Arlington vs Houston: Pharmacist Salary (2026)
Compare pharmacist salaries between Arlington, TX and Houston, TX. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Arlington, TX | Houston, TX |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $137,856 | $143,041▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $66.28 | $68.78▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $90,168▲ | $84,723 |
| 25th Percentile | $120,716 | $129,395▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $161,707 | $166,502▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $176,997▲ | $173,284 |
| Total Employed | 83 | 6,410▲ |
Verdict
Houston, TX offers better overall compensation for pharmacists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Arlington.
The salary gap between Arlington and Houston is $5,185 (3.76%). Houston's median is -0.31% compared to the US national median of $143,489.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Arlington spans $86,829,Houston spans $88,561. Houston 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, Houston ($145,029 effective) pays 1.00% more than Arlington ($143,600 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Arlington if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($176,997)
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Choose Houston if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($143,041/year)
- ✓Larger job market (6,410 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $145,029)
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, pharmacist salaries in Arlington grew 3.8% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 7.8% growth in Houston over the same period.
Arlington, TX
$130,368 (2024) → $135,379 (2025)
Houston, TX
$130,320 (2019) → $140,470 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Arlington, TX
Houston, TX
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays pharmacists more: Arlington or Houston?
What is the hourly rate difference between Arlington and Houston?
Should I relocate from Arlington to Houston as a pharmacist?
What do entry-level pharmacists earn in Arlington vs Houston?
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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