Charlotte vs Wilmington: Pharmacist Salary (2026)
Compare pharmacist salaries between Charlotte, NC and Wilmington, NC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Charlotte, NC | Wilmington, NC |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $153,336 | $154,568▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $73.72 | $74.32▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $93,449 | $107,390▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $134,212▲ | $130,465 |
| 75th Percentile | $170,168 | $173,508▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $177,113▲ | $173,987 |
| Total Employed | 2,530▲ | 480 |
Verdict
Charlotte and Wilmington are closely matched on overall pharmacist compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Charlotte and Wilmington is $1,232 (0.80%). Wilmington's median is +7.72% compared to the US national median of $143,489.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Charlotte spans $83,664,Wilmington spans $66,597. Charlotte 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, Wilmington ($160,304 effective) pays 1.77% more than Charlotte ($157,513 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Charlotte if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($177,113)
- ✓Larger job market (2,530 employed)
- ✓You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle
Choose Wilmington if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($154,568/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $160,304)
- ✓You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, pharmacist salaries in Charlotte grew 16.5% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 22.0% growth in Wilmington over the same period.
Charlotte, NC
$129,280 (2019) → $150,580 (2025)
Wilmington, NC
$124,380 (2019) → $151,790 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Charlotte, NC
Wilmington, NC
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays pharmacists more: Charlotte or Wilmington?
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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