Riverside vs Sacramento: Pharmacist Salary (2026)
Compare pharmacist salaries between Riverside, CA and Sacramento, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Riverside, CA | Sacramento, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $164,832 | $175,840▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $79.24 | $84.54▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $105,710 | $106,331▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $134,029 | $159,282▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $190,707 | $206,267▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $210,808 | $217,733▲ |
| Total Employed | 3,400▲ | 2,310 |
Verdict
Sacramento, CA offers better overall compensation for pharmacists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Riverside.
The salary gap between Riverside and Sacramento is $11,008 (6.68%). Sacramento's median is +22.55% compared to the US national median of $143,489.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Riverside spans $105,098,Sacramento spans $111,402. Sacramento 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, Sacramento ($164,845 effective) pays 6.45% more than Riverside ($154,856 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Riverside if…
- ✓Larger job market (3,400 employed)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Choose Sacramento if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($175,840/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($217,733)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $164,845)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, pharmacist salaries in Riverside grew 8.6% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 13.7% growth in Sacramento over the same period.
Riverside, CA
$149,040 (2019) → $161,870 (2025)
Sacramento, CA
$151,940 (2019) → $172,680 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Riverside, CA
Sacramento, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays pharmacists more: Riverside or Sacramento?
What is the hourly rate difference between Riverside and Sacramento?
Should I relocate from Riverside to Sacramento as a pharmacist?
What do entry-level pharmacists earn in Riverside vs Sacramento?
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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