Pharmacist Salary

Minneapolis vs Moorhead: Pharmacist Salary (2026)

Compare pharmacist salaries between Minneapolis, MN and Moorhead, MN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Minneapolis, MN
$163,936
$78.82/hr
Moorhead, MN
$153,765
$73.93/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricMinneapolis, MNMoorhead, MN
Median Salary$163,936$153,765
Hourly Rate$78.82$73.93
Entry Level (P10)$80,507$116,458
25th Percentile$139,375$145,695
75th Percentile$172,938$169,945
Top Earner (P90)$175,830$190,924
Total Employed4,16011
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Minneapolis ($163,936) and Moorhead ($153,765) pharmacist salaries.MinneapolisMoorheadMedian Salary$163,936$153,765Entry Level (P10)$80,507$116,458Top Earner (P90)$175,830$190,924US Median $143,489

Verdict

Minneapolis, MN offers better overall compensation for pharmacists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Moorhead.

The salary gap between Minneapolis and Moorhead is $10,171 (6.61%). Minneapolis's median is +14.25% compared to the US national median of $143,489.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Minneapolis spans $95,323,Moorhead spans $74,466. Minneapolis has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Minneapolis
P10 (Entry)$80,507
P25$139,375
Median$163,936
P75$172,938
P90 (Top)$175,830
Moorhead
P10 (Entry)$116,458
P25$145,695
Median$153,765
P75$169,945
P90 (Top)$190,924

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Minneapolis ($156,395 effective) pays 0.18% more than Moorhead ($156,107 effective).

Minneapolis
Nominal: $163,936
CoL Index: 104.822
Adjusted: $156,395
Moorhead
Nominal: $153,765
CoL Index: 98.5
Adjusted: $156,107

Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Minneapolis if…

  • Higher median salary ($163,936/year)
  • Larger job market (4,160 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $156,395)
  • You prefer the Minnesota area and lifestyle

Choose Moorhead if…

  • Better top-earner potential ($190,924)
  • You prefer the Minnesota area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, pharmacist salaries in Minneapolis grew 17.6% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 15.5% growth in Moorhead over the same period.

Minneapolis, MN

+17.6%

$136,930 (2019) → $160,990 (2025)

Moorhead, MN

+15.5%

$130,729 (2024) → $151,002 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays pharmacists more: Minneapolis or Moorhead?

Minneapolis has a higher median pharmacist salary at $163,936/year, compared to Moorhead at $153,765/year — a difference of $10,171 (6.61%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Minneapolis and Moorhead?

Minneapolis pharmacists earn $78.82/hr while Moorhead hygienists earn $73.93/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Minneapolis to Moorhead as a pharmacist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Minneapolis and Moorhead. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Minneapolis = $156,395, Moorhead = $156,107), job availability (4,160 vs 11 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level pharmacists earn in Minneapolis vs Moorhead?

Entry-level (10th percentile) pharmacists earn $80,507 in Minneapolis and $116,458 in Moorhead. The Moorhead area offers higher starting salaries.

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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.

Clinically reviewed by Liam Patel, PharmDData verified by Amina Al-Sayed, PharmD

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