Philadelphia vs Allentown: Pharmacist Salary (2026)
Compare pharmacist salaries between Philadelphia, PA and Allentown, PA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Philadelphia, PA | Allentown, PA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $151,462▲ | $140,923 |
| Hourly Rate | $72.82▲ | $67.75 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $122,033▲ | $109,620 |
| 25th Percentile | $135,831▲ | $134,334 |
| 75th Percentile | $161,747▲ | $161,095 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $170,331▲ | $168,712 |
| Total Employed | 6,460▲ | 970 |
Verdict
Philadelphia, PA offers better overall compensation for pharmacists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Allentown.
The salary gap between Philadelphia and Allentown is $10,539 (7.48%). Philadelphia's median is +5.56% compared to the US national median of $143,489.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Philadelphia spans $48,298,Allentown spans $59,092. Allentown 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, Philadelphia ($147,690 effective) pays 4.77% more than Allentown ($140,968 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Philadelphia if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($151,462/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($170,331)
- ✓Larger job market (6,460 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $147,690)
- ✓You prefer the Pennsylvania area and lifestyle
Choose Allentown if…
- ✓You prefer the Pennsylvania area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, pharmacist salaries in Philadelphia grew 19.1% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 10.7% growth in Allentown over the same period.
Philadelphia, PA
$124,850 (2019) → $148,740 (2025)
Allentown, PA
$125,050 (2019) → $138,390 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Philadelphia, PA
Allentown, PA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays pharmacists more: Philadelphia or Allentown?
What is the hourly rate difference between Philadelphia and Allentown?
Should I relocate from Philadelphia to Allentown as a pharmacist?
What do entry-level pharmacists earn in Philadelphia vs Allentown?
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