Lancaster vs Philadelphia: Pharmacist Salary (2026)
Compare pharmacist salaries between Lancaster, PA and Philadelphia, PA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Lancaster, PA | Philadelphia, PA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $136,778 | $151,462▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $65.76 | $72.82▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $127,216▲ | $122,033 |
| 25th Percentile | $132,623 | $135,831▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $157,093 | $161,747▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $161,991 | $170,331▲ |
| Total Employed | 450 | 6,460▲ |
Verdict
Philadelphia, PA offers better overall compensation for pharmacists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Lancaster.
The salary gap between Lancaster and Philadelphia is $14,684 (10.74%). Philadelphia's median is +5.56% compared to the US national median of $143,489.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Lancaster spans $34,775,Philadelphia spans $48,298. Philadelphia 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, Philadelphia ($147,690 effective) pays 6.10% more than Lancaster ($139,204 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Lancaster if…
- ✓You prefer the Pennsylvania area and lifestyle
Choose Philadelphia if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($151,462/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($170,331)
- ✓Larger job market (6,460 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $147,690)
- ✓You prefer the Pennsylvania area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, pharmacist salaries in Lancaster grew 12.5% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 19.1% growth in Philadelphia over the same period.
Lancaster, PA
$119,410 (2019) → $134,320 (2025)
Philadelphia, PA
$124,850 (2019) → $148,740 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Lancaster, PA
Philadelphia, PA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays pharmacists more: Lancaster or Philadelphia?
What is the hourly rate difference between Lancaster and Philadelphia?
Should I relocate from Lancaster to Philadelphia as a pharmacist?
What do entry-level pharmacists earn in Lancaster vs Philadelphia?
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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