Erie vs Pittsburgh: Pharmacist Salary (2026)
Compare pharmacist salaries between Erie, PA and Pittsburgh, PA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Erie, PA | Pittsburgh, PA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $130,709 | $136,635▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $62.84 | $65.69▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $101,749 | $109,620▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $116,992 | $130,780▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $139,161 | $149,456▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $158,682 | $163,183▲ |
| Total Employed | 220 | 3,300▲ |
Verdict
Pittsburgh, PA offers better overall compensation for pharmacists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Erie.
The salary gap between Erie and Pittsburgh is $5,926 (4.53%). Pittsburgh's median is -4.78% compared to the US national median of $143,489.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Erie spans $56,933,Pittsburgh spans $53,563. Erie 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, Pittsburgh ($144,326 effective) pays 0.43% more than Erie ($143,715 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Erie if…
- ✓You prefer the Pennsylvania area and lifestyle
Choose Pittsburgh if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($136,635/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($163,183)
- ✓Larger job market (3,300 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $144,326)
- ✓You prefer the Pennsylvania area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, pharmacist salaries in Erie grew 11.0% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 14.7% growth in Pittsburgh over the same period.
Erie, PA
$115,620 (2019) → $128,360 (2025)
Pittsburgh, PA
$116,950 (2019) → $134,180 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Pittsburgh, PA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays pharmacists more: Erie or Pittsburgh?
What is the hourly rate difference between Erie and Pittsburgh?
Should I relocate from Erie to Pittsburgh 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