East Chicago vs South Bend: Pharmacist Salary (2026)
Compare pharmacist salaries between East Chicago, IN and South Bend, IN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | East Chicago, IN | South Bend, IN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $141,448 | $146,666▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $68.00 | $70.51▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $103,769 | $112,828▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $131,543 | $135,892▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $162,069▲ | $161,777 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $172,031▲ | $167,297 |
| Total Employed | 5 | 270▲ |
Verdict
South Bend, IN offers better overall compensation for pharmacists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to East Chicago.
The salary gap between East Chicago and South Bend is $5,218 (3.69%). South Bend's median is +2.21% compared to the US national median of $143,489.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in East Chicago spans $68,262,South Bend spans $54,469. East Chicago 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, South Bend ($157,947 effective) pays 1.95% more than East Chicago ($154,927 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose East Chicago if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($172,031)
- ✓You prefer the Indiana area and lifestyle
Choose South Bend if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($146,666/year)
- ✓Larger job market (270 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $157,947)
- ✓You prefer the Indiana area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, pharmacist salaries in East Chicago grew 23.1% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 14.7% growth in South Bend over the same period.
East Chicago, IN
$112,828 (2024) → $138,906 (2025)
South Bend, IN
$125,560 (2019) → $144,030 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
East Chicago, IN
South Bend, IN
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