Olympia vs Seattle: Pharmacist Salary (2026)
Compare pharmacist salaries between Olympia, WA and Seattle, WA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Olympia, WA | Seattle, WA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $157,694 | $165,851▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $75.81 | $79.73▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $128,357 | $128,723▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $137,532 | $141,951▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $172,561 | $196,389▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $192,021 | $213,293▲ |
| Total Employed | 220 | 4,440▲ |
Verdict
Seattle, WA offers better overall compensation for pharmacists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Olympia.
The salary gap between Olympia and Seattle is $8,157 (5.17%). Seattle's median is +15.58% compared to the US national median of $143,489.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Olympia spans $63,664,Seattle spans $84,570. Seattle has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced pharmacists.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Olympia ($152,112 effective) pays 1.93% more than Seattle ($149,237 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Olympia if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $152,112)
- ✓You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle
Choose Seattle if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($165,851/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($213,293)
- ✓Larger job market (4,440 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, pharmacist salaries in Olympia grew 21.4% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 22.1% growth in Seattle over the same period.
Olympia, WA
$127,610 (2019) → $154,860 (2025)
Seattle, WA
$133,360 (2019) → $162,870 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Olympia, WA
Seattle, WA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays pharmacists more: Olympia or Seattle?
What is the hourly rate difference between Olympia and Seattle?
Should I relocate from Olympia to Seattle as a pharmacist?
What do entry-level pharmacists earn in Olympia vs Seattle?
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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