Albany vs Rochester: Pharmacist Salary (2026)
Compare pharmacist salaries between Albany, NY and Rochester, NY. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Albany, NY | Rochester, NY |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $139,222▲ | $138,804 |
| Hourly Rate | $66.93▲ | $66.74 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $99,121 | $125,872▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $132,318 | $134,813▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $154,120▲ | $149,853 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $167,337▲ | $159,639 |
| Total Employed | 1,050 | 1,070▲ |
Verdict
Albany, NY offers better overall compensation for pharmacists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Rochester.
The salary gap between Albany and Rochester is $418 (0.30%). Albany's median is -2.97% compared to the US national median of $143,489.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Albany spans $68,216,Rochester spans $33,767. Albany 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, Rochester ($143,045 effective) pays 2.30% more than Albany ($139,829 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Albany if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($139,222/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($167,337)
- ✓You prefer the New York area and lifestyle
Choose Rochester if…
- ✓Larger job market (1,070 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $143,045)
- ✓You prefer the New York area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, pharmacist salaries in Albany grew 4.8% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 15.9% growth in Rochester over the same period.
Albany, NY
$130,460 (2019) → $136,720 (2025)
Rochester, NY
$117,650 (2019) → $136,310 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Albany, NY
Rochester, NY
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays pharmacists more: Albany or Rochester?
What is the hourly rate difference between Albany and Rochester?
Should I relocate from Albany to Rochester as a pharmacist?
What do entry-level pharmacists earn in Albany vs Rochester?
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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