Lake Stevens vs Seattle: Pharmacist Salary (2026)
Compare pharmacist salaries between Lake Stevens, WA and Seattle, WA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Lake Stevens, WA | Seattle, WA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $155,629 | $165,851▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $74.82 | $79.73▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $118,649 | $128,723▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $148,523▲ | $141,951 |
| 75th Percentile | $172,799 | $196,389▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $180,220 | $213,293▲ |
| Total Employed | 9 | 4,440▲ |
Verdict
Seattle, WA offers better overall compensation for pharmacists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Lake Stevens.
The salary gap between Lake Stevens and Seattle is $10,222 (6.57%). Seattle's median is +15.58% compared to the US national median of $143,489.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Lake Stevens spans $61,571,Seattle spans $84,570. Seattle 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, Seattle ($149,237 effective) pays 2.99% more than Lake Stevens ($144,906 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Lake Stevens if…
- ✓You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle
Choose Seattle if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($165,851/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($213,293)
- ✓Larger job market (4,440 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $149,237)
- ✓You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, pharmacist salaries in Lake Stevens grew 1.5% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 22.1% growth in Seattle over the same period.
Lake Stevens, WA
$150,617 (2024) → $152,832 (2025)
Seattle, WA
$133,360 (2019) → $162,870 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Lake Stevens, WA
Seattle, WA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays pharmacists more: Lake Stevens or Seattle?
What is the hourly rate difference between Lake Stevens and Seattle?
Should I relocate from Lake Stevens to Seattle as a pharmacist?
What do entry-level pharmacists earn in Lake Stevens vs Seattle?
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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