Ithaca vs Rochester: Pharmacist Salary (2026)
Compare pharmacist salaries between Ithaca, NY and Rochester, NY. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Ithaca, NY | Rochester, NY |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $154,558▲ | $138,804 |
| Hourly Rate | $74.31▲ | $66.74 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $113,978 | $125,872▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $133,845 | $134,813▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $164,863▲ | $149,853 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $164,863▲ | $159,639 |
| Total Employed | 40 | 1,070▲ |
Verdict
Ithaca, NY offers better overall compensation for pharmacists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Rochester.
The salary gap between Ithaca and Rochester is $15,754 (11.35%). Ithaca's median is +7.71% compared to the US national median of $143,489.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Ithaca spans $50,885,Rochester spans $33,767. Ithaca 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, Ithaca ($149,596 effective) pays 4.58% more than Rochester ($143,045 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Ithaca if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($154,558/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($164,863)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $149,596)
- ✓You prefer the New York area and lifestyle
Choose Rochester if…
- ✓Larger job market (1,070 employed)
- ✓You prefer the New York area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, pharmacist salaries in Ithaca grew 10.0% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 15.9% growth in Rochester over the same period.
Ithaca, NY
$137,940 (2019) → $151,780 (2025)
Rochester, NY
$117,650 (2019) → $136,310 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Ithaca, NY
Rochester, NY
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