Seattle vs Bellingham: Pharmacist Salary (2026)
Compare pharmacist salaries between Seattle, WA and Bellingham, WA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Seattle, WA | Bellingham, WA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $165,851▲ | $159,354 |
| Hourly Rate | $79.73▲ | $76.62 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $128,723▲ | $126,228 |
| 25th Percentile | $141,951▲ | $139,935 |
| 75th Percentile | $196,389▲ | $178,925 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $213,293▲ | $207,947 |
| Total Employed | 4,440▲ | 140 |
Verdict
Seattle, WA offers better overall compensation for pharmacists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Bellingham.
The salary gap between Seattle and Bellingham is $6,497 (4.08%). Seattle's median is +15.58% compared to the US national median of $143,489.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Seattle spans $84,570,Bellingham spans $81,719. Seattle 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, Bellingham ($154,213 effective) pays 3.33% more than Seattle ($149,237 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Seattle if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($165,851/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($213,293)
- ✓Larger job market (4,440 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle
Choose Bellingham if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $154,213)
- ✓You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, pharmacist salaries in Seattle grew 22.1% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 9.1% growth in Bellingham over the same period.
Seattle, WA
$133,360 (2019) → $162,870 (2025)
Bellingham, WA
$143,480 (2019) → $156,490 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Seattle, WA
Bellingham, WA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays pharmacists more: Seattle or Bellingham?
What is the hourly rate difference between Seattle and Bellingham?
Should I relocate from Seattle to Bellingham as a pharmacist?
What do entry-level pharmacists earn in Seattle vs Bellingham?
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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