Altoona vs Philadelphia: Pharmacist Salary (2026)
Compare pharmacist salaries between Altoona, PA and Philadelphia, PA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Altoona, PA | Philadelphia, PA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $131,849 | $151,462▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $63.39 | $72.82▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $103,999 | $122,033▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $120,689 | $135,831▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $141,279 | $161,747▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $156,869 | $170,331▲ |
| Total Employed | 120 | 6,460▲ |
Verdict
Philadelphia, PA offers better overall compensation for pharmacists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Altoona.
The salary gap between Altoona and Philadelphia is $19,613 (14.88%). Philadelphia's median is +5.56% compared to the US national median of $143,489.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Altoona spans $52,870,Philadelphia spans $48,298. Altoona 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, Philadelphia ($147,690 effective) pays 0.26% more than Altoona ($147,306 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Altoona if…
- ✓You prefer the Pennsylvania area and lifestyle
Choose Philadelphia if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($151,462/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($170,331)
- ✓Larger job market (6,460 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $147,690)
- ✓You prefer the Pennsylvania area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, pharmacist salaries in Altoona grew 6.8% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 19.1% growth in Philadelphia over the same period.
Altoona, PA
$121,190 (2019) → $129,480 (2025)
Philadelphia, PA
$124,850 (2019) → $148,740 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Altoona, PA
Philadelphia, PA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays pharmacists more: Altoona or Philadelphia?
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Should I relocate from Altoona to Philadelphia as a pharmacist?
What do entry-level pharmacists earn in Altoona vs Philadelphia?
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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