Burke vs Roanoke: Pharmacist Salary (2026)
Compare pharmacist salaries between Burke, VA and Roanoke, VA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Burke, VA | Roanoke, VA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $137,039▲ | $136,432 |
| Hourly Rate | $65.88▲ | $65.59 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $98,491 | $102,563▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $125,933▲ | $124,273 |
| 75th Percentile | $155,552 | $157,877▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $164,264 | $171,370▲ |
| Total Employed | 10 | 360▲ |
Verdict
Burke and Roanoke are closely matched on overall pharmacist compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Burke and Roanoke is $607 (0.44%). Burke's median is -4.50% compared to the US national median of $143,489.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Burke spans $65,773,Roanoke spans $68,807. Roanoke 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, Roanoke ($145,733 effective) pays 9.75% more than Burke ($132,790 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Burke if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($137,039/year)
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Choose Roanoke if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($171,370)
- ✓Larger job market (360 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $145,733)
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, pharmacist salaries in Burke grew 0.0% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 5.2% growth in Roanoke over the same period.
Burke, VA
$134,521 (2024) → $134,576 (2025)
Roanoke, VA
$127,310 (2019) → $133,980 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Roanoke, VA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays pharmacists more: Burke or Roanoke?
What is the hourly rate difference between Burke and Roanoke?
Should I relocate from Burke to Roanoke as a pharmacist?
What do entry-level pharmacists earn in Burke vs Roanoke?
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