Albany vs New York: Pharmacist Salary (2026)
Compare pharmacist salaries between Albany, NY and New York, NY. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Albany, NY | New York, NY |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $139,222 | $143,906▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $66.93 | $69.18▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $99,121▲ | $97,767 |
| 25th Percentile | $132,318 | $132,705▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $154,120 | $168,437▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $167,337 | $179,058▲ |
| Total Employed | 1,050 | 20,000▲ |
Verdict
New York, NY offers better overall compensation for pharmacists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Albany.
The salary gap between Albany and New York is $4,684 (3.36%). New York's median is +0.29% compared to the US national median of $143,489.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Albany spans $68,216,New York spans $81,291. New York has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced pharmacists.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Albany ($139,829 effective) pays 9.37% more than New York ($127,845 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Albany if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $139,829)
- ✓You prefer the New York area and lifestyle
Choose New York if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($143,906/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($179,058)
- ✓Larger job market (20,000 employed)
- ✓You prefer the New York area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, pharmacist salaries in Albany grew 4.8% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 15.2% growth in New York over the same period.
Albany, NY
$130,460 (2019) → $136,720 (2025)
New York, NY
$122,670 (2019) → $141,320 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Albany, NY
New York, NY
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays pharmacists more: Albany or New York?
What is the hourly rate difference between Albany and New York?
Should I relocate from Albany to New York as a pharmacist?
What do entry-level pharmacists earn in Albany vs New York?
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Written by Sofia Chen, PharmD
Career Analyst
Sofia Chen has 10 years of experience in community pharmacy. She specializes in medication therapy management.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 1.83% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Sofia Chen, PharmD, a licensed pharmacist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov