Houston vs Lubbock: Pharmacist Salary (2026)
Compare pharmacist salaries between Houston, TX and Lubbock, TX. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Houston, TX | Lubbock, TX |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $143,041 | $148,560▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $68.78 | $71.42▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $84,723 | $108,612▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $129,395 | $130,261▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $166,502▲ | $164,119 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $173,284 | $182,581▲ |
| Total Employed | 6,410▲ | 370 |
Verdict
Lubbock, TX offers better overall compensation for pharmacists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Houston.
The salary gap between Houston and Lubbock is $5,519 (3.86%). Lubbock's median is +3.53% compared to the US national median of $143,489.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Houston spans $88,561,Lubbock spans $73,969. Houston 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, Lubbock ($162,686 effective) pays 12.17% more than Houston ($145,029 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Houston if…
- ✓Larger job market (6,410 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Choose Lubbock if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($148,560/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($182,581)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $162,686)
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, pharmacist salaries in Houston grew 7.8% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 4.7% growth in Lubbock over the same period.
Houston, TX
$130,320 (2019) → $140,470 (2025)
Lubbock, TX
$139,320 (2019) → $145,890 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Houston, TX
Lubbock, TX
Frequently Asked Questions
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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