Lancaster vs Pittsburgh: Pharmacist Salary (2026)
Compare pharmacist salaries between Lancaster, PA and Pittsburgh, PA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Lancaster, PA | Pittsburgh, PA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $136,778▲ | $136,635 |
| Hourly Rate | $65.76▲ | $65.69 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $127,216▲ | $109,620 |
| 25th Percentile | $132,623▲ | $130,780 |
| 75th Percentile | $157,093▲ | $149,456 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $161,991 | $163,183▲ |
| Total Employed | 450 | 3,300▲ |
Verdict
Lancaster and Pittsburgh are closely matched on overall pharmacist compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Lancaster and Pittsburgh is $143 (0.10%). Lancaster's median is -4.68% compared to the US national median of $143,489.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Lancaster spans $34,775,Pittsburgh spans $53,563. Pittsburgh 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, Pittsburgh ($144,326 effective) pays 3.68% more than Lancaster ($139,204 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Lancaster if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($136,778/year)
- ✓You prefer the Pennsylvania area and lifestyle
Choose Pittsburgh if…
- ✓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 Lancaster grew 12.5% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 14.7% growth in Pittsburgh over the same period.
Lancaster, PA
$119,410 (2019) → $134,320 (2025)
Pittsburgh, PA
$116,950 (2019) → $134,180 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Lancaster, PA
Pittsburgh, PA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays pharmacists more: Lancaster or Pittsburgh?
What is the hourly rate difference between Lancaster and Pittsburgh?
Should I relocate from Lancaster to Pittsburgh as a pharmacist?
What do entry-level pharmacists earn in Lancaster vs Pittsburgh?
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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