Philadelphia vs Pittsburgh: Pharmacist Salary (2026)
Compare pharmacist salaries between Philadelphia, PA and Pittsburgh, PA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Philadelphia, PA | Pittsburgh, PA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $151,462▲ | $136,635 |
| Hourly Rate | $72.82▲ | $65.69 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $122,033▲ | $109,620 |
| 25th Percentile | $135,831▲ | $130,780 |
| 75th Percentile | $161,747▲ | $149,456 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $170,331▲ | $163,183 |
| Total Employed | 6,460▲ | 3,300 |
Verdict
Philadelphia, PA offers better overall compensation for pharmacists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Pittsburgh.
The salary gap between Philadelphia and Pittsburgh is $14,827 (10.85%). 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,Pittsburgh spans $53,563. Pittsburgh 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 2.33% more than Pittsburgh ($144,326 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 Pittsburgh 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 14.7% growth in Pittsburgh over the same period.
Philadelphia, PA
$124,850 (2019) → $148,740 (2025)
Pittsburgh, PA
$116,950 (2019) → $134,180 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Philadelphia, PA
Pittsburgh, PA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays pharmacists more: Philadelphia or Pittsburgh?
What is the hourly rate difference between Philadelphia and Pittsburgh?
Should I relocate from Philadelphia to Pittsburgh as a pharmacist?
What do entry-level pharmacists earn in Philadelphia vs Pittsburgh?
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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