Salem vs Worcester: Pharmacist Salary (2026)
Compare pharmacist salaries between Salem, MA and Worcester, MA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Salem, MA | Worcester, MA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $136,326▲ | $135,363 |
| Hourly Rate | $65.54▲ | $65.08 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $103,519▲ | $82,910 |
| 25th Percentile | $129,503 | $131,849▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $150,864 | $155,596▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $169,758▲ | $157,796 |
| Total Employed | 8 | 760▲ |
Verdict
Salem, MA offers better overall compensation for pharmacists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Worcester.
The salary gap between Salem and Worcester is $963 (0.71%). Salem's median is -4.99% compared to the US national median of $143,489.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Salem spans $66,239,Worcester spans $74,886. Worcester 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, Worcester ($132,032 effective) pays 5.08% more than Salem ($125,646 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Salem if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($136,326/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($169,758)
- ✓You prefer the Massachusetts area and lifestyle
Choose Worcester if…
- ✓Larger job market (760 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $132,032)
- ✓You prefer the Massachusetts area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, pharmacist salaries in Salem grew -13.5% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 7.0% growth in Worcester over the same period.
Salem, MA
$154,722 (2024) → $133,876 (2025)
Worcester, MA
$124,290 (2019) → $132,930 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Worcester, MA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays pharmacists more: Salem or Worcester?
What is the hourly rate difference between Salem and Worcester?
Should I relocate from Salem to Worcester as a pharmacist?
What do entry-level pharmacists earn in Salem vs Worcester?
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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