Hillsboro vs Salem: Pharmacist Salary (2026)
Compare pharmacist salaries between Hillsboro, OR and Salem, OR. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Hillsboro, OR | Salem, OR |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $175,833▲ | $172,307 |
| Hourly Rate | $84.54▲ | $82.84 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $121,303 | $132,277▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $158,559▲ | $149,079 |
| 75th Percentile | $201,923▲ | $183,834 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $216,322▲ | $203,660 |
| Total Employed | 22 | 300▲ |
Verdict
Hillsboro, OR offers better overall compensation for pharmacists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Salem.
The salary gap between Hillsboro and Salem is $3,526 (2.05%). Hillsboro's median is +22.54% compared to the US national median of $143,489.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Hillsboro spans $95,019,Salem spans $71,383. Hillsboro 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, Hillsboro ($171,377 effective) pays 3.09% more than Salem ($166,241 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Hillsboro if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($175,833/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($216,322)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $171,377)
- ✓You prefer the Oregon area and lifestyle
Choose Salem if…
- ✓Larger job market (300 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Oregon area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, pharmacist salaries in Hillsboro grew 14.7% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 20.6% growth in Salem over the same period.
Hillsboro, OR
$150,498 (2024) → $172,673 (2025)
Salem, OR
$140,330 (2019) → $169,210 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Hillsboro, OR
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays pharmacists more: Hillsboro or Salem?
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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