Durham vs Fuquay-Varina: Pharmacist Salary (2026)
Compare pharmacist salaries between Durham, NC and Fuquay-Varina, NC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Durham, NC | Fuquay-Varina, NC |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $143,947▲ | $137,293 |
| Hourly Rate | $69.20▲ | $66.01 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $104,753▲ | $97,587 |
| 25th Percentile | $135,943▲ | $130,677 |
| 75th Percentile | $167,918▲ | $152,103 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $168,773▲ | $158,433 |
| Total Employed | 1,150▲ | 5 |
Verdict
Durham, NC offers better overall compensation for pharmacists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Fuquay-Varina.
The salary gap between Durham and Fuquay-Varina is $6,654 (4.85%). Durham's median is +0.32% compared to the US national median of $143,489.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Durham spans $64,020,Fuquay-Varina spans $60,846. Durham 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, Durham ($147,529 effective) pays 0.58% more than Fuquay-Varina ($146,681 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Durham if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($143,947/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($168,773)
- ✓Larger job market (1,150 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $147,529)
- ✓You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle
Choose Fuquay-Varina if…
- ✓You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, pharmacist salaries in Durham grew 16.7% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 12.7% growth in Fuquay-Varina over the same period.
Durham, NC
$121,110 (2019) → $141,360 (2025)
Fuquay-Varina, NC
$119,592 (2024) → $134,826 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Durham, NC
Fuquay-Varina, NC
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays pharmacists more: Durham or Fuquay-Varina?
What is the hourly rate difference between Durham and Fuquay-Varina?
Should I relocate from Durham to Fuquay-Varina as a pharmacist?
What do entry-level pharmacists earn in Durham vs Fuquay-Varina?
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