Riverside vs Santa Cruz: Pharmacist Salary (2026)
Compare pharmacist salaries between Riverside, CA and Santa Cruz, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Riverside, CA | Santa Cruz, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $164,832 | $164,904▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $79.24 | $79.28▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $105,710 | $133,733▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $134,029 | $141,717▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $190,707▲ | $188,823 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $210,808 | $224,800▲ |
| Total Employed | 3,400▲ | 170 |
Verdict
Santa Cruz, CA offers better overall compensation for pharmacists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Riverside.
The salary gap between Riverside and Santa Cruz is $72 (0.04%). Santa Cruz's median is +14.92% 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,Santa Cruz spans $91,067. 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, Riverside ($154,856 effective) pays 3.20% more than Santa Cruz ($150,055 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Riverside if…
- ✓Larger job market (3,400 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $154,856)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Choose Santa Cruz if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($164,904/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($224,800)
- ✓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 7.1% growth in Santa Cruz over the same period.
Riverside, CA
$149,040 (2019) → $161,870 (2025)
Santa Cruz, CA
$151,150 (2019) → $161,940 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Riverside, CA
Santa Cruz, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays pharmacists more: Riverside or Santa Cruz?
What is the hourly rate difference between Riverside and Santa Cruz?
Should I relocate from Riverside to Santa Cruz as a pharmacist?
What do entry-level pharmacists earn in Riverside vs Santa Cruz?
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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