Derby vs Lawrence: Pharmacist Salary (2026)
Compare pharmacist salaries between Derby, KS and Lawrence, KS. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Derby, KS | Lawrence, KS |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $128,618 | $136,330▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $61.83 | $65.55▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $92,134▲ | $41,200 |
| 25th Percentile | $117,969▲ | $74,132 |
| 75th Percentile | $145,776 | $164,730▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $153,812 | $171,675▲ |
| Total Employed | 4 | 160▲ |
Verdict
Lawrence, KS offers better overall compensation for pharmacists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Derby.
The salary gap between Derby and Lawrence is $7,712 (6.00%). Lawrence's median is -4.99% compared to the US national median of $143,489.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Derby spans $61,678,Lawrence spans $130,475. Lawrence 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, Lawrence ($151,070 effective) pays 6.77% more than Derby ($141,494 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Derby if…
- ✓You prefer the Kansas area and lifestyle
Choose Lawrence if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($136,330/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($171,675)
- ✓Larger job market (160 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $151,070)
- ✓You prefer the Kansas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, pharmacist salaries in Derby grew 10.1% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 242.5% growth in Lawrence over the same period.
Derby, KS
$114,735 (2024) → $126,307 (2025)
Lawrence, KS
$39,090 (2019) → $133,880 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Lawrence, KS
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays pharmacists more: Derby or Lawrence?
What is the hourly rate difference between Derby and Lawrence?
Should I relocate from Derby to Lawrence as a pharmacist?
What do entry-level pharmacists earn in Derby vs Lawrence?
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