Pharmacist Salary

Ann Arbor vs Dearborn Heights: Pharmacist Salary (2026)

Compare pharmacist salaries between Ann Arbor, MI and Dearborn Heights, MI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Ann Arbor, MI
$169,394
$81.44/hr
Dearborn Heights, MI
$142,747
$68.63/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricAnn Arbor, MIDearborn Heights, MI
Median Salary$169,394$142,747
Hourly Rate$81.44$68.63
Entry Level (P10)$122,838$97,525
25th Percentile$141,819$127,703
75th Percentile$169,394$159,901
Top Earner (P90)$179,088$182,977
Total Employed57013
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Ann Arbor ($169,394) and Dearborn Heights ($142,747) pharmacist salaries.Ann ArborDearborn HeightsMedian Salary$169,394$142,747Entry Level (P10)$122,838$97,525Top Earner (P90)$179,088$182,977US Median $143,489

Verdict

Ann Arbor, MI offers better overall compensation for pharmacists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Dearborn Heights.

The salary gap between Ann Arbor and Dearborn Heights is $26,647 (18.67%). Ann Arbor's median is +18.05% compared to the US national median of $143,489.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Ann Arbor spans $56,250,Dearborn Heights spans $85,452. Dearborn Heights has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced pharmacists.

Ann Arbor
P10 (Entry)$122,838
P25$141,819
Median$169,394
P75$169,394
P90 (Top)$179,088
Dearborn Heights
P10 (Entry)$97,525
P25$127,703
Median$142,747
P75$159,901
P90 (Top)$182,977

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Ann Arbor ($167,916 effective) pays 9.63% more than Dearborn Heights ($153,162 effective).

Ann Arbor
Nominal: $169,394
CoL Index: 100.88
Adjusted: $167,916
Dearborn Heights
Nominal: $142,747
CoL Index: 93.2
Adjusted: $153,162

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Ann Arbor if…

  • Higher median salary ($169,394/year)
  • Larger job market (570 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $167,916)
  • You prefer the Michigan area and lifestyle

Choose Dearborn Heights if…

  • Better top-earner potential ($182,977)
  • You prefer the Michigan area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, pharmacist salaries in Ann Arbor grew 31.9% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 15.8% growth in Dearborn Heights over the same period.

Ann Arbor, MI

+31.9%

$126,120 (2019) → $166,350 (2025)

Dearborn Heights, MI

+15.8%

$121,066 (2024) → $140,182 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays pharmacists more: Ann Arbor or Dearborn Heights?

Ann Arbor has a higher median pharmacist salary at $169,394/year, compared to Dearborn Heights at $142,747/year — a difference of $26,647 (18.67%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Ann Arbor and Dearborn Heights?

Ann Arbor pharmacists earn $81.44/hr while Dearborn Heights hygienists earn $68.63/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Ann Arbor to Dearborn Heights as a pharmacist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Ann Arbor and Dearborn Heights. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Ann Arbor = $167,916, Dearborn Heights = $153,162), job availability (570 vs 13 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level pharmacists earn in Ann Arbor vs Dearborn Heights?

Entry-level (10th percentile) pharmacists earn $122,838 in Ann Arbor and $97,525 in Dearborn Heights. The Ann Arbor area offers higher starting salaries.

Related Comparisons

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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