Austin vs Houston: Pharmacist Salary (2026)
Compare pharmacist salaries between Austin, TX and Houston, TX. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Austin, TX | Houston, TX |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $154,059▲ | $143,041 |
| Hourly Rate | $74.07▲ | $68.78 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $92,472▲ | $84,723 |
| 25th Percentile | $134,049▲ | $129,395 |
| 75th Percentile | $167,144▲ | $166,502 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $175,647▲ | $173,284 |
| Total Employed | 1,800 | 6,410▲ |
Verdict
Austin, TX offers better overall compensation for pharmacists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Houston.
The salary gap between Austin and Houston is $11,018 (7.70%). Austin's median is +7.37% compared to the US national median of $143,489.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Austin spans $83,175,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, Austin ($157,097 effective) pays 8.32% more than Houston ($145,029 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Austin if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($154,059/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($175,647)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $157,097)
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Choose Houston if…
- ✓Larger job market (6,410 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, pharmacist salaries in Austin grew 14.5% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 7.8% growth in Houston over the same period.
Austin, TX
$132,160 (2019) → $151,290 (2025)
Houston, TX
$130,320 (2019) → $140,470 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Austin, TX
Houston, TX
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays pharmacists more: Austin or Houston?
What is the hourly rate difference between Austin and Houston?
Should I relocate from Austin to Houston as a pharmacist?
What do entry-level pharmacists earn in Austin 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