Atlanta vs Macon: Pharmacist Salary (2026)
Compare pharmacist salaries between Atlanta, GA and Macon, GA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Atlanta, GA | Macon, GA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $142,430▲ | $134,701 |
| Hourly Rate | $68.48▲ | $64.76 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $105,058 | $105,384▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $128,927 | $130,668▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $165,637▲ | $165,290 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $178,773▲ | $165,290 |
| Total Employed | 6,120▲ | 230 |
Verdict
Atlanta, GA offers better overall compensation for pharmacists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Macon.
The salary gap between Atlanta and Macon is $7,729 (5.74%). Atlanta's median is -0.74% compared to the US national median of $143,489.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Atlanta spans $73,715,Macon spans $59,906. Atlanta 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, Macon ($152,156 effective) pays 6.89% more than Atlanta ($142,347 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Atlanta if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($142,430/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($178,773)
- ✓Larger job market (6,120 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Georgia area and lifestyle
Choose Macon if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $152,156)
- ✓You prefer the Georgia area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, pharmacist salaries in Atlanta grew 9.9% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 1.5% growth in Macon over the same period.
Atlanta, GA
$127,250 (2019) → $139,870 (2025)
Macon, GA
$130,280 (2019) → $132,280 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Atlanta, GA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays pharmacists more: Atlanta or Macon?
What is the hourly rate difference between Atlanta and Macon?
Should I relocate from Atlanta to Macon as a pharmacist?
What do entry-level pharmacists earn in Atlanta vs Macon?
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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