Scottsdale vs Tucson: Pharmacist Salary (2026)
Compare pharmacist salaries between Scottsdale, AZ and Tucson, AZ. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Scottsdale, AZ | Tucson, AZ |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $163,718▲ | $150,118 |
| Hourly Rate | $78.71▲ | $72.17 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $109,977▲ | $74,092 |
| 25th Percentile | $145,587▲ | $132,756 |
| 75th Percentile | $194,378▲ | $164,934 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $207,919▲ | $178,579 |
| Total Employed | 44 | 1,010▲ |
Verdict
Scottsdale, AZ offers better overall compensation for pharmacists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Tucson.
The salary gap between Scottsdale and Tucson is $13,600 (9.06%). Scottsdale's median is +14.10% compared to the US national median of $143,489.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Scottsdale spans $97,942,Tucson spans $104,487. Tucson 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, Scottsdale ($166,211 effective) pays 7.28% more than Tucson ($154,927 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Scottsdale if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($163,718/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($207,919)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $166,211)
- ✓You prefer the Arizona area and lifestyle
Choose Tucson if…
- ✓Larger job market (1,010 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Arizona area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, pharmacist salaries in Scottsdale grew 12.2% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 4.1% growth in Tucson over the same period.
Scottsdale, AZ
$143,250 (2024) → $160,776 (2025)
Tucson, AZ
$141,590 (2019) → $147,420 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Scottsdale, AZ
Tucson, AZ
Frequently Asked Questions
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Related Comparisons
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