Pharmacist Salary

Buckeye vs Phoenix: Pharmacist Salary (2026)

Compare pharmacist salaries between Buckeye, AZ and Phoenix, AZ. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Buckeye, AZ
$152,685
$73.41/hr
Phoenix, AZ
$147,134
$70.73/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricBuckeye, AZPhoenix, AZ
Median Salary$152,685$147,134
Hourly Rate$73.41$70.73
Entry Level (P10)$112,482$107,858
25th Percentile$142,720$136,167
75th Percentile$171,340$164,140
Top Earner (P90)$190,658$174,292
Total Employed195,050
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Buckeye ($152,685) and Phoenix ($147,134) pharmacist salaries.BuckeyePhoenixMedian Salary$152,685$147,134Entry Level (P10)$112,482$107,858Top Earner (P90)$190,658$174,292US Median $143,489

Verdict

Buckeye, AZ offers better overall compensation for pharmacists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Phoenix.

The salary gap between Buckeye and Phoenix is $5,551 (3.77%). Buckeye's median is +6.41% compared to the US national median of $143,489.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Buckeye spans $78,176,Phoenix spans $66,434. Buckeye has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Buckeye
P10 (Entry)$112,482
P25$142,720
Median$152,685
P75$171,340
P90 (Top)$190,658
Phoenix
P10 (Entry)$107,858
P25$136,167
Median$147,134
P75$164,140
P90 (Top)$174,292

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Buckeye ($155,010 effective) pays 8.85% more than Phoenix ($142,412 effective).

Buckeye
Nominal: $152,685
CoL Index: 98.5
Adjusted: $155,010
Phoenix
Nominal: $147,134
CoL Index: 103.316
Adjusted: $142,412

Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Buckeye if…

  • Higher median salary ($152,685/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($190,658)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $155,010)
  • You prefer the Arizona area and lifestyle

Choose Phoenix if…

  • Larger job market (5,050 employed)
  • You prefer the Arizona area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, pharmacist salaries in Buckeye grew 12.2% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 13.2% growth in Phoenix over the same period.

Buckeye, AZ

+12.2%

$133,596 (2024) → $149,941 (2025)

Phoenix, AZ

+13.2%

$127,620 (2019) → $144,490 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays pharmacists more: Buckeye or Phoenix?

Buckeye has a higher median pharmacist salary at $152,685/year, compared to Phoenix at $147,134/year — a difference of $5,551 (3.77%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Buckeye and Phoenix?

Buckeye pharmacists earn $73.41/hr while Phoenix hygienists earn $70.73/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Buckeye to Phoenix as a pharmacist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Buckeye and Phoenix. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Buckeye = $155,010, Phoenix = $142,412), job availability (19 vs 5,050 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level pharmacists earn in Buckeye vs Phoenix?

Entry-level (10th percentile) pharmacists earn $112,482 in Buckeye and $107,858 in Phoenix. The Buckeye area offers higher starting salaries.

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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.

Clinically reviewed by Liam Patel, PharmDData verified by Amina Al-Sayed, PharmD

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