Ankeny vs Cedar Rapids: Pharmacist Salary (2026)
Compare pharmacist salaries between Ankeny, IA and Cedar Rapids, IA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Ankeny, IA | Cedar Rapids, IA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $138,664▲ | $135,963 |
| Hourly Rate | $66.67▲ | $65.36 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $99,686 | $124,497▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $127,764 | $132,735▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $162,289▲ | $161,788 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $174,770▲ | $168,386 |
| Total Employed | 16 | 240▲ |
Verdict
Ankeny, IA offers better overall compensation for pharmacists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Cedar Rapids.
The salary gap between Ankeny and Cedar Rapids is $2,701 (1.99%). Ankeny's median is -3.36% compared to the US national median of $143,489.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Ankeny spans $75,084,Cedar Rapids spans $43,889. Ankeny 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, Ankeny ($153,389 effective) pays 0.37% more than Cedar Rapids ($152,831 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Ankeny if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($138,664/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($174,770)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $153,389)
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Choose Cedar Rapids if…
- ✓Larger job market (240 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, pharmacist salaries in Ankeny grew 19.2% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 13.1% growth in Cedar Rapids over the same period.
Ankeny, IA
$114,209 (2024) → $136,172 (2025)
Cedar Rapids, IA
$118,080 (2019) → $133,520 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Ankeny, IA
Cedar Rapids, IA
Frequently Asked Questions
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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