Baltimore vs Gaithersburg: Pharmacist Salary (2026)
Compare pharmacist salaries between Baltimore, MD and Gaithersburg, MD. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Baltimore, MD | Gaithersburg, MD |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $140,637 | $157,979▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $67.62 | $75.95▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $116,168▲ | $109,993 |
| 25th Percentile | $132,705 | $142,876▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $157,470 | $182,211▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $171,085 | $188,877▲ |
| Total Employed | 2,730▲ | 14 |
Verdict
Gaithersburg, MD offers better overall compensation for pharmacists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Baltimore.
The salary gap between Baltimore and Gaithersburg is $17,342 (12.33%). Gaithersburg's median is +10.10% compared to the US national median of $143,489.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Baltimore spans $54,917,Gaithersburg spans $78,884. Gaithersburg has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced pharmacists.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Gaithersburg ($144,537 effective) pays 7.38% more than Baltimore ($134,598 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Baltimore if…
- ✓Larger job market (2,730 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Maryland area and lifestyle
Choose Gaithersburg if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($157,979/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($188,877)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $144,537)
- ✓You prefer the Maryland area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, pharmacist salaries in Baltimore grew 14.2% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 4.4% growth in Gaithersburg over the same period.
Baltimore, MD
$120,900 (2019) → $138,110 (2025)
Gaithersburg, MD
$148,633 (2024) → $155,140 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Baltimore, MD
Gaithersburg, MD
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays pharmacists more: Baltimore or Gaithersburg?
What is the hourly rate difference between Baltimore and Gaithersburg?
Should I relocate from Baltimore to Gaithersburg as a pharmacist?
What do entry-level pharmacists earn in Baltimore vs Gaithersburg?
Related Comparisons
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