San Francisco vs San Jose: Pharmacist Salary (2026)
Compare pharmacist salaries between San Francisco, CA and San Jose, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | San Francisco, CA | San Jose, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $180,657 | $202,682▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $86.85 | $97.44▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $138,061 | $154,680▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $167,571▲ | $161,177 |
| 75th Percentile | $224,148 | $228,944▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $233,415 | $238,364▲ |
| Total Employed | 3,670▲ | 1,960 |
Verdict
San Jose, CA offers better overall compensation for pharmacists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to San Francisco.
The salary gap between San Francisco and San Jose is $22,025 (12.19%). San Jose's median is +41.25% compared to the US national median of $143,489.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in San Francisco spans $95,354,San Jose spans $83,684. San Francisco has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, San Jose ($183,551 effective) pays 17.46% more than San Francisco ($156,260 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose San Francisco if…
- ✓Larger job market (3,670 employed)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Choose San Jose if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($202,682/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($238,364)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $183,551)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, pharmacist salaries in San Francisco grew 15.3% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 27.6% growth in San Jose over the same period.
San Francisco, CA
$153,870 (2019) → $177,410 (2025)
San Jose, CA
$155,970 (2019) → $199,040 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
San Francisco, CA
San Jose, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays pharmacists more: San Francisco or San Jose?
What is the hourly rate difference between San Francisco and San Jose?
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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