Cambridge vs Springfield: Pharmacist Salary (2026)
Compare pharmacist salaries between Cambridge, MA and Springfield, MA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Cambridge, MA | Springfield, MA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $138,820 | $140,760▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $66.74 | $67.68▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $92,667▲ | $92,665 |
| 25th Percentile | $122,728 | $131,636▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $159,875▲ | $148,784 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $172,099▲ | $167,317 |
| Total Employed | 22 | 430▲ |
Verdict
Springfield, MA offers better overall compensation for pharmacists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Cambridge.
The salary gap between Cambridge and Springfield is $1,940 (1.40%). Springfield's median is -1.90% compared to the US national median of $143,489.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Cambridge spans $79,432,Springfield spans $74,652. Cambridge has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Springfield ($146,532 effective) pays 14.53% more than Cambridge ($127,945 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Cambridge if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($172,099)
- ✓You prefer the Massachusetts area and lifestyle
Choose Springfield if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($140,760/year)
- ✓Larger job market (430 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $146,532)
- ✓You prefer the Massachusetts area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, pharmacist salaries in Cambridge grew -13.9% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 5.4% growth in Springfield over the same period.
Cambridge, MA
$158,313 (2024) → $136,325 (2025)
Springfield, MA
$131,160 (2019) → $138,230 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Cambridge, MA
Springfield, MA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays pharmacists more: Cambridge or Springfield?
What is the hourly rate difference between Cambridge and Springfield?
Should I relocate from Cambridge to Springfield as a pharmacist?
What do entry-level pharmacists earn in Cambridge vs Springfield?
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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