Houston vs Murphy: Pharmacist Salary (2026)
Compare pharmacist salaries between Houston, TX and Murphy, TX. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Houston, TX | Murphy, TX |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $143,041▲ | $130,072 |
| Hourly Rate | $68.78▲ | $62.53 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $84,723 | $99,885▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $129,395▲ | $123,909 |
| 75th Percentile | $166,502▲ | $147,873 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $173,284▲ | $154,554 |
| Total Employed | 6,410▲ | 5 |
Verdict
Houston, TX offers better overall compensation for pharmacists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Murphy.
The salary gap between Houston and Murphy is $12,969 (9.97%). 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,Murphy spans $54,669. 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, Houston ($145,029 effective) pays 7.04% more than Murphy ($135,492 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)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($173,284)
- ✓Larger job market (6,410 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $145,029)
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Choose Murphy if…
- ✓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 9.0% growth in Murphy over the same period.
Houston, TX
$130,320 (2019) → $140,470 (2025)
Murphy, TX
$117,149 (2024) → $127,734 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Houston, TX
Murphy, TX
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays pharmacists more: Houston or Murphy?
What is the hourly rate difference between Houston and Murphy?
Should I relocate from Houston to Murphy as a pharmacist?
What do entry-level pharmacists earn in Houston vs Murphy?
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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