Sacramento vs Modesto: Pharmacist Salary (2026)
Compare pharmacist salaries between Sacramento, CA and Modesto, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Sacramento, CA | Modesto, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $175,840▲ | $163,458 |
| Hourly Rate | $84.54▲ | $78.58 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $106,331 | $132,705▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $159,282▲ | $156,116 |
| 75th Percentile | $206,267▲ | $176,471 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $217,733▲ | $215,696 |
| Total Employed | 2,310▲ | 380 |
Verdict
Sacramento, CA offers better overall compensation for pharmacists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Modesto.
The salary gap between Sacramento and Modesto is $12,382 (7.58%). Sacramento's median is +22.55% compared to the US national median of $143,489.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Sacramento spans $111,402,Modesto spans $82,991. Sacramento 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, Sacramento ($164,845 effective) pays 4.99% more than Modesto ($157,008 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Sacramento if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($175,840/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($217,733)
- ✓Larger job market (2,310 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $164,845)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Choose Modesto if…
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, pharmacist salaries in Sacramento grew 13.7% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 5.9% growth in Modesto over the same period.
Sacramento, CA
$151,940 (2019) → $172,680 (2025)
Modesto, CA
$151,550 (2019) → $160,520 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Sacramento, CA
Modesto, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays pharmacists more: Sacramento or Modesto?
What is the hourly rate difference between Sacramento and Modesto?
Should I relocate from Sacramento to Modesto 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