Centennial vs Denver: Pharmacist Salary (2026)
Compare pharmacist salaries between Centennial, CO and Denver, CO. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Centennial, CO | Denver, CO |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $162,252▲ | $160,779 |
| Hourly Rate | $78.00▲ | $77.30 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $108,635 | $124,691▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $143,690▲ | $140,067 |
| 75th Percentile | $183,526▲ | $172,327 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $212,084▲ | $191,939 |
| Total Employed | 16 | 2,630▲ |
Verdict
Centennial, CO offers better overall compensation for pharmacists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Denver.
The salary gap between Centennial and Denver is $1,473 (0.92%). Centennial's median is +13.08% compared to the US national median of $143,489.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Centennial spans $103,449,Denver spans $67,248. Centennial 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, Centennial ($154,526 effective) pays 1.67% more than Denver ($151,991 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Centennial if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($162,252/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($212,084)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $154,526)
- ✓You prefer the Colorado area and lifestyle
Choose Denver if…
- ✓Larger job market (2,630 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Colorado area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, pharmacist salaries in Centennial grew 10.3% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 23.4% growth in Denver over the same period.
Centennial, CO
$144,479 (2024) → $159,336 (2025)
Denver, CO
$127,950 (2019) → $157,890 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Centennial, CO
Denver, CO
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays pharmacists more: Centennial or Denver?
What is the hourly rate difference between Centennial and Denver?
Should I relocate from Centennial to Denver 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