Chandler vs Tucson: Pharmacist Salary (2026)
Compare pharmacist salaries between Chandler, AZ and Tucson, AZ. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Chandler, AZ | Tucson, AZ |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $148,164 | $150,118▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $71.23 | $72.17▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $95,880▲ | $74,092 |
| 25th Percentile | $128,951 | $132,756▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $173,201▲ | $164,934 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $188,414▲ | $178,579 |
| Total Employed | 49 | 1,010▲ |
Verdict
Tucson, AZ offers better overall compensation for pharmacists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Chandler.
The salary gap between Chandler and Tucson is $1,954 (1.32%). Tucson's median is +4.62% compared to the US national median of $143,489.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Chandler spans $92,534,Tucson spans $104,487. Tucson 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, Tucson ($154,927 effective) pays 3.00% more than Chandler ($150,420 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Chandler if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($188,414)
- ✓You prefer the Arizona area and lifestyle
Choose Tucson if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($150,118/year)
- ✓Larger job market (1,010 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $154,927)
- ✓You prefer the Arizona area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, pharmacist salaries in Chandler grew 3.2% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 4.1% growth in Tucson over the same period.
Chandler, AZ
$140,988 (2024) → $145,501 (2025)
Tucson, AZ
$141,590 (2019) → $147,420 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Chandler, AZ
Tucson, AZ
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays pharmacists more: Chandler or Tucson?
What is the hourly rate difference between Chandler and Tucson?
Should I relocate from Chandler to Tucson as a pharmacist?
What do entry-level pharmacists earn in Chandler vs Tucson?
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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