Salem vs Tualatin: Pharmacist Salary (2026)
Compare pharmacist salaries between Salem, OR and Tualatin, OR. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Salem, OR | Tualatin, OR |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $172,307▲ | $161,177 |
| Hourly Rate | $82.84▲ | $77.49 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $132,277▲ | $121,624 |
| 25th Percentile | $149,079 | $152,514▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $183,834▲ | $177,816 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $203,660▲ | $199,802 |
| Total Employed | 300▲ | 5 |
Verdict
Salem, OR offers better overall compensation for pharmacists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Tualatin.
The salary gap between Salem and Tualatin is $11,130 (6.91%). Salem's median is +20.08% compared to the US national median of $143,489.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Salem spans $71,383,Tualatin spans $78,178. Tualatin 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, Salem ($166,241 effective) pays 5.82% more than Tualatin ($157,093 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 ($172,307/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($203,660)
- ✓Larger job market (300 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $166,241)
- ✓You prefer the Oregon area and lifestyle
Choose Tualatin if…
- ✓You prefer the Oregon area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, pharmacist salaries in Salem grew 20.6% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 13.1% growth in Tualatin over the same period.
Salem, OR
$140,330 (2019) → $169,210 (2025)
Tualatin, OR
$139,970 (2024) → $158,280 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Tualatin, OR
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays pharmacists more: Salem or Tualatin?
What is the hourly rate difference between Salem and Tualatin?
Should I relocate from Salem to Tualatin as a pharmacist?
What do entry-level pharmacists earn in Salem vs Tualatin?
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