Philadelphia vs Reading: Pharmacist Salary (2026)
Compare pharmacist salaries between Philadelphia, PA and Reading, PA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Philadelphia, PA | Reading, PA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $151,462▲ | $145,831 |
| Hourly Rate | $72.82▲ | $70.11 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $122,033▲ | $121,544 |
| 25th Percentile | $135,831▲ | $135,403 |
| 75th Percentile | $161,747▲ | $158,763 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $170,331 | $180,127▲ |
| Total Employed | 6,460▲ | 240 |
Verdict
Philadelphia, PA offers better overall compensation for pharmacists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Reading.
The salary gap between Philadelphia and Reading is $5,631 (3.86%). Philadelphia's median is +5.56% compared to the US national median of $143,489.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Philadelphia spans $48,298,Reading spans $58,583. Reading 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, Reading ($150,248 effective) pays 1.73% more than Philadelphia ($147,690 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Philadelphia if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($151,462/year)
- ✓Larger job market (6,460 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Pennsylvania area and lifestyle
Choose Reading if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($180,127)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $150,248)
- ✓You prefer the Pennsylvania area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, pharmacist salaries in Philadelphia grew 19.1% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 13.4% growth in Reading over the same period.
Philadelphia, PA
$124,850 (2019) → $148,740 (2025)
Reading, PA
$126,330 (2019) → $143,210 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Philadelphia, PA
Reading, PA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays pharmacists more: Philadelphia or Reading?
What is the hourly rate difference between Philadelphia and Reading?
Should I relocate from Philadelphia to Reading as a pharmacist?
What do entry-level pharmacists earn in Philadelphia vs Reading?
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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