Los Angeles vs Santa Ana: Pharmacist Salary (2026)
Compare pharmacist salaries between Los Angeles, CA and Santa Ana, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Los Angeles, CA | Santa Ana, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $160,321 | $175,346▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $77.08 | $84.31▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $63,949 | $113,856▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $135,464 | $153,036▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $187,052 | $205,286▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $212,886 | $223,746▲ |
| Total Employed | 12,450▲ | 69 |
Verdict
Santa Ana, CA offers better overall compensation for pharmacists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Los Angeles.
The salary gap between Los Angeles and Santa Ana is $15,025 (9.37%). Santa Ana's median is +22.20% 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,Santa Ana spans $109,890. 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, Santa Ana ($155,036 effective) pays 9.82% 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 Santa Ana if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($175,346/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($223,746)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $155,036)
- ✓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 Santa Ana over the same period.
Los Angeles, CA
$145,030 (2019) → $157,440 (2025)
Santa Ana, CA
$188,138 (2024) → $172,195 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Los Angeles, CA
Santa Ana, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays pharmacists more: Los Angeles or Santa Ana?
What is the hourly rate difference between Los Angeles and Santa Ana?
Should I relocate from Los Angeles to Santa Ana as a pharmacist?
What do entry-level pharmacists earn in Los Angeles vs Santa Ana?
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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