Pharmacist Salary

Richmond vs Waynesboro: Pharmacist Salary (2026)

Compare pharmacist salaries between Richmond, VA and Waynesboro, VA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Richmond, VA
$147,592
$70.96/hr
Waynesboro, VA
$131,840
$63.39/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricRichmond, VAWaynesboro, VA
Median Salary$147,592$131,840
Hourly Rate$70.96$63.39
Entry Level (P10)$108,255$95,983
25th Percentile$131,809$121,873
75th Percentile$159,873$143,491
Top Earner (P90)$168,722$158,876
Total Employed1,3504
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Richmond ($147,592) and Waynesboro ($131,840) pharmacist salaries.RichmondWaynesboroMedian Salary$147,592$131,840Entry Level (P10)$108,255$95,983Top Earner (P90)$168,722$158,876US Median $143,489

Verdict

Richmond, VA offers better overall compensation for pharmacists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Waynesboro.

The salary gap between Richmond and Waynesboro is $15,752 (11.95%). 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,Waynesboro spans $62,893. Waynesboro has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced pharmacists.

Richmond
P10 (Entry)$108,255
P25$131,809
Median$147,592
P75$159,873
P90 (Top)$168,722
Waynesboro
P10 (Entry)$95,983
P25$121,873
Median$131,840
P75$143,491
P90 (Top)$158,876

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Richmond ($150,823 effective) pays 18.06% more than Waynesboro ($127,752 effective).

Richmond
Nominal: $147,592
CoL Index: 97.858
Adjusted: $150,823
Waynesboro
Nominal: $131,840
CoL Index: 103.2
Adjusted: $127,752

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)
  • Better top-earner potential ($168,722)
  • Larger job market (1,350 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $150,823)
  • You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle

Choose Waynesboro if…

  • 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 0.0% growth in Waynesboro over the same period.

Richmond, VA

+6.0%

$136,740 (2019) → $144,940 (2025)

Waynesboro, VA

+0.0%

$129,418 (2024) → $129,471 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays pharmacists more: Richmond or Waynesboro?

Richmond has a higher median pharmacist salary at $147,592/year, compared to Waynesboro at $131,840/year — a difference of $15,752 (11.95%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Richmond and Waynesboro?

Richmond pharmacists earn $70.96/hr while Waynesboro hygienists earn $63.39/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Richmond to Waynesboro as a pharmacist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Richmond and Waynesboro. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Richmond = $150,823, Waynesboro = $127,752), job availability (1,350 vs 4 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level pharmacists earn in Richmond vs Waynesboro?

Entry-level (10th percentile) pharmacists earn $108,255 in Richmond and $95,983 in Waynesboro. The Richmond area offers higher starting salaries.
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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.

Clinically reviewed by Liam Patel, PharmDData verified by Amina Al-Sayed, PharmD

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