Pharmacist Salary

Altus vs Tulsa: Pharmacist Salary (2026)

Compare pharmacist salaries between Altus, OK and Tulsa, OK. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Altus, OK
$120,939
$58.14/hr
Tulsa, OK
$143,397
$68.94/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricAltus, OKTulsa, OK
Median Salary$120,939$143,397
Hourly Rate$58.14$68.94
Entry Level (P10)$87,624$110,985
25th Percentile$111,491$133,183
75th Percentile$131,323$157,765
Top Earner (P90)$145,253$167,439
Total Employed5820
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Altus ($120,939) and Tulsa ($143,397) pharmacist salaries.AltusTulsaMedian Salary$120,939$143,397Entry Level (P10)$87,624$110,985Top Earner (P90)$145,253$167,439US Median $143,489

Verdict

Tulsa, OK offers better overall compensation for pharmacists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Altus.

The salary gap between Altus and Tulsa is $22,458 (18.57%). Tulsa's median is -0.06% compared to the US national median of $143,489.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Altus spans $57,629,Tulsa spans $56,454. Altus has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Altus
P10 (Entry)$87,624
P25$111,491
Median$120,939
P75$131,323
P90 (Top)$145,253
Tulsa
P10 (Entry)$110,985
P25$133,183
Median$143,397
P75$157,765
P90 (Top)$167,439

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Tulsa ($160,734 effective) pays 18.15% more than Altus ($136,039 effective).

Altus
Nominal: $120,939
CoL Index: 88.9
Adjusted: $136,039
Tulsa
Nominal: $143,397
CoL Index: 89.214
Adjusted: $160,734

Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Altus if…

  • You prefer the Oklahoma area and lifestyle

Choose Tulsa if…

  • Higher median salary ($143,397/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($167,439)
  • Larger job market (820 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $160,734)
  • You prefer the Oklahoma area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, pharmacist salaries in Altus grew 12.7% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 16.3% growth in Tulsa over the same period.

Altus, OK

+12.7%

$105,356 (2024) → $118,766 (2025)

Tulsa, OK

+16.3%

$121,100 (2019) → $140,820 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays pharmacists more: Altus or Tulsa?

Tulsa has a higher median pharmacist salary at $143,397/year, compared to Altus at $120,939/year — a difference of $22,458 (18.57%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Altus and Tulsa?

Altus pharmacists earn $58.14/hr while Tulsa hygienists earn $68.94/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Altus to Tulsa as a pharmacist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Altus and Tulsa. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Altus = $136,039, Tulsa = $160,734), job availability (5 vs 820 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level pharmacists earn in Altus vs Tulsa?

Entry-level (10th percentile) pharmacists earn $87,624 in Altus and $110,985 in Tulsa. The Tulsa area offers higher starting salaries.
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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.

Clinically reviewed by Liam Patel, PharmDData verified by Amina Al-Sayed, PharmD

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