Pharmacist Salary

Hamilton vs Trenton: Pharmacist Salary (2026)

Compare pharmacist salaries between Hamilton, NJ and Trenton, NJ. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Hamilton, NJ
$160,667
$77.25/hr
Trenton, NJ
$141,452
$68.01/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricHamilton, NJTrenton, NJ
Median Salary$160,667$141,452
Hourly Rate$77.25$68.01
Entry Level (P10)$115,382$112,308
25th Percentile$148,068$128,927
75th Percentile$184,416$160,403
Top Earner (P90)$196,667$167,490
Total Employed21310
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Hamilton ($160,667) and Trenton ($141,452) pharmacist salaries.HamiltonTrentonMedian Salary$160,667$141,452Entry Level (P10)$115,382$112,308Top Earner (P90)$196,667$167,490US Median $143,489

Verdict

Hamilton, NJ offers better overall compensation for pharmacists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Trenton.

The salary gap between Hamilton and Trenton is $19,215 (13.58%). Hamilton's median is +11.97% compared to the US national median of $143,489.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Hamilton spans $81,285,Trenton spans $55,182. Hamilton has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Hamilton
P10 (Entry)$115,382
P25$148,068
Median$160,667
P75$184,416
P90 (Top)$196,667
Trenton
P10 (Entry)$112,308
P25$128,927
Median$141,452
P75$160,403
P90 (Top)$167,490

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Hamilton ($139,468 effective) pays 1.73% more than Trenton ($137,092 effective).

Hamilton
Nominal: $160,667
CoL Index: 115.2
Adjusted: $139,468
Trenton
Nominal: $141,452
CoL Index: 103.18
Adjusted: $137,092

Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Hamilton if…

  • Higher median salary ($160,667/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($196,667)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $139,468)
  • You prefer the New Jersey area and lifestyle

Choose Trenton if…

  • Larger job market (310 employed)
  • You prefer the New Jersey area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, pharmacist salaries in Hamilton grew 0.7% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 22.7% growth in Trenton over the same period.

Hamilton, NJ

+0.7%

$156,761 (2024) → $157,780 (2025)

Trenton, NJ

+22.7%

$113,220 (2020) → $138,910 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays pharmacists more: Hamilton or Trenton?

Hamilton has a higher median pharmacist salary at $160,667/year, compared to Trenton at $141,452/year — a difference of $19,215 (13.58%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Hamilton and Trenton?

Hamilton pharmacists earn $77.25/hr while Trenton hygienists earn $68.01/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Hamilton to Trenton as a pharmacist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Hamilton and Trenton. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Hamilton = $139,468, Trenton = $137,092), job availability (21 vs 310 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level pharmacists earn in Hamilton vs Trenton?

Entry-level (10th percentile) pharmacists earn $115,382 in Hamilton and $112,308 in Trenton. The Hamilton area offers higher starting salaries.
SC

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