Boston vs Newton: Pharmacist Salary (2026)
Compare pharmacist salaries between Boston, MA and Newton, MA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Boston, MA | Newton, MA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $142,216▲ | $141,072 |
| Hourly Rate | $68.37▲ | $67.82 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $129,884▲ | $103,747 |
| 25th Percentile | $137,308▲ | $128,642 |
| 75th Percentile | $161,675 | $163,550▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $171,472 | $175,932▲ |
| Total Employed | 5,280▲ | 16 |
Verdict
Boston, MA offers better overall compensation for pharmacists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Newton.
The salary gap between Boston and Newton is $1,144 (0.81%). Boston's median is -0.89% compared to the US national median of $143,489.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Boston spans $41,588,Newton spans $72,185. Newton 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, Boston ($131,358 effective) pays 1.03% more than Newton ($130,020 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Boston if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($142,216/year)
- ✓Larger job market (5,280 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $131,358)
- ✓You prefer the Massachusetts area and lifestyle
Choose Newton if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($175,932)
- ✓You prefer the Massachusetts area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, pharmacist salaries in Boston grew 14.1% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -12.1% growth in Newton over the same period.
Boston, MA
$122,420 (2019) → $139,660 (2025)
Newton, MA
$157,696 (2024) → $138,537 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Boston, MA
Newton, MA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays pharmacists more: Boston or Newton?
What is the hourly rate difference between Boston and Newton?
Should I relocate from Boston to Newton as a pharmacist?
What do entry-level pharmacists earn in Boston vs Newton?
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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