Houston vs University Park: Pharmacist Salary (2026)
Compare pharmacist salaries between Houston, TX and University Park, TX. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Houston, TX | University Park, TX |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $143,041▲ | $133,299 |
| Hourly Rate | $68.78▲ | $64.08 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $84,723 | $96,555▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $129,395▲ | $122,759 |
| 75th Percentile | $166,502▲ | $152,299 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $173,284▲ | $160,252 |
| Total Employed | 6,410▲ | 5 |
Verdict
Houston, TX offers better overall compensation for pharmacists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to University Park.
The salary gap between Houston and University Park is $9,742 (7.31%). 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,University Park spans $63,697. 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 4.45% more than University Park ($138,853 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 University Park 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 University Park over the same period.
Houston, TX
$130,320 (2019) → $140,470 (2025)
University Park, TX
$120,055 (2024) → $130,903 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Houston, TX
University Park, TX
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays pharmacists more: Houston or University Park?
What is the hourly rate difference between Houston and University Park?
Should I relocate from Houston to University Park as a pharmacist?
What do entry-level pharmacists earn in Houston vs University Park?
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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