Cary vs Raleigh: Pharmacist Salary (2026)
Compare pharmacist salaries between Cary, NC and Raleigh, NC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Cary, NC | Raleigh, NC |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $134,910 | $135,556▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $64.87 | $65.17▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $97,829 | $103,581▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $125,287 | $131,310▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $153,411 | $160,647▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $172,163▲ | $168,081 |
| Total Employed | 44 | 1,730▲ |
Verdict
Raleigh, NC offers better overall compensation for pharmacists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Cary.
The salary gap between Cary and Raleigh is $646 (0.48%). Raleigh's median is -5.53% compared to the US national median of $143,489.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Cary spans $74,334,Raleigh spans $64,500. Cary 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, Cary ($144,135 effective) pays 4.37% more than Raleigh ($138,101 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Cary if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($172,163)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $144,135)
- ✓You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle
Choose Raleigh if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($135,556/year)
- ✓Larger job market (1,730 employed)
- ✓You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, pharmacist salaries in Cary grew 8.3% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 6.7% growth in Raleigh over the same period.
Cary, NC
$122,312 (2024) → $132,486 (2025)
Raleigh, NC
$124,710 (2019) → $133,120 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Raleigh, NC
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays pharmacists more: Cary or Raleigh?
What is the hourly rate difference between Cary and Raleigh?
Should I relocate from Cary to Raleigh as a pharmacist?
What do entry-level pharmacists earn in Cary vs Raleigh?
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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