Los Angeles vs San Mateo: Pharmacist Salary (2026)
Compare pharmacist salaries between Los Angeles, CA and San Mateo, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Los Angeles, CA | San Mateo, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $160,321 | $167,250▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $77.08 | $80.40▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $63,949 | $109,568▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $135,464 | $156,352▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $187,052 | $191,271▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $212,886 | $215,260▲ |
| Total Employed | 12,450▲ | 21 |
Verdict
San Mateo, CA offers better overall compensation for pharmacists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Los Angeles.
The salary gap between Los Angeles and San Mateo is $6,929 (4.32%). San Mateo's median is +16.56% compared to the US national median of $143,489.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Los Angeles spans $148,937,San Mateo spans $105,692. Los Angeles 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, San Mateo ($147,878 effective) pays 4.75% more than Los Angeles ($141,170 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Los Angeles if…
- ✓Larger job market (12,450 employed)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Choose San Mateo if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($167,250/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($215,260)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $147,878)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, pharmacist salaries in Los Angeles grew 8.6% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -8.5% growth in San Mateo over the same period.
Los Angeles, CA
$145,030 (2019) → $157,440 (2025)
San Mateo, CA
$179,450 (2024) → $164,244 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Los Angeles, CA
San Mateo, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays pharmacists more: Los Angeles or San Mateo?
What is the hourly rate difference between Los Angeles and San Mateo?
Should I relocate from Los Angeles to San Mateo as a pharmacist?
What do entry-level pharmacists earn in Los Angeles vs San Mateo?
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