Sacramento vs Santa Rosa: Pharmacist Salary (2026)
Compare pharmacist salaries between Sacramento, CA and Santa Rosa, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Sacramento, CA | Santa Rosa, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $175,840▲ | $173,691 |
| Hourly Rate | $84.54▲ | $83.50 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $106,331 | $140,851▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $159,282 | $162,724▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $206,267 | $214,617▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $217,733 | $222,152▲ |
| Total Employed | 2,310▲ | 330 |
Verdict
Sacramento, CA offers better overall compensation for pharmacists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Santa Rosa.
The salary gap between Sacramento and Santa Rosa is $2,149 (1.24%). 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,Santa Rosa spans $81,301. 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 2.29% more than Santa Rosa ($161,147 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)
- ✓Larger job market (2,310 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $164,845)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Choose Santa Rosa if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($222,152)
- ✓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 13.1% growth in Santa Rosa over the same period.
Sacramento, CA
$151,940 (2019) → $172,680 (2025)
Santa Rosa, CA
$150,790 (2019) → $170,570 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Sacramento, CA
Santa Rosa, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays pharmacists more: Sacramento or Santa Rosa?
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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