Riverside vs San Francisco: Pharmacist Salary (2026)
Compare pharmacist salaries between Riverside, CA and San Francisco, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Riverside, CA | San Francisco, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $164,832 | $180,657▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $79.24 | $86.85▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $105,710 | $138,061▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $134,029 | $167,571▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $190,707 | $224,148▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $210,808 | $233,415▲ |
| Total Employed | 3,400 | 3,670▲ |
Verdict
San Francisco, CA offers better overall compensation for pharmacists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Riverside.
The salary gap between Riverside and San Francisco is $15,825 (9.60%). San Francisco's median is +25.90% compared to the US national median of $143,489.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Riverside spans $105,098,San Francisco spans $95,354. Riverside 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, San Francisco ($156,260 effective) pays 0.91% more than Riverside ($154,856 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Riverside if…
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Choose San Francisco if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($180,657/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($233,415)
- ✓Larger job market (3,670 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $156,260)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, pharmacist salaries in Riverside grew 8.6% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 15.3% growth in San Francisco over the same period.
Riverside, CA
$149,040 (2019) → $161,870 (2025)
San Francisco, CA
$153,870 (2019) → $177,410 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Riverside, CA
San Francisco, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays pharmacists more: Riverside or San Francisco?
What is the hourly rate difference between Riverside and San Francisco?
Should I relocate from Riverside to San Francisco as a pharmacist?
What do entry-level pharmacists earn in Riverside vs San Francisco?
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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