San Antonio vs Waco: Pharmacist Salary (2026)
Compare pharmacist salaries between San Antonio, TX and Waco, TX. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | San Antonio, TX | Waco, TX |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $153,254 | $153,468▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $73.68 | $73.79▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $98,439 | $120,770▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $135,383▲ | $135,098 |
| 75th Percentile | $161,777 | $172,938▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $170,158 | $176,675▲ |
| Total Employed | 2,260▲ | 180 |
Verdict
Waco, TX offers better overall compensation for pharmacists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to San Antonio.
The salary gap between San Antonio and Waco is $214 (0.14%). Waco's median is +6.95% compared to the US national median of $143,489.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in San Antonio spans $71,719,Waco spans $55,905. San Antonio 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, Waco ($165,822 effective) pays 2.48% more than San Antonio ($161,804 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose San Antonio if…
- ✓Larger job market (2,260 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Choose Waco if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($153,468/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($176,675)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $165,822)
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, pharmacist salaries in San Antonio grew 17.5% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 18.2% growth in Waco over the same period.
San Antonio, TX
$128,080 (2019) → $150,500 (2025)
Waco, TX
$127,510 (2019) → $150,710 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
San Antonio, TX
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays pharmacists more: San Antonio or Waco?
What is the hourly rate difference between San Antonio and Waco?
Should I relocate from San Antonio to Waco as a pharmacist?
What do entry-level pharmacists earn in San Antonio vs Waco?
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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