Application Fee
See agencyVerified by IL Board of Healthcare
Pharmacist Licensing in Illinois
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for pharmacist in Illinois, including See agency and board contact links.
Last verified: Feb 18, 2026
Current
Exam Requirement
Third-party exam requiredRenewal Cycle
See board renewal rulesLicensing Blueprint for Pharmacist in Illinois
Estimated timeline: Varies by boardCore Requirements
- 1
Education: Degree required.
- 2
Experience: No experience required.
- 3
Background/Criminal Review: Specific type of conviction prohibited.
- 4
License Type: Stand-alone license.
Exam and processing details
- Third-party exam required
Continuing education and program notes
- Continuing education required to maintain license
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$135,880 median (1% below national)
- State Salary Rank
#29 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (7)
- 1. Meet Illinois eligibility requirements for Pharmacist licensure.
- 2. Complete required education or training: Degree required.
- 3. Document required supervised experience: No experience required.
- 4. Pass required examination steps: Third-party exam required.
- 5. Prepare supporting documentation (background check: Specific type of conviction prohibited; Background/Criminal Review: Specific type of conviction prohibited.).
- 6. Submit the application to Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation and monitor board communications.
- 7. Maintain post-licensure compliance (continuing education: Continuing education required to maintain license).
Salary Insights in Illinois
With a median salary of $135,880, Pharmacists in Illinois earn 1% below the national median of $137,480. Illinois ranks #29 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.
State Hiring Climate (QCEW)
RisingQoQ Employment Change
+2.1%Average Weekly Wage
$1,451Median annual salary
$135,880Hourly estimate
$65.331% below national median
Difference: -$1,600
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationPharmacist Salary Ranking
#29 of 50 statesfor Pharmacist median salary
| Rank | State | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | California | $165,150 |
| #2 | Alaska | $163,200 |
| #3 | Oregon | $163,120 |
| #4 | Washington | $157,020 |
| #5 | Minnesota | $154,610 |
Nearby States Comparison
Pharmacist licensing across the region| State | Median Salary | Education | Exam | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Illinois | $135,880 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Wisconsin | $140,410 | Specific course required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Iowa | $133,220 | Degree required | Both state and third-party exams required | Varies by board |
| Missouri | $137,910 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | 21 years |
| Kentucky | $132,750 | Degree required | State exam required | Varies by board |
| Indiana | $138,690 | Degree required | State exam required | 18 years |
License by Endorsement
Transfer requirements are state-specific. Use this quick matrix as a planning signal, then verify final endorsement rules with each board.
| State | Reciprocity Score | Tier | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Illinois | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Wisconsin | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Iowa | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Missouri | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Kentucky | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Indiana | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
- License status indicator: Active.
- Continuing education indicator: Continuing education required to maintain license.
- Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Official Licensing Agency
Official website verified
Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation
320 West Washington, Springfield, IL, 62786
Phone: 2177828556
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FAQ
How long does it take to become a Pharmacist in Illinois?
Most applicants finish the licensing path in about Varies by board, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.
What exams are required for Pharmacists in Illinois?
Illinois lists Third-party exam required as part of the licensure process for Pharmacists.
What education do you need to become a Pharmacist in Illinois?
The board typically expects Degree required for Pharmacist licensure in Illinois.
What is the typical Pharmacist salary in Illinois?
The median annual salary for Pharmacists in Illinois is $135,880. Salaries range from $99,610 (10th percentile) to $166,090 (90th percentile).
How does the Pharmacist salary in Illinois compare to the national average?
Pharmacists in Illinois earn 1% below the national median of $137,480, with a state median of $135,880.
How many Pharmacists work in Illinois?
Illinois employs approximately 12,450 Pharmacists according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Pharmacist license to Illinois from another state?
Transfer requirements vary by board. License status indicator: Active. Continuing education indicator: Continuing education required to maintain license. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Who is the licensing agency for Pharmacists in Illinois?
The licensing agency is Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation. Review agency details at https://www.idfpr.com/.
How often do you renew a Pharmacist license in Illinois?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.