Arlington vs San Antonio: Pharmacist Salary (2026)
Compare pharmacist salaries between Arlington, TX and San Antonio, TX. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Arlington, TX | San Antonio, TX |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $137,856 | $153,254▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $66.28 | $73.68▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $90,168 | $98,439▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $120,716 | $135,383▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $161,707 | $161,777▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $176,997▲ | $170,158 |
| Total Employed | 83 | 2,260▲ |
Verdict
San Antonio, TX offers better overall compensation for pharmacists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Arlington.
The salary gap between Arlington and San Antonio is $15,398 (11.17%). San Antonio's median is +6.81% 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,San Antonio spans $71,719. Arlington 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, San Antonio ($161,804 effective) pays 12.68% 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 San Antonio if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($153,254/year)
- ✓Larger job market (2,260 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $161,804)
- ✓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 17.5% growth in San Antonio over the same period.
Arlington, TX
$130,368 (2024) → $135,379 (2025)
San Antonio, TX
$128,080 (2019) → $150,500 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Arlington, TX
San Antonio, TX
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays pharmacists more: Arlington or San Antonio?
What is the hourly rate difference between Arlington and San Antonio?
Should I relocate from Arlington to San Antonio as a pharmacist?
What do entry-level pharmacists earn in Arlington vs San Antonio?
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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