Costa Mesa vs Los Angeles: Pharmacist Salary (2026)
Compare pharmacist salaries between Costa Mesa, CA and Los Angeles, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Costa Mesa, CA | Los Angeles, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $166,286▲ | $160,321 |
| Hourly Rate | $79.95▲ | $77.08 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $115,886▲ | $63,949 |
| 25th Percentile | $150,709▲ | $135,464 |
| 75th Percentile | $195,280▲ | $187,052 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $212,501 | $212,886▲ |
| Total Employed | 23 | 12,450▲ |
Verdict
Costa Mesa and Los Angeles are closely matched on overall pharmacist compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Costa Mesa and Los Angeles is $5,965 (3.72%). Costa Mesa's median is +15.89% compared to the US national median of $143,489.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Costa Mesa spans $96,615,Los Angeles spans $148,937. Los Angeles 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, Costa Mesa ($147,026 effective) pays 4.15% more than Los Angeles ($141,170 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Costa Mesa if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($166,286/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $147,026)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Choose Los Angeles if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($212,886)
- ✓Larger job market (12,450 employed)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, pharmacist salaries in Costa Mesa grew -8.5% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 8.6% growth in Los Angeles over the same period.
Costa Mesa, CA
$178,417 (2024) → $163,298 (2025)
Los Angeles, CA
$145,030 (2019) → $157,440 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Costa Mesa, CA
Los Angeles, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays pharmacists more: Costa Mesa or Los Angeles?
What is the hourly rate difference between Costa Mesa and Los Angeles?
Should I relocate from Costa Mesa to Los Angeles as a pharmacist?
What do entry-level pharmacists earn in Costa Mesa vs Los Angeles?
Related Comparisons
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