Gilbert vs Tucson: Pharmacist Salary (2026)
Compare pharmacist salaries between Gilbert, AZ and Tucson, AZ. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Gilbert, AZ | Tucson, AZ |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $159,290▲ | $150,118 |
| Hourly Rate | $76.59▲ | $72.17 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $112,275▲ | $74,092 |
| 25th Percentile | $145,821▲ | $132,756 |
| 75th Percentile | $190,029▲ | $164,934 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $209,319▲ | $178,579 |
| Total Employed | 49 | 1,010▲ |
Verdict
Gilbert, AZ offers better overall compensation for pharmacists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Tucson.
The salary gap between Gilbert and Tucson is $9,172 (6.11%). Gilbert's median is +11.01% compared to the US national median of $143,489.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Gilbert spans $97,044,Tucson spans $104,487. Tucson 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, Gilbert ($161,716 effective) pays 4.38% more than Tucson ($154,927 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Gilbert if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($159,290/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($209,319)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $161,716)
- ✓You prefer the Arizona area and lifestyle
Choose Tucson if…
- ✓Larger job market (1,010 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Arizona area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, pharmacist salaries in Gilbert grew 12.2% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 4.1% growth in Tucson over the same period.
Gilbert, AZ
$139,375 (2024) → $156,427 (2025)
Tucson, AZ
$141,590 (2019) → $147,420 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Gilbert, AZ
Tucson, AZ
Frequently Asked Questions
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Should I relocate from Gilbert to Tucson 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