El Paso vs San Antonio: Pharmacist Salary (2026)
Compare pharmacist salaries between El Paso, TX and San Antonio, TX. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | El Paso, TX | San Antonio, TX |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $127,196 | $153,254▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $61.15 | $73.68▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $101,871▲ | $98,439 |
| 25th Percentile | $123,408 | $135,383▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $152,287 | $161,777▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $168,172 | $170,158▲ |
| Total Employed | 590 | 2,260▲ |
Verdict
San Antonio, TX offers better overall compensation for pharmacists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to El Paso.
The salary gap between El Paso and San Antonio is $26,058 (20.49%). San Antonio's median is +6.81% compared to the US national median of $143,489.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in El Paso spans $66,301,San Antonio spans $71,719. San Antonio 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, San Antonio ($161,804 effective) pays 14.38% more than El Paso ($141,467 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose El Paso if…
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Choose San Antonio if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($153,254/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($170,158)
- ✓Larger job market (2,260 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $161,804)
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, pharmacist salaries in El Paso grew -9.1% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 17.5% growth in San Antonio over the same period.
El Paso, TX
$137,360 (2019) → $124,910 (2025)
San Antonio, TX
$128,080 (2019) → $150,500 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
El Paso, TX
San Antonio, TX
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays pharmacists more: El Paso or San Antonio?
What is the hourly rate difference between El Paso and San Antonio?
Should I relocate from El Paso to San Antonio as a pharmacist?
What do entry-level pharmacists earn in El Paso vs San Antonio?
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