career Growth

With a -3% job growth, your career advancement in Springfield will depend on specialization and strategic moves, not just waiting for new positions to open up.

• Specialty Premiums: Pharmacists with certifications in oncology, infectious disease, or critical care are highly valued in Springfield’s hospitals. A certification (like BCPS, BCOP, or BCCCP) can add $5,000 - $15,000 to your base salary and make you a top candidate for clinical specialist roles.
• Advancement Paths: The typical path is Staff Pharmacist → Clinical Pharmacist → Clinical Specialist or Manager. In retail, it’s Staff Pharmacist → Pharmacy Manager → District Manager (which may involve more travel). To advance, you often need to take on leadership in quality improvement, medication safety, or precepting students from nearby programs.
• 10-Year Outlook: The -3% growth indicates that the market will be stable but static. The opportunities will come from:
  1. Retirements: The average age of pharmacists is increasing. As senior pharmacists retire, mid-career professionals will move up.
  2. Evolving Roles: The expansion of clinical pharmacy services in hospitals and clinics will create new, more specialized positions.
  3. Geographic Mobility: Being willing to work in surrounding smaller towns (like Rochester or Petersburg) can open doors, with a commute of 20-30 minutes.

The Verdict: Is Springfield Right for You?

For a pharmacist, Springfield offers a balanced life: a solid salary that goes very far, a stable job market with major employers, and a low-stress, community-focused environment. It’s not for those seeking high-octane career growth in a major metro, but it’s perfect for those who value quality of life, affordable living, and a sense of place.

Pros	Cons
High purchasing power due to low cost of living.	Limited job growth (-3%) means fewer new openings.
Stable employers (Memorial, HSHS, etc.) with good benefits.	Car-dependent city; public transit is not robust.
Short, stress-free commutes (10-20 minutes).	Can feel small; limited nightlife/arts compared to Chicago.
A balanced lifestyle with access to nature, sports, and history.	Networking is crucial; many jobs are filled via referrals.
Opportunity to buy a home early in your career.	Less specialization in certain pharmacy fields.

Final Recommendation: If you are a pharmacist, especially early to mid-career, who values financial stability, a reasonable workload, and a community where you can put down roots, Springfield is an excellent choice. The data supports a comfortable life, and the local healthcare infrastructure provides a solid foundation for a long-term career.

FAQs

1. Do I need a car in Springfield?
Yes, absolutely. While downtown is walkable, the city is spread out. Most pharmacists live in one neighborhood and work at a hospital or retail center on the other side of town. Public transportation exists but is not reliable for a daily commute.

2. Is the -3% job growth a major red flag?
It’s a data point to be aware of, not an automatic disqualifier. For a pharmacist, it means you should be strategic. Have a clear specialization, network actively, and be open to slightly different roles (e.g., a clinical pharmacist applying for a managed care position). The base of 224 jobs is still substantial for a city of 112,000 people.

3. How competitive are the hospital jobs at Memorial and St. John’s?
Very competitive. They look for pharmacists with a PGY-1 residency or significant experience. If you don’t have a residency, highlight any clinical rotations, specialty knowledge, and leadership experience. Getting your foot in the door in a retail or independent setting first can be a pathway to a hospital role later.

4. What’s the pharmacy community like?
It’s tight-knit. The Illinois Pharmacists Association (IPhA) has an active central district. Attend local meetings and events. The community is collaborative, not cutthroat. Pharmacists in different settings (retail, hospital, independent) often know and refer each other.

5. Can I commute from a nearby town?
Yes, and it’s common. Towns like Rochester (15 mins), Chatham (20 mins), or Petersburg (25 mins) offer a more rural feel with a short drive. The cost of living is even lower, but you’ll be more reliant on your car.