Pharmacist Salary

Lawrence vs South Bend: Pharmacist Salary (2026)

Compare pharmacist salaries between Lawrence, IN and South Bend, IN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Lawrence, IN
$140,163
$67.39/hr
South Bend, IN
$146,666
$70.51/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricLawrence, INSouth Bend, IN
Median Salary$140,163$146,666
Hourly Rate$67.39$70.51
Entry Level (P10)$104,953$112,828
25th Percentile$131,919$135,892
75th Percentile$162,120$161,777
Top Earner (P90)$172,968$167,297
Total Employed10270
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Lawrence ($140,163) and South Bend ($146,666) pharmacist salaries.LawrenceSouth BendMedian Salary$140,163$146,666Entry Level (P10)$104,953$112,828Top Earner (P90)$172,968$167,297US Median $143,489

Verdict

South Bend, IN offers better overall compensation for pharmacists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Lawrence.

The salary gap between Lawrence and South Bend is $6,503 (4.64%). South Bend's median is +2.21% compared to the US national median of $143,489.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Lawrence spans $68,015,South Bend spans $54,469. Lawrence has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Lawrence
P10 (Entry)$104,953
P25$131,919
Median$140,163
P75$162,120
P90 (Top)$172,968
South Bend
P10 (Entry)$112,828
P25$135,892
Median$146,666
P75$161,777
P90 (Top)$167,297

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, South Bend ($157,947 effective) pays 2.88% more than Lawrence ($153,519 effective).

Lawrence
Nominal: $140,163
CoL Index: 91.3
Adjusted: $153,519
South Bend
Nominal: $146,666
CoL Index: 92.858
Adjusted: $157,947

Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Lawrence if…

  • Better top-earner potential ($172,968)
  • You prefer the Indiana area and lifestyle

Choose South Bend if…

  • Higher median salary ($146,666/year)
  • Larger job market (270 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $157,947)
  • You prefer the Indiana area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, pharmacist salaries in Lawrence grew 23.1% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 14.7% growth in South Bend over the same period.

Lawrence, IN

+23.1%

$111,803 (2024) → $137,644 (2025)

South Bend, IN

+14.7%

$125,560 (2019) → $144,030 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays pharmacists more: Lawrence or South Bend?

South Bend has a higher median pharmacist salary at $146,666/year, compared to Lawrence at $140,163/year — a difference of $6,503 (4.64%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Lawrence and South Bend?

Lawrence pharmacists earn $67.39/hr while South Bend hygienists earn $70.51/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Lawrence to South Bend as a pharmacist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Lawrence and South Bend. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Lawrence = $153,519, South Bend = $157,947), job availability (10 vs 270 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level pharmacists earn in Lawrence vs South Bend?

Entry-level (10th percentile) pharmacists earn $104,953 in Lawrence and $112,828 in South Bend. The South Bend area offers higher starting salaries.
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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.

Clinically reviewed by Liam Patel, PharmDData verified by Amina Al-Sayed, PharmD

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