Rochester vs Saratoga Springs: Pharmacist Salary (2026)
Compare pharmacist salaries between Rochester, NY and Saratoga Springs, NY. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Rochester, NY | Saratoga Springs, NY |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $138,804▲ | $137,042 |
| Hourly Rate | $66.74▲ | $65.88 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $125,872▲ | $103,556 |
| 25th Percentile | $134,813▲ | $129,676 |
| 75th Percentile | $149,853 | $151,086▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $159,639 | $170,223▲ |
| Total Employed | 1,070▲ | 7 |
Verdict
Rochester, NY offers better overall compensation for pharmacists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Saratoga Springs.
The salary gap between Rochester and Saratoga Springs is $1,762 (1.29%). Rochester's median is -3.27% compared to the US national median of $143,489.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Rochester spans $33,767,Saratoga Springs spans $66,667. Saratoga Springs 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, Rochester ($143,045 effective) pays 20.98% more than Saratoga Springs ($118,242 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Rochester if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($138,804/year)
- ✓Larger job market (1,070 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $143,045)
- ✓You prefer the New York area and lifestyle
Choose Saratoga Springs if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($170,223)
- ✓You prefer the New York area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, pharmacist salaries in Rochester grew 15.9% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -14.9% growth in Saratoga Springs over the same period.
Rochester, NY
$117,650 (2019) → $136,310 (2025)
Saratoga Springs, NY
$158,114 (2024) → $134,579 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Rochester, NY
Saratoga Springs, NY
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays pharmacists more: Rochester or Saratoga Springs?
What is the hourly rate difference between Rochester and Saratoga Springs?
Should I relocate from Rochester to Saratoga Springs as a pharmacist?
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Related Comparisons
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