Elk River vs Minneapolis: Pharmacist Salary (2026)
Compare pharmacist salaries between Elk River, MN and Minneapolis, MN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Elk River, MN | Minneapolis, MN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $156,644 | $163,936▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $75.31 | $78.82▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $118,721▲ | $80,507 |
| 25th Percentile | $148,484▲ | $139,375 |
| 75th Percentile | $172,949▲ | $172,938 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $194,985▲ | $175,830 |
| Total Employed | 4 | 4,160▲ |
Verdict
Minneapolis, MN offers better overall compensation for pharmacists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Elk River.
The salary gap between Elk River and Minneapolis is $7,292 (4.66%). Minneapolis's median is +14.25% compared to the US national median of $143,489.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Elk River spans $76,264,Minneapolis spans $95,323. Minneapolis 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, Elk River ($159,029 effective) pays 1.68% more than Minneapolis ($156,395 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Elk River if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($194,985)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $159,029)
- ✓You prefer the Minnesota area and lifestyle
Choose Minneapolis if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($163,936/year)
- ✓Larger job market (4,160 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Minnesota area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, pharmacist salaries in Elk River grew 15.5% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 17.6% growth in Minneapolis over the same period.
Elk River, MN
$133,176 (2024) → $153,829 (2025)
Minneapolis, MN
$136,930 (2019) → $160,990 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Elk River, MN
Minneapolis, MN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays pharmacists more: Elk River or Minneapolis?
What is the hourly rate difference between Elk River and Minneapolis?
Should I relocate from Elk River to Minneapolis as a pharmacist?
What do entry-level pharmacists earn in Elk River vs Minneapolis?
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