Cedar Rapids vs Ottumwa: Pharmacist Salary (2026)
Compare pharmacist salaries between Cedar Rapids, IA and Ottumwa, IA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Cedar Rapids, IA | Ottumwa, IA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $135,963▲ | $132,755 |
| Hourly Rate | $65.36▲ | $63.83 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $124,497▲ | $103,374 |
| 25th Percentile | $132,735▲ | $127,503 |
| 75th Percentile | $161,788▲ | $148,885 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $168,386▲ | $155,086 |
| Total Employed | 240▲ | 5 |
Verdict
Cedar Rapids, IA offers better overall compensation for pharmacists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Ottumwa.
The salary gap between Cedar Rapids and Ottumwa is $3,208 (2.42%). Cedar Rapids's median is -5.25% compared to the US national median of $143,489.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Cedar Rapids spans $43,889,Ottumwa spans $51,712. Ottumwa 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, Cedar Rapids ($152,831 effective) pays 4.07% more than Ottumwa ($146,853 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Cedar Rapids if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($135,963/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($168,386)
- ✓Larger job market (240 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $152,831)
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Choose Ottumwa if…
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, pharmacist salaries in Cedar Rapids grew 13.1% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 19.2% growth in Ottumwa over the same period.
Cedar Rapids, IA
$118,080 (2019) → $133,520 (2025)
Ottumwa, IA
$109,342 (2024) → $130,369 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Cedar Rapids, IA
Ottumwa, IA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays pharmacists more: Cedar Rapids or Ottumwa?
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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