Dallas vs San Marcos: Pharmacist Salary (2026)
Compare pharmacist salaries between Dallas, TX and San Marcos, TX. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Dallas, TX | San Marcos, TX |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $140,699 | $157,651▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $67.65 | $75.79▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $106,636 | $110,592▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $131,636 | $143,684▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $162,317 | $179,244▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $173,508 | $190,730▲ |
| Total Employed | 7,230▲ | 13 |
Verdict
San Marcos, TX offers better overall compensation for pharmacists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Dallas.
The salary gap between Dallas and San Marcos is $16,952 (12.05%). San Marcos's median is +9.87% compared to the US national median of $143,489.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Dallas spans $66,872,San Marcos spans $80,138. San Marcos 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, San Marcos ($164,220 effective) pays 20.32% more than Dallas ($136,482 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Dallas if…
- ✓Larger job market (7,230 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Choose San Marcos if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($157,651/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($190,730)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $164,220)
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, pharmacist salaries in Dallas grew 11.6% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 20.6% growth in San Marcos over the same period.
Dallas, TX
$123,790 (2019) → $138,170 (2025)
San Marcos, TX
$128,378 (2024) → $154,818 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Dallas, TX
San Marcos, TX
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays pharmacists more: Dallas or San Marcos?
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Should I relocate from Dallas to San Marcos 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