Reno vs Sparks: Pharmacist Salary (2026)
Compare pharmacist salaries between Reno, NV and Sparks, NV. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Reno, NV | Sparks, NV |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $157,205▲ | $142,306 |
| Hourly Rate | $75.58▲ | $68.42 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $128,672▲ | $92,995 |
| 25th Percentile | $138,774▲ | $132,750 |
| 75th Percentile | $167,286 | $168,044▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $174,353 | $182,669▲ |
| Total Employed | 440▲ | 28 |
Verdict
Reno, NV offers better overall compensation for pharmacists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Sparks.
The salary gap between Reno and Sparks is $14,899 (10.47%). Reno's median is +9.56% compared to the US national median of $143,489.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Reno spans $45,681,Sparks spans $89,674. Sparks 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, Reno ($155,627 effective) pays 7.50% more than Sparks ($144,767 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Reno if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($157,205/year)
- ✓Larger job market (440 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $155,627)
- ✓You prefer the Nevada area and lifestyle
Choose Sparks if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($182,669)
- ✓You prefer the Nevada area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, pharmacist salaries in Reno grew 15.3% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 2.1% growth in Sparks over the same period.
Reno, NV
$133,890 (2019) → $154,380 (2025)
Sparks, NV
$136,863 (2024) → $139,749 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays pharmacists more: Reno or Sparks?
What is the hourly rate difference between Reno and Sparks?
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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