Pharmacist · Salary Comparison · 2026
Pharmacist Salary: Richmond, VA vs Seattle, WA
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for Pharmacists in Richmond, VA and Seattle, WA, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ Seattle, WA
$83,000 vs $122,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Richmond, VA
$82,178 vs $75,309
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Richmond, VA
$71,566 vs $69,585
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Richmond, VA | Seattle, WA | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $83,000 | $122,000▲ | -$39,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $63,910 | $93,940▲ | -$30,030 |
| 75th Percentile | $106,240 | $156,160▲ | -$49,920 |
| 90th Percentile | $132,800 | $195,200▲ | -$62,400 |
| Cost of Living Index | 101 | 162 | -61 |
| State Income Tax | 5.75% | 0%▲ | +5.75% |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $82,178▲ | $75,309 | +$6,869 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $72,282 | $112,728▲ | -$40,446 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $71,566▲ | $69,585 | +$1,981 |
| Total Employment | 11,200 | 46,400 | -35,200 |
▲ = Higher value wins for this metric. Diff = Richmond, VA minus Seattle, WA.
3Summary Analysis
On paper, Seattle, WA pays $39,000 more (median: $83,000 vs $122,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 101 vs 162), Richmond, VA provides better purchasing power ($82,178 vs $75,309 equivalent). Seattle, WA has no state income tax, which is a significant advantage.
Data: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS · 2026 · Cost-of-living indices from composite metro area data. Take-home estimates approximate only — consult a tax professional for accurate figures.