Richmond vs Roanoke: Pharmacist Salary (2026)
Compare pharmacist salaries between Richmond, VA and Roanoke, VA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Richmond, VA | Roanoke, VA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $147,592▲ | $136,432 |
| Hourly Rate | $70.96▲ | $65.59 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $108,255▲ | $102,563 |
| 25th Percentile | $131,809▲ | $124,273 |
| 75th Percentile | $159,873▲ | $157,877 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $168,722 | $171,370▲ |
| Total Employed | 1,350▲ | 360 |
Verdict
Richmond, VA offers better overall compensation for pharmacists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Roanoke.
The salary gap between Richmond and Roanoke is $11,160 (8.18%). Richmond's median is +2.86% compared to the US national median of $143,489.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Richmond spans $60,467,Roanoke spans $68,807. Roanoke 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, Richmond ($150,823 effective) pays 3.49% more than Roanoke ($145,733 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Richmond if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($147,592/year)
- ✓Larger job market (1,350 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $150,823)
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Choose Roanoke if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($171,370)
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, pharmacist salaries in Richmond grew 6.0% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 5.2% growth in Roanoke over the same period.
Richmond, VA
$136,740 (2019) → $144,940 (2025)
Roanoke, VA
$127,310 (2019) → $133,980 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Richmond, VA
Roanoke, VA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays pharmacists more: Richmond or Roanoke?
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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