Allentown vs Chester: Pharmacist Salary (2026)
Compare pharmacist salaries between Allentown, PA and Chester, PA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Allentown, PA | Chester, PA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $140,923▲ | $133,081 |
| Hourly Rate | $67.75▲ | $63.98 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $109,620▲ | $101,828 |
| 25th Percentile | $134,334▲ | $126,862 |
| 75th Percentile | $161,095▲ | $147,625 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $168,712▲ | $153,881 |
| Total Employed | 970▲ | 5 |
Verdict
Allentown, PA offers better overall compensation for pharmacists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Chester.
The salary gap between Allentown and Chester is $7,842 (5.89%). Allentown's median is -1.79% compared to the US national median of $143,489.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Allentown spans $59,092,Chester spans $52,053. Allentown has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Allentown ($140,968 effective) pays 3.17% more than Chester ($136,633 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Allentown if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($140,923/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($168,712)
- ✓Larger job market (970 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $140,968)
- ✓You prefer the Pennsylvania area and lifestyle
Choose Chester if…
- ✓You prefer the Pennsylvania area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, pharmacist salaries in Allentown grew 10.7% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 6.8% growth in Chester over the same period.
Allentown, PA
$125,050 (2019) → $138,390 (2025)
Chester, PA
$122,355 (2024) → $130,689 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Allentown, PA
Chester, PA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays pharmacists more: Allentown or Chester?
What is the hourly rate difference between Allentown and Chester?
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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