Coeur d'Alene vs Meridian: Pharmacist Salary (2026)
Compare pharmacist salaries between Coeur d'Alene, ID and Meridian, ID. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Coeur d'Alene, ID | Meridian, ID |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $159,975▲ | $148,911 |
| Hourly Rate | $76.91▲ | $71.60 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $105,465 | $107,644▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $139,161▲ | $138,005 |
| 75th Percentile | $166,492 | $169,071▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $166,492 | $189,592▲ |
| Total Employed | 170▲ | 30 |
Verdict
Coeur d'Alene, ID offers better overall compensation for pharmacists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Meridian.
The salary gap between Coeur d'Alene and Meridian is $11,064 (7.43%). Coeur d'Alene's median is +11.49% compared to the US national median of $143,489.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Coeur d'Alene spans $61,027,Meridian spans $81,948. Meridian 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, Coeur d'Alene ($162,753 effective) pays 4.16% more than Meridian ($156,255 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Coeur d'Alene if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($159,975/year)
- ✓Larger job market (170 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $162,753)
- ✓You prefer the Idaho area and lifestyle
Choose Meridian if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($189,592)
- ✓You prefer the Idaho area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, pharmacist salaries in Coeur d'Alene grew 15.4% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 19.4% growth in Meridian over the same period.
Coeur d'Alene, ID
$136,130 (2019) → $157,100 (2025)
Meridian, ID
$122,440 (2024) → $146,235 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Coeur d'Alene, ID
Meridian, ID
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays pharmacists more: Coeur d'Alene or Meridian?
What is the hourly rate difference between Coeur d'Alene and Meridian?
Should I relocate from Coeur d'Alene to Meridian 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