Cary vs Charlotte: Pharmacist Salary (2026)
Compare pharmacist salaries between Cary, NC and Charlotte, NC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Cary, NC | Charlotte, NC |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $134,910 | $153,336▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $64.87 | $73.72▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $97,829▲ | $93,449 |
| 25th Percentile | $125,287 | $134,212▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $153,411 | $170,168▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $172,163 | $177,113▲ |
| Total Employed | 44 | 2,530▲ |
Verdict
Charlotte, NC offers better overall compensation for pharmacists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Cary.
The salary gap between Cary and Charlotte is $18,426 (13.66%). Charlotte's median is +6.86% compared to the US national median of $143,489.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Cary spans $74,334,Charlotte spans $83,664. Charlotte 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, Charlotte ($157,513 effective) pays 9.28% more than Cary ($144,135 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Cary if…
- ✓You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle
Choose Charlotte if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($153,336/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($177,113)
- ✓Larger job market (2,530 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $157,513)
- ✓You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, pharmacist salaries in Cary grew 8.3% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 16.5% growth in Charlotte over the same period.
Cary, NC
$122,312 (2024) → $132,486 (2025)
Charlotte, NC
$129,280 (2019) → $150,580 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Charlotte, NC
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays pharmacists more: Cary or Charlotte?
What is the hourly rate difference between Cary and Charlotte?
Should I relocate from Cary to Charlotte as a pharmacist?
What do entry-level pharmacists earn in Cary vs Charlotte?
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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