Los Angeles vs Stockton: Pharmacist Salary (2026)
Compare pharmacist salaries between Los Angeles, CA and Stockton, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Los Angeles, CA | Stockton, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $160,321 | $165,413▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $77.08 | $79.53▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $63,949 | $101,178▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $135,464 | $139,487▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $187,052 | $198,059▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $212,886 | $214,271▲ |
| Total Employed | 12,450▲ | 530 |
Verdict
Stockton, CA offers better overall compensation for pharmacists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Los Angeles.
The salary gap between Los Angeles and Stockton is $5,092 (3.18%). Stockton's median is +15.28% 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,Stockton spans $113,093. 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, Stockton ($157,403 effective) pays 11.50% 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 Stockton if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($165,413/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($214,271)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $157,403)
- ✓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 9.4% growth in Stockton over the same period.
Los Angeles, CA
$145,030 (2019) → $157,440 (2025)
Stockton, CA
$148,530 (2019) → $162,440 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Los Angeles, CA
Stockton, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays pharmacists more: Los Angeles or Stockton?
What is the hourly rate difference between Los Angeles and Stockton?
Should I relocate from Los Angeles to Stockton as a pharmacist?
What do entry-level pharmacists earn in Los Angeles vs Stockton?
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