Clifton vs Trenton: Pharmacist Salary (2026)
Compare pharmacist salaries between Clifton, NJ and Trenton, NJ. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Clifton, NJ | Trenton, NJ |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $162,239▲ | $141,452 |
| Hourly Rate | $78.00▲ | $68.01 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $119,168▲ | $112,308 |
| 25th Percentile | $151,386▲ | $128,927 |
| 75th Percentile | $181,796▲ | $160,403 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $208,065▲ | $167,490 |
| Total Employed | 14 | 310▲ |
Verdict
Clifton, NJ offers better overall compensation for pharmacists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Trenton.
The salary gap between Clifton and Trenton is $20,787 (14.70%). Clifton's median is +13.07% compared to the US national median of $143,489.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Clifton spans $88,897,Trenton spans $55,182. Clifton 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, Clifton ($140,832 effective) pays 2.73% more than Trenton ($137,092 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Clifton if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($162,239/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($208,065)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $140,832)
- ✓You prefer the New Jersey area and lifestyle
Choose Trenton if…
- ✓Larger job market (310 employed)
- ✓You prefer the New Jersey area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, pharmacist salaries in Clifton grew 0.7% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 22.7% growth in Trenton over the same period.
Clifton, NJ
$158,294 (2024) → $159,323 (2025)
Trenton, NJ
$113,220 (2020) → $138,910 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Clifton, NJ
Trenton, NJ
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays pharmacists more: Clifton or Trenton?
What is the hourly rate difference between Clifton and Trenton?
Should I relocate from Clifton to Trenton as a pharmacist?
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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