Lexington vs Richmond: Pharmacist Salary (2026)
Compare pharmacist salaries between Lexington, KY and Richmond, KY. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Lexington, KY | Richmond, KY |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $139,028▲ | $136,114 |
| Hourly Rate | $66.84▲ | $65.44 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $102,095▲ | $96,587 |
| 25th Percentile | $134,385▲ | $124,592 |
| 75th Percentile | $160,352▲ | $154,027 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $164,211▲ | $157,557 |
| Total Employed | 1,060▲ | 5 |
Verdict
Lexington, KY offers better overall compensation for pharmacists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Richmond.
The salary gap between Lexington and Richmond is $2,914 (2.14%). Lexington's median is -3.11% compared to the US national median of $143,489.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Lexington spans $62,116,Richmond spans $60,970. Lexington 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, Richmond ($152,423 effective) pays 1.84% more than Lexington ($149,671 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Lexington if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($139,028/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($164,211)
- ✓Larger job market (1,060 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Kentucky area and lifestyle
Choose Richmond if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $152,423)
- ✓You prefer the Kentucky area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, pharmacist salaries in Lexington grew 18.0% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 21.6% growth in Richmond over the same period.
Lexington, KY
$115,740 (2019) → $136,530 (2025)
Richmond, KY
$109,909 (2024) → $133,668 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Lexington, KY
Richmond, KY
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays pharmacists more: Lexington or Richmond?
What is the hourly rate difference between Lexington and Richmond?
Should I relocate from Lexington to Richmond as a pharmacist?
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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