Lakewood vs Seattle: Pharmacist Salary (2026)
Compare pharmacist salaries between Lakewood, WA and Seattle, WA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Lakewood, WA | Seattle, WA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $158,990 | $165,851▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $76.43 | $79.73▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $105,751 | $128,723▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $149,621▲ | $141,951 |
| 75th Percentile | $185,483 | $196,389▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $200,211 | $213,293▲ |
| Total Employed | 14 | 4,440▲ |
Verdict
Seattle, WA offers better overall compensation for pharmacists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Lakewood.
The salary gap between Lakewood and Seattle is $6,861 (4.32%). 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 Lakewood spans $94,460,Seattle spans $84,570. Lakewood 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, Seattle ($149,237 effective) pays 0.81% more than Lakewood ($148,035 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Lakewood 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 Lakewood grew 1.5% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 22.1% growth in Seattle over the same period.
Lakewood, WA
$153,871 (2024) → $156,133 (2025)
Seattle, WA
$133,360 (2019) → $162,870 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Lakewood, WA
Seattle, WA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays pharmacists more: Lakewood or Seattle?
What is the hourly rate difference between Lakewood and Seattle?
Should I relocate from Lakewood to Seattle as a pharmacist?
What do entry-level pharmacists earn in Lakewood 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