Atlantic City vs Passaic: Pharmacist Salary (2026)
Compare pharmacist salaries between Atlantic City, NJ and Passaic, NJ. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Atlantic City, NJ | Passaic, NJ |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $137,358 | $161,794▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $66.04 | $77.79▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $63,756 | $118,137▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $126,809 | $150,442▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $157,378 | $190,477▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $165,240 | $206,614▲ |
| Total Employed | 370▲ | 18 |
Verdict
Passaic, NJ offers better overall compensation for pharmacists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Atlantic City.
The salary gap between Atlantic City and Passaic is $24,436 (17.79%). Passaic's median is +12.76% compared to the US national median of $143,489.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Atlantic City spans $101,484,Passaic spans $88,477. Atlantic City 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, Passaic ($140,446 effective) pays 1.08% more than Atlantic City ($138,946 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Atlantic City if…
- ✓Larger job market (370 employed)
- ✓You prefer the New Jersey area and lifestyle
Choose Passaic if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($161,794/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($206,614)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $140,446)
- ✓You prefer the New Jersey area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, pharmacist salaries in Atlantic City grew 11.4% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 0.6% growth in Passaic over the same period.
Atlantic City, NJ
$121,120 (2019) → $134,890 (2025)
Passaic, NJ
$157,860 (2024) → $158,886 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Atlantic City, NJ
Passaic, NJ
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays pharmacists more: Atlantic City or Passaic?
What is the hourly rate difference between Atlantic City and Passaic?
Should I relocate from Atlantic City to Passaic 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