Lakewood vs Spokane: Pharmacist Salary (2026)
Compare pharmacist salaries between Lakewood, WA and Spokane, WA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Lakewood, WA | Spokane, WA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $158,990▲ | $158,407 |
| Hourly Rate | $76.43▲ | $76.16 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $105,751 | $117,970▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $149,621▲ | $138,845 |
| 75th Percentile | $185,483▲ | $172,877 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $200,211▲ | $180,657 |
| Total Employed | 14 | 710▲ |
Verdict
Lakewood, WA offers better overall compensation for pharmacists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Spokane.
The salary gap between Lakewood and Spokane is $583 (0.37%). Lakewood's median is +10.80% 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,Spokane spans $62,687. 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, Spokane ($157,861 effective) pays 6.64% 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…
- ✓Higher median salary ($158,990/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($200,211)
- ✓You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle
Choose Spokane if…
- ✓Larger job market (710 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $157,861)
- ✓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 23.5% growth in Spokane over the same period.
Lakewood, WA
$153,871 (2024) → $156,133 (2025)
Spokane, WA
$126,010 (2019) → $155,560 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Lakewood, WA
Spokane, WA
Frequently Asked Questions
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Related Comparisons
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