Burlington vs Raleigh: Pharmacist Salary (2026)
Compare pharmacist salaries between Burlington, NC and Raleigh, NC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Burlington, NC | Raleigh, NC |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $133,122 | $135,556▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $64.00 | $65.17▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $67,177 | $103,581▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $126,076 | $131,310▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $154,466 | $160,647▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $168,722▲ | $168,081 |
| Total Employed | 120 | 1,730▲ |
Verdict
Raleigh, NC offers better overall compensation for pharmacists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Burlington.
The salary gap between Burlington and Raleigh is $2,434 (1.83%). Raleigh's median is -5.53% compared to the US national median of $143,489.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Burlington spans $101,545,Raleigh spans $64,500. Burlington 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, Burlington ($142,841 effective) pays 3.43% more than Raleigh ($138,101 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Burlington if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($168,722)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $142,841)
- ✓You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle
Choose Raleigh if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($135,556/year)
- ✓Larger job market (1,730 employed)
- ✓You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, pharmacist salaries in Burlington grew 4.3% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 6.7% growth in Raleigh over the same period.
Burlington, NC
$125,360 (2019) → $130,730 (2025)
Raleigh, NC
$124,710 (2019) → $133,120 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Burlington, NC
Raleigh, NC
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