Indio vs Riverside: Pharmacist Salary (2026)
Compare pharmacist salaries between Indio, CA and Riverside, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Indio, CA | Riverside, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $162,483 | $164,832▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $78.11 | $79.24▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $118,765▲ | $105,710 |
| 25th Percentile | $151,676▲ | $134,029 |
| 75th Percentile | $188,325 | $190,707▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $202,555 | $210,808▲ |
| Total Employed | 23 | 3,400▲ |
Verdict
Riverside, CA offers better overall compensation for pharmacists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Indio.
The salary gap between Indio and Riverside is $2,349 (1.45%). Riverside's median is +14.87% compared to the US national median of $143,489.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Indio spans $83,790,Riverside spans $105,098. Riverside 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, Riverside ($154,856 effective) pays 7.79% more than Indio ($143,663 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Indio if…
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Choose Riverside if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($164,832/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($210,808)
- ✓Larger job market (3,400 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $154,856)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, pharmacist salaries in Indio grew -8.5% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 8.6% growth in Riverside over the same period.
Indio, CA
$174,336 (2024) → $159,563 (2025)
Riverside, CA
$149,040 (2019) → $161,870 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Riverside, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays pharmacists more: Indio or Riverside?
What is the hourly rate difference between Indio and Riverside?
Should I relocate from Indio to Riverside as a pharmacist?
What do entry-level pharmacists earn in Indio vs Riverside?
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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