Lake Oswego vs Salem: Pharmacist Salary (2026)
Compare pharmacist salaries between Lake Oswego, OR and Salem, OR. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Lake Oswego, OR | Salem, OR |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $164,222 | $172,307▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $78.95 | $82.84▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $115,622 | $132,277▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $149,137▲ | $149,079 |
| 75th Percentile | $184,685▲ | $183,834 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $194,020 | $203,660▲ |
| Total Employed | 8 | 300▲ |
Verdict
Salem, OR offers better overall compensation for pharmacists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Lake Oswego.
The salary gap between Lake Oswego and Salem is $8,085 (4.92%). Salem's median is +20.08% compared to the US national median of $143,489.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Lake Oswego spans $78,398,Salem spans $71,383. Lake Oswego 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, Salem ($166,241 effective) pays 3.86% more than Lake Oswego ($160,060 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Lake Oswego if…
- ✓You prefer the Oregon area and lifestyle
Choose Salem if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($172,307/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($203,660)
- ✓Larger job market (300 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $166,241)
- ✓You prefer the Oregon area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, pharmacist salaries in Lake Oswego grew 13.1% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 20.6% growth in Salem over the same period.
Lake Oswego, OR
$142,616 (2024) → $161,271 (2025)
Salem, OR
$140,330 (2019) → $169,210 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Lake Oswego, OR
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays pharmacists more: Lake Oswego or Salem?
What is the hourly rate difference between Lake Oswego and Salem?
Should I relocate from Lake Oswego to Salem as a pharmacist?
What do entry-level pharmacists earn in Lake Oswego vs Salem?
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