Montclair vs Trenton: Pharmacist Salary (2026)
Compare pharmacist salaries between Montclair, NJ and Trenton, NJ. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Montclair, NJ | Trenton, NJ |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $163,668▲ | $141,452 |
| Hourly Rate | $78.68▲ | $68.01 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $117,673▲ | $112,308 |
| 25th Percentile | $157,281▲ | $128,927 |
| 75th Percentile | $182,778▲ | $160,403 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $191,256▲ | $167,490 |
| Total Employed | 10 | 310▲ |
Verdict
Montclair, NJ offers better overall compensation for pharmacists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Trenton.
The salary gap between Montclair and Trenton is $22,216 (15.71%). Montclair's median is +14.06% compared to the US national median of $143,489.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Montclair spans $73,583,Trenton spans $55,182. Montclair 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, Montclair ($142,073 effective) pays 3.63% more than Trenton ($137,092 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Montclair if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($163,668/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($191,256)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $142,073)
- ✓You prefer the New Jersey area and lifestyle
Choose Trenton if…
- ✓Larger job market (310 employed)
- ✓You prefer the New Jersey area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, pharmacist salaries in Montclair grew 0.7% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 22.7% growth in Trenton over the same period.
Montclair, NJ
$159,689 (2024) → $160,727 (2025)
Trenton, NJ
$113,220 (2020) → $138,910 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Montclair, NJ
Trenton, NJ
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays pharmacists more: Montclair or Trenton?
What is the hourly rate difference between Montclair and Trenton?
Should I relocate from Montclair to Trenton as a pharmacist?
What do entry-level pharmacists earn in Montclair vs Trenton?
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