Los Angeles vs Santa Cruz: Pharmacist Salary (2026)
Compare pharmacist salaries between Los Angeles, CA and Santa Cruz, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Los Angeles, CA | Santa Cruz, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $160,321 | $164,904▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $77.08 | $79.28▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $63,949 | $133,733▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $135,464 | $141,717▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $187,052 | $188,823▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $212,886 | $224,800▲ |
| Total Employed | 12,450▲ | 170 |
Verdict
Santa Cruz, 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 Cruz is $4,583 (2.86%). Santa Cruz's median is +14.92% 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 Cruz spans $91,067. 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 Cruz ($150,055 effective) pays 6.29% 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 Cruz if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($164,904/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($224,800)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $150,055)
- ✓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 7.1% growth in Santa Cruz over the same period.
Los Angeles, CA
$145,030 (2019) → $157,440 (2025)
Santa Cruz, CA
$151,150 (2019) → $161,940 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Los Angeles, CA
Santa Cruz, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays pharmacists more: Los Angeles or Santa Cruz?
What is the hourly rate difference between Los Angeles and Santa Cruz?
Should I relocate from Los Angeles to Santa Cruz as a pharmacist?
What do entry-level pharmacists earn in Los Angeles vs Santa Cruz?
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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