Gaithersburg vs Hagerstown: Pharmacist Salary (2026)
Compare pharmacist salaries between Gaithersburg, MD and Hagerstown, MD. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Gaithersburg, MD | Hagerstown, MD |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $157,979▲ | $139,477 |
| Hourly Rate | $75.95▲ | $67.06 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $109,993▲ | $99,427 |
| 25th Percentile | $142,876▲ | $117,553 |
| 75th Percentile | $182,211▲ | $160,352 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $188,877▲ | $167,948 |
| Total Employed | 14 | 240▲ |
Verdict
Gaithersburg, MD offers better overall compensation for pharmacists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Hagerstown.
The salary gap between Gaithersburg and Hagerstown is $18,502 (13.27%). Gaithersburg's median is +10.10% compared to the US national median of $143,489.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Gaithersburg spans $78,884,Hagerstown spans $68,521. Gaithersburg 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, Hagerstown ($148,110 effective) pays 2.47% more than Gaithersburg ($144,537 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Gaithersburg if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($157,979/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($188,877)
- ✓You prefer the Maryland area and lifestyle
Choose Hagerstown if…
- ✓Larger job market (240 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $148,110)
- ✓You prefer the Maryland area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, pharmacist salaries in Gaithersburg grew 4.4% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 5.5% growth in Hagerstown over the same period.
Gaithersburg, MD
$148,633 (2024) → $155,140 (2025)
Hagerstown, MD
$129,860 (2019) → $136,970 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Gaithersburg, MD
Hagerstown, MD
Frequently Asked Questions
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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