Roanoke vs Virginia Beach: Pharmacist Salary (2026)
Compare pharmacist salaries between Roanoke, VA and Virginia Beach, VA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Roanoke, VA | Virginia Beach, VA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $136,432 | $138,774▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $65.59 | $66.72▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $102,563 | $111,820▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $124,273 | $128,408▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $157,877 | $160,230▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $171,370▲ | $169,445 |
| Total Employed | 360 | 1,470▲ |
Verdict
Virginia Beach, VA offers better overall compensation for pharmacists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Roanoke.
The salary gap between Roanoke and Virginia Beach is $2,342 (1.72%). Virginia Beach's median is -3.29% compared to the US national median of $143,489.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Roanoke spans $68,807,Virginia Beach spans $57,625. Roanoke 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, Roanoke ($145,733 effective) pays 2.85% more than Virginia Beach ($141,691 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Roanoke if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($171,370)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $145,733)
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Choose Virginia Beach if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($138,774/year)
- ✓Larger job market (1,470 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, pharmacist salaries in Roanoke grew 5.2% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 2.2% growth in Virginia Beach over the same period.
Roanoke, VA
$127,310 (2019) → $133,980 (2025)
Virginia Beach, VA
$133,310 (2019) → $136,280 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Roanoke, VA
Virginia Beach, VA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays pharmacists more: Roanoke or Virginia Beach?
What is the hourly rate difference between Roanoke and Virginia Beach?
Should I relocate from Roanoke to Virginia Beach as a pharmacist?
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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