Ashland vs Lexington: Pharmacist Salary (2026)
Compare pharmacist salaries between Ashland, KY and Lexington, KY. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Ashland, KY | Lexington, KY |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $138,477 | $139,028▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $66.58 | $66.84▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $100,682 | $102,095▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $128,241 | $134,385▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $153,768 | $160,352▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $159,293 | $164,211▲ |
| Total Employed | 4 | 1,060▲ |
Verdict
Lexington, KY offers better overall compensation for pharmacists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Ashland.
The salary gap between Ashland and Lexington is $551 (0.40%). Lexington's median is -3.11% compared to the US national median of $143,489.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Ashland spans $58,611,Lexington spans $62,116. Lexington 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, Ashland ($155,069 effective) pays 3.61% more than Lexington ($149,671 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Ashland if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $155,069)
- ✓You prefer the Kentucky area and lifestyle
Choose Lexington if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($139,028/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($164,211)
- ✓Larger job market (1,060 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Kentucky area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, pharmacist salaries in Ashland grew 28.1% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 18.0% growth in Lexington over the same period.
Ashland, KY
$106,191 (2024) → $135,988 (2025)
Lexington, KY
$115,740 (2019) → $136,530 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Ashland, KY
Lexington, KY
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays pharmacists more: Ashland or Lexington?
What is the hourly rate difference between Ashland and Lexington?
Should I relocate from Ashland to Lexington as a pharmacist?
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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