Roanoke vs Winchester: Pharmacist Salary (2026)
Compare pharmacist salaries between Roanoke, VA and Winchester, VA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Roanoke, VA | Winchester, VA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $136,432 | $138,336▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $65.59 | $66.51▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $102,563 | $105,231▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $124,273 | $128,194▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $157,877 | $163,305▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $171,370 | $175,382▲ |
| Total Employed | 360▲ | 150 |
Verdict
Winchester, VA offers better overall compensation for pharmacists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Roanoke.
The salary gap between Roanoke and Winchester is $1,904 (1.40%). Winchester's median is -3.59% 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,Winchester spans $70,151. Winchester 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, Roanoke ($145,733 effective) pays 1.61% more than Winchester ($143,428 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Roanoke if…
- ✓Larger job market (360 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $145,733)
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Choose Winchester if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($138,336/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($175,382)
- ✓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 3.6% growth in Winchester over the same period.
Roanoke, VA
$127,310 (2019) → $133,980 (2025)
Winchester, VA
$131,130 (2019) → $135,850 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Roanoke, VA
Winchester, VA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays pharmacists more: Roanoke or Winchester?
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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