Monroe vs Winston: Pharmacist Salary (2026)
Compare pharmacist salaries between Monroe, NC and Winston, NC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Monroe, NC | Winston, NC |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $134,313 | $138,193▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $64.57 | $66.43▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $101,530▲ | $66,291 |
| 25th Percentile | $127,224 | $128,041▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $153,347 | $166,227▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $161,956 | $170,341▲ |
| Total Employed | 6 | 1,010▲ |
Verdict
Winston, NC offers better overall compensation for pharmacists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Monroe.
The salary gap between Monroe and Winston is $3,880 (2.89%). Winston's median is -3.69% compared to the US national median of $143,489.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Monroe spans $60,426,Winston spans $104,050. Winston 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, Winston ($150,140 effective) pays 4.63% more than Monroe ($143,497 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Monroe if…
- ✓You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle
Choose Winston if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($138,193/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($170,341)
- ✓Larger job market (1,010 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $150,140)
- ✓You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, pharmacist salaries in Monroe grew 12.7% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 8.6% growth in Winston over the same period.
Monroe, NC
$116,996 (2024) → $131,899 (2025)
Winston, NC
$124,910 (2019) → $135,710 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Monroe, NC
Winston, NC
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays pharmacists more: Monroe or Winston?
What is the hourly rate difference between Monroe and Winston?
Should I relocate from Monroe to Winston as a pharmacist?
What do entry-level pharmacists earn in Monroe vs Winston?
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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