San Francisco vs San Diego: Pharmacist Salary (2026)
Compare pharmacist salaries between San Francisco, CA and San Diego, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | San Francisco, CA | San Diego, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $180,657▲ | $168,152 |
| Hourly Rate | $86.85▲ | $80.84 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $138,061▲ | $133,805 |
| 25th Percentile | $167,571▲ | $156,818 |
| 75th Percentile | $224,148▲ | $205,442 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $233,415▲ | $218,405 |
| Total Employed | 3,670▲ | 2,840 |
Verdict
San Francisco, CA offers better overall compensation for pharmacists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to San Diego.
The salary gap between San Francisco and San Diego is $12,505 (7.44%). San Francisco's median is +25.90% compared to the US national median of $143,489.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in San Francisco spans $95,354,San Diego spans $84,600. San Francisco 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, San Francisco ($156,260 effective) pays 3.97% more than San Diego ($150,287 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose San Francisco if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($180,657/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($233,415)
- ✓Larger job market (3,670 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $156,260)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Choose San Diego if…
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, pharmacist salaries in San Francisco grew 15.3% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 16.1% growth in San Diego over the same period.
San Francisco, CA
$153,870 (2019) → $177,410 (2025)
San Diego, CA
$142,190 (2019) → $165,130 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
San Francisco, CA
San Diego, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays pharmacists more: San Francisco or San Diego?
What is the hourly rate difference between San Francisco and San Diego?
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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