Pharmacist Salary

Spokane vs Yakima: Pharmacist Salary (2026)

Compare pharmacist salaries between Spokane, WA and Yakima, WA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Spokane, WA
$158,407
$76.16/hr
Yakima, WA
$149,334
$71.80/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricSpokane, WAYakima, WA
Median Salary$158,407$149,334
Hourly Rate$76.16$71.80
Entry Level (P10)$117,970$102,899
25th Percentile$138,845$139,314
75th Percentile$172,877$169,802
Top Earner (P90)$180,657$170,097
Total Employed710180
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Spokane ($158,407) and Yakima ($149,334) pharmacist salaries.SpokaneYakimaMedian Salary$158,407$149,334Entry Level (P10)$117,970$102,899Top Earner (P90)$180,657$170,097US Median $143,489

Verdict

Spokane, WA offers better overall compensation for pharmacists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Yakima.

The salary gap between Spokane and Yakima is $9,073 (6.08%). Spokane's median is +10.40% compared to the US national median of $143,489.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Spokane spans $62,687,Yakima spans $67,198. Yakima has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced pharmacists.

Spokane
P10 (Entry)$117,970
P25$138,845
Median$158,407
P75$172,877
P90 (Top)$180,657
Yakima
P10 (Entry)$102,899
P25$139,314
Median$149,334
P75$169,802
P90 (Top)$170,097

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Spokane ($157,861 effective) pays 1.00% more than Yakima ($156,297 effective).

Spokane
Nominal: $158,407
CoL Index: 100.346
Adjusted: $157,861
Yakima
Nominal: $149,334
CoL Index: 95.545
Adjusted: $156,297

Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Spokane if…

  • Higher median salary ($158,407/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($180,657)
  • Larger job market (710 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $157,861)
  • You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle

Choose Yakima if…

  • You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, pharmacist salaries in Spokane grew 23.5% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 4.5% growth in Yakima over the same period.

Spokane, WA

+23.5%

$126,010 (2019) → $155,560 (2025)

Yakima, WA

+4.5%

$140,310 (2019) → $146,650 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays pharmacists more: Spokane or Yakima?

Spokane has a higher median pharmacist salary at $158,407/year, compared to Yakima at $149,334/year — a difference of $9,073 (6.08%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Spokane and Yakima?

Spokane pharmacists earn $76.16/hr while Yakima hygienists earn $71.80/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Spokane to Yakima as a pharmacist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Spokane and Yakima. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Spokane = $157,861, Yakima = $156,297), job availability (710 vs 180 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level pharmacists earn in Spokane vs Yakima?

Entry-level (10th percentile) pharmacists earn $117,970 in Spokane and $102,899 in Yakima. The Spokane area offers higher starting salaries.

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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.

Clinically reviewed by Liam Patel, PharmDData verified by Amina Al-Sayed, PharmD

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