Trenton vs Union: Pharmacist Salary (2026)
Compare pharmacist salaries between Trenton, NJ and Union, NJ. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Trenton, NJ | Union, NJ |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $141,452 | $166,873▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $68.01 | $80.23▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $112,308 | $116,099▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $128,927 | $151,368▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $160,403 | $189,008▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $167,490 | $200,686▲ |
| Total Employed | 310▲ | 15 |
Verdict
Union, NJ offers better overall compensation for pharmacists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Trenton.
The salary gap between Trenton and Union is $25,421 (17.97%). Union's median is +16.30% compared to the US national median of $143,489.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Trenton spans $55,182,Union spans $84,587. Union 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, Union ($144,855 effective) pays 5.66% more than Trenton ($137,092 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Trenton if…
- ✓Larger job market (310 employed)
- ✓You prefer the New Jersey area and lifestyle
Choose Union if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($166,873/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($200,686)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $144,855)
- ✓You prefer the New Jersey area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, pharmacist salaries in Trenton grew 22.7% from 2020 to 2025, compared to 0.6% growth in Union over the same period.
Trenton, NJ
$113,220 (2020) → $138,910 (2025)
Union, NJ
$162,816 (2024) → $163,874 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Trenton, NJ
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays pharmacists more: Trenton or Union?
What is the hourly rate difference between Trenton and Union?
Should I relocate from Trenton to Union as a pharmacist?
What do entry-level pharmacists earn in Trenton vs Union?
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