Fresno vs Los Angeles: Pharmacist Salary (2026)
Compare pharmacist salaries between Fresno, CA and Los Angeles, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Fresno, CA | Los Angeles, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $172,256▲ | $160,321 |
| Hourly Rate | $82.82▲ | $77.08 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $130,648▲ | $63,949 |
| 25th Percentile | $154,089▲ | $135,464 |
| 75th Percentile | $193,233▲ | $187,052 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $214,973▲ | $212,886 |
| Total Employed | 890 | 12,450▲ |
Verdict
Fresno, CA offers better overall compensation for pharmacists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Los Angeles.
The salary gap between Fresno and Los Angeles is $11,935 (7.44%). Fresno's median is +20.05% compared to the US national median of $143,489.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Fresno spans $84,325,Los Angeles spans $148,937. Los Angeles 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, Fresno ($168,617 effective) pays 19.44% more than Los Angeles ($141,170 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Fresno if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($172,256/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($214,973)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $168,617)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Choose Los Angeles if…
- ✓Larger job market (12,450 employed)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, pharmacist salaries in Fresno grew 10.5% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 8.6% growth in Los Angeles over the same period.
Fresno, CA
$153,130 (2019) → $169,160 (2025)
Los Angeles, CA
$145,030 (2019) → $157,440 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Fresno, CA
Los Angeles, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays pharmacists more: Fresno or Los Angeles?
What is the hourly rate difference between Fresno and Los Angeles?
Should I relocate from Fresno to Los Angeles as a pharmacist?
What do entry-level pharmacists earn in Fresno vs Los Angeles?
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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