Raleigh vs Wilson: Pharmacist Salary (2026)
Compare pharmacist salaries between Raleigh, NC and Wilson, NC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Raleigh, NC | Wilson, NC |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $135,556▲ | $133,912 |
| Hourly Rate | $65.17▲ | $64.38 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $103,581▲ | $100,714 |
| 25th Percentile | $131,310▲ | $126,362 |
| 75th Percentile | $160,647▲ | $155,409 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $168,081▲ | $160,703 |
| Total Employed | 1,730▲ | 7 |
Verdict
Raleigh, NC offers better overall compensation for pharmacists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Wilson.
The salary gap between Raleigh and Wilson is $1,644 (1.23%). Raleigh's median is -5.53% compared to the US national median of $143,489.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Raleigh spans $64,500,Wilson spans $59,989. Raleigh 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, Wilson ($143,068 effective) pays 3.60% more than Raleigh ($138,101 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Raleigh if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($135,556/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($168,081)
- ✓Larger job market (1,730 employed)
- ✓You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle
Choose Wilson if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $143,068)
- ✓You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, pharmacist salaries in Raleigh grew 6.7% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 12.7% growth in Wilson over the same period.
Raleigh, NC
$124,710 (2019) → $133,120 (2025)
Wilson, NC
$116,646 (2024) → $131,505 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Raleigh, NC
Wilson, NC
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays pharmacists more: Raleigh or Wilson?
What is the hourly rate difference between Raleigh and Wilson?
Should I relocate from Raleigh to Wilson as a pharmacist?
What do entry-level pharmacists earn in Raleigh vs Wilson?
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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