Baton Rouge vs Monroe: Pharmacist Salary (2026)
Compare pharmacist salaries between Baton Rouge, LA and Monroe, LA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Baton Rouge, LA | Monroe, LA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $137,145▲ | $134,405 |
| Hourly Rate | $65.93▲ | $64.62 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $115,852▲ | $111,718 |
| 25th Percentile | $129,232 | $131,819▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $154,578▲ | $143,305 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $164,191▲ | $155,057 |
| Total Employed | 960▲ | 280 |
Verdict
Baton Rouge, LA offers better overall compensation for pharmacists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Monroe.
The salary gap between Baton Rouge and Monroe is $2,740 (2.04%). Baton Rouge's median is -4.42% compared to the US national median of $143,489.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Baton Rouge spans $48,339,Monroe spans $43,339. Baton Rouge 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, Monroe ($160,777 effective) pays 6.42% more than Baton Rouge ($151,074 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Baton Rouge if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($137,145/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($164,191)
- ✓Larger job market (960 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Louisiana area and lifestyle
Choose Monroe if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $160,777)
- ✓You prefer the Louisiana area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, pharmacist salaries in Baton Rouge grew 2.3% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 11.6% growth in Monroe over the same period.
Baton Rouge, LA
$131,700 (2019) → $134,680 (2025)
Monroe, LA
$118,290 (2019) → $131,990 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Baton Rouge, LA
Monroe, LA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays pharmacists more: Baton Rouge or Monroe?
What is the hourly rate difference between Baton Rouge and Monroe?
Should I relocate from Baton Rouge to Monroe as a pharmacist?
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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