Denver vs Steamboat Springs: Pharmacist Salary (2026)
Compare pharmacist salaries between Denver, CO and Steamboat Springs, CO. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Denver, CO | Steamboat Springs, CO |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $160,779▲ | $144,187 |
| Hourly Rate | $77.30▲ | $69.33 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $124,691▲ | $103,284 |
| 25th Percentile | $140,067 | $140,868▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $172,327▲ | $158,834 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $191,939▲ | $171,716 |
| Total Employed | 2,630▲ | 4 |
Verdict
Denver, CO offers better overall compensation for pharmacists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Steamboat Springs.
The salary gap between Denver and Steamboat Springs is $16,592 (11.51%). 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 Denver spans $67,248,Steamboat Springs spans $68,432. Steamboat Springs 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, Denver ($151,991 effective) pays 10.68% more than Steamboat Springs ($137,321 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Denver if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($160,779/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($191,939)
- ✓Larger job market (2,630 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $151,991)
- ✓You prefer the Colorado area and lifestyle
Choose Steamboat Springs if…
- ✓You prefer the Colorado area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, pharmacist salaries in Denver grew 23.4% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 5.9% growth in Steamboat Springs over the same period.
Denver, CO
$127,950 (2019) → $157,890 (2025)
Steamboat Springs, CO
$133,666 (2024) → $141,596 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Denver, CO
Steamboat Springs, CO
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays pharmacists more: Denver or Steamboat Springs?
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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