Durham vs Goldsboro: Pharmacist Salary (2026)
Compare pharmacist salaries between Durham, NC and Goldsboro, NC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Durham, NC | Goldsboro, NC |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $143,947▲ | $141,758 |
| Hourly Rate | $69.20▲ | $68.15 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $104,753▲ | $102,207 |
| 25th Percentile | $135,943▲ | $130,403 |
| 75th Percentile | $167,918▲ | $148,264 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $168,773 | $184,404▲ |
| Total Employed | 1,150▲ | 100 |
Verdict
Durham, NC offers better overall compensation for pharmacists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Goldsboro.
The salary gap between Durham and Goldsboro is $2,189 (1.54%). 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,Goldsboro spans $82,197. Goldsboro 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, Goldsboro ($160,247 effective) pays 8.62% more than Durham ($147,529 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)
- ✓Larger job market (1,150 employed)
- ✓You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle
Choose Goldsboro if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($184,404)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $160,247)
- ✓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 5.8% growth in Goldsboro over the same period.
Durham, NC
$121,110 (2019) → $141,360 (2025)
Goldsboro, NC
$131,520 (2019) → $139,210 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Durham, NC
Goldsboro, NC
Frequently Asked Questions
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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