Colorado Springs vs Denver: Pharmacist Salary (2026)
Compare pharmacist salaries between Colorado Springs, CO and Denver, CO. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Colorado Springs, CO | Denver, CO |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $156,869 | $160,779▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $75.42 | $77.30▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $107,736 | $124,691▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $138,896 | $140,067▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $165,423 | $172,327▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $181,247 | $191,939▲ |
| Total Employed | N/A | 2,630 |
Verdict
Denver, CO offers better overall compensation for pharmacists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Colorado Springs.
The salary gap between Colorado Springs and Denver is $3,910 (2.49%). Denver's median is +12.05% compared to the US national median of $143,489.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Colorado Springs spans $73,511,Denver spans $67,248. Colorado Springs 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, Colorado Springs ($155,768 effective) pays 2.48% more than Denver ($151,991 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Colorado Springs if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $155,768)
- ✓You prefer the Colorado area and lifestyle
Choose Denver if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($160,779/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($191,939)
- ✓Larger job market (2,630 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Colorado area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, pharmacist salaries in Colorado Springs grew 20.8% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 23.4% growth in Denver over the same period.
Colorado Springs, CO
$127,500 (2019) → $154,050 (2025)
Denver, CO
$127,950 (2019) → $157,890 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Colorado Springs, CO
Denver, CO
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays pharmacists more: Colorado Springs or Denver?
What is the hourly rate difference between Colorado Springs and Denver?
Should I relocate from Colorado Springs to Denver as a pharmacist?
What do entry-level pharmacists earn in Colorado Springs vs Denver?
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