Kennewick vs Richland: Pharmacist Salary (2026)
Compare pharmacist salaries between Kennewick, WA and Richland, WA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Kennewick, WA | Richland, WA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $161,024 | $164,379▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $77.41 | $79.03▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $127,063▲ | $115,333 |
| 25th Percentile | $135,607 | $149,327▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $171,522 | $186,656▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $206,216▲ | $197,634 |
| Total Employed | 220▲ | 15 |
Verdict
Kennewick and Richland are closely matched on overall pharmacist compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Kennewick and Richland is $3,355 (2.08%). Richland's median is +14.56% compared to the US national median of $143,489.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Kennewick spans $79,153,Richland spans $82,301. Richland 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, Kennewick ($160,897 effective) pays 5.12% more than Richland ($153,053 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Kennewick if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($206,216)
- ✓Larger job market (220 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $160,897)
- ✓You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle
Choose Richland if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($164,379/year)
- ✓You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, pharmacist salaries in Kennewick grew 20.3% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 2.6% growth in Richland over the same period.
Kennewick, WA
$131,400 (2019) → $158,130 (2025)
Richland, WA
$157,386 (2024) → $161,425 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Kennewick, WA
Richland, WA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays pharmacists more: Kennewick or Richland?
What is the hourly rate difference between Kennewick and Richland?
Should I relocate from Kennewick to Richland as a pharmacist?
What do entry-level pharmacists earn in Kennewick vs Richland?
Related Comparisons
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