Suffolk vs Virginia Beach: Pharmacist Salary (2026)
Compare pharmacist salaries between Suffolk, VA and Virginia Beach, VA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Suffolk, VA | Virginia Beach, VA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $136,446 | $138,774▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $65.60 | $66.72▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $100,607 | $111,820▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $127,606 | $128,408▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $153,393 | $160,230▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $175,118▲ | $169,445 |
| Total Employed | 15 | 1,470▲ |
Verdict
Virginia Beach, VA offers better overall compensation for pharmacists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Suffolk.
The salary gap between Suffolk and Virginia Beach is $2,328 (1.71%). Virginia Beach's median is -3.29% compared to the US national median of $143,489.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Suffolk spans $74,511,Virginia Beach spans $57,625. Suffolk 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, Virginia Beach ($141,691 effective) pays 7.17% more than Suffolk ($132,215 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Suffolk if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($175,118)
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Choose Virginia Beach if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($138,774/year)
- ✓Larger job market (1,470 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $141,691)
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, pharmacist salaries in Suffolk grew 0.0% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 2.2% growth in Virginia Beach over the same period.
Suffolk, VA
$133,939 (2024) → $133,994 (2025)
Virginia Beach, VA
$133,310 (2019) → $136,280 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Suffolk, VA
Virginia Beach, VA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays pharmacists more: Suffolk or Virginia Beach?
What is the hourly rate difference between Suffolk and Virginia Beach?
Should I relocate from Suffolk to Virginia Beach as a pharmacist?
What do entry-level pharmacists earn in Suffolk vs Virginia Beach?
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