Pharmacist Salary

Durham vs Morrisville: Pharmacist Salary (2026)

Compare pharmacist salaries between Durham, NC and Morrisville, NC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Durham, NC
$143,947
$69.20/hr
Morrisville, NC
$137,662
$66.18/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricDurham, NCMorrisville, NC
Median Salary$143,947$137,662
Hourly Rate$69.20$66.18
Entry Level (P10)$104,753$98,321
25th Percentile$135,943$126,157
75th Percentile$167,918$153,006
Top Earner (P90)$168,773$159,157
Total Employed1,1505
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Durham ($143,947) and Morrisville ($137,662) pharmacist salaries.DurhamMorrisvilleMedian Salary$143,947$137,662Entry Level (P10)$104,753$98,321Top Earner (P90)$168,773$159,157US Median $143,489

Verdict

Durham, NC offers better overall compensation for pharmacists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Morrisville.

The salary gap between Durham and Morrisville is $6,285 (4.57%). 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,Morrisville spans $60,836. Durham has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Durham
P10 (Entry)$104,753
P25$135,943
Median$143,947
P75$167,918
P90 (Top)$168,773
Morrisville
P10 (Entry)$98,321
P25$126,157
Median$137,662
P75$153,006
P90 (Top)$159,157

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Durham ($147,529 effective) pays 0.31% more than Morrisville ($147,075 effective).

Durham
Nominal: $143,947
CoL Index: 97.572
Adjusted: $147,529
Morrisville
Nominal: $137,662
CoL Index: 93.6
Adjusted: $147,075

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 Morrisville 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 Morrisville over the same period.

Durham, NC

+16.7%

$121,110 (2019) → $141,360 (2025)

Morrisville, NC

+12.7%

$119,913 (2024) → $135,188 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays pharmacists more: Durham or Morrisville?

Durham has a higher median pharmacist salary at $143,947/year, compared to Morrisville at $137,662/year — a difference of $6,285 (4.57%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Durham and Morrisville?

Durham pharmacists earn $69.20/hr while Morrisville hygienists earn $66.18/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Durham to Morrisville as a pharmacist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Durham and Morrisville. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Durham = $147,529, Morrisville = $147,075), job availability (1,150 vs 5 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level pharmacists earn in Durham vs Morrisville?

Entry-level (10th percentile) pharmacists earn $104,753 in Durham and $98,321 in Morrisville. The Durham area offers higher starting salaries.

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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.

Clinically reviewed by Liam Patel, PharmDData verified by Amina Al-Sayed, PharmD

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