Cleveland vs Columbus: Pharmacist Salary (2026)
Compare pharmacist salaries between Cleveland, OH and Columbus, OH. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Cleveland, OH | Columbus, OH |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $143,265▲ | $136,411 |
| Hourly Rate | $68.88▲ | $65.58 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $55,609▲ | $51,373 |
| 25th Percentile | $133,713▲ | $130,037 |
| 75th Percentile | $156,676 | $159,048▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $168,936 | $169,669▲ |
| Total Employed | 2,860▲ | 2,610 |
Verdict
Cleveland, OH offers better overall compensation for pharmacists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Columbus.
The salary gap between Cleveland and Columbus is $6,854 (5.02%). Cleveland's median is -0.16% compared to the US national median of $143,489.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Cleveland spans $113,327,Columbus spans $118,296. Columbus 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, Cleveland ($152,535 effective) pays 6.75% more than Columbus ($142,885 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Cleveland if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($143,265/year)
- ✓Larger job market (2,860 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $152,535)
- ✓You prefer the Ohio area and lifestyle
Choose Columbus if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($169,669)
- ✓You prefer the Ohio area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, pharmacist salaries in Cleveland grew 14.5% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 13.1% growth in Columbus over the same period.
Cleveland, OH
$122,920 (2019) → $140,690 (2025)
Columbus, OH
$118,430 (2019) → $133,960 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Cleveland, OH
Columbus, OH
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays pharmacists more: Cleveland or Columbus?
What is the hourly rate difference between Cleveland and Columbus?
Should I relocate from Cleveland to Columbus as a pharmacist?
What do entry-level pharmacists earn in Cleveland vs Columbus?
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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