Houston vs McAllen: Pharmacist Salary (2026)
Compare pharmacist salaries between Houston, TX and McAllen, TX. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Houston, TX | McAllen, TX |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $143,041▲ | $140,220 |
| Hourly Rate | $68.78▲ | $67.41 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $84,723▲ | $76,790 |
| 25th Percentile | $129,395▲ | $124,721 |
| 75th Percentile | $166,502▲ | $163,305 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $173,284 | $178,080▲ |
| Total Employed | 6,410▲ | 500 |
Verdict
Houston, TX offers better overall compensation for pharmacists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to McAllen.
The salary gap between Houston and McAllen is $2,821 (2.01%). Houston's median is -0.31% 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,McAllen spans $101,290. McAllen 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, McAllen ($163,246 effective) pays 12.56% 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…
- ✓Higher median salary ($143,041/year)
- ✓Larger job market (6,410 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Choose McAllen if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($178,080)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $163,246)
- ✓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 -13.2% growth in McAllen over the same period.
Houston, TX
$130,320 (2019) → $140,470 (2025)
McAllen, TX
$158,700 (2019) → $137,700 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Houston, TX
McAllen, TX
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays pharmacists more: Houston or McAllen?
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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