McAllen vs San Antonio: Pharmacist Salary (2026)
Compare pharmacist salaries between McAllen, TX and San Antonio, TX. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | McAllen, TX | San Antonio, TX |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $140,220 | $153,254▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $67.41 | $73.68▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $76,790 | $98,439▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $124,721 | $135,383▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $163,305▲ | $161,777 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $178,080▲ | $170,158 |
| Total Employed | 500 | 2,260▲ |
Verdict
San Antonio, TX offers better overall compensation for pharmacists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to McAllen.
The salary gap between McAllen and San Antonio is $13,034 (9.30%). San Antonio's median is +6.81% compared to the US national median of $143,489.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in McAllen spans $101,290,San Antonio spans $71,719. McAllen 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, McAllen ($163,246 effective) pays 0.89% more than San Antonio ($161,804 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose McAllen if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($178,080)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $163,246)
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Choose San Antonio if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($153,254/year)
- ✓Larger job market (2,260 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, pharmacist salaries in McAllen grew -13.2% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 17.5% growth in San Antonio over the same period.
McAllen, TX
$158,700 (2019) → $137,700 (2025)
San Antonio, TX
$128,080 (2019) → $150,500 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
McAllen, TX
San Antonio, TX
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays pharmacists more: McAllen or San Antonio?
What is the hourly rate difference between McAllen and San Antonio?
Should I relocate from McAllen to San Antonio as a pharmacist?
What do entry-level pharmacists earn in McAllen vs San Antonio?
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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