Durham vs Leland: Pharmacist Salary (2026)
Compare pharmacist salaries between Durham, NC and Leland, NC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Durham, NC | Leland, NC |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $143,947▲ | $129,717 |
| Hourly Rate | $69.20▲ | $62.36 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $104,753▲ | $100,585 |
| 25th Percentile | $135,943▲ | $124,277 |
| 75th Percentile | $167,918▲ | $147,942 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $168,773▲ | $151,070 |
| Total Employed | 1,150▲ | 6 |
Verdict
Durham, NC offers better overall compensation for pharmacists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Leland.
The salary gap between Durham and Leland is $14,230 (10.97%). 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,Leland spans $50,485. 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 6.45% more than Leland ($138,587 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 Leland 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 Leland over the same period.
Durham, NC
$121,110 (2019) → $141,360 (2025)
Leland, NC
$112,993 (2024) → $127,386 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Durham, NC
Leland, NC
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays pharmacists more: Durham or Leland?
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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