Boone vs Durham: Pharmacist Salary (2026)
Compare pharmacist salaries between Boone, NC and Durham, NC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Boone, NC | Durham, NC |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $133,331 | $143,947▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $64.10 | $69.20▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $98,140 | $104,753▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $124,030 | $135,943▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $145,833 | $167,918▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $149,302 | $168,773▲ |
| Total Employed | 6 | 1,150▲ |
Verdict
Durham, NC offers better overall compensation for pharmacists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Boone.
The salary gap between Boone and Durham is $10,616 (7.96%). Durham's median is +0.32% compared to the US national median of $143,489.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Boone spans $51,162,Durham spans $64,020. Durham 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, Durham ($147,529 effective) pays 3.57% more than Boone ($142,448 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Boone if…
- ✓You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle
Choose Durham if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($143,947/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($168,773)
- ✓Larger job market (1,150 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $147,529)
- ✓You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, pharmacist salaries in Boone grew 12.7% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 16.7% growth in Durham over the same period.
Boone, NC
$116,141 (2024) → $130,935 (2025)
Durham, NC
$121,110 (2019) → $141,360 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Durham, NC
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays pharmacists more: Boone or Durham?
What is the hourly rate difference between Boone and Durham?
Should I relocate from Boone to Durham as a pharmacist?
What do entry-level pharmacists earn in Boone vs Durham?
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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