Pharmacist · Salary Comparison · 2026
Pharmacist Salary: San Diego, CA vs Seattle, WA
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for Pharmacists in San Diego, CA and Seattle, WA, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ Seattle, WA
$104,000 vs $122,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Seattle, WA
$68,421 vs $75,309
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Seattle, WA
$57,341 vs $69,585
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | San Diego, CA | Seattle, WA | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $104,000 | $122,000▲ | -$18,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $80,080 | $93,940▲ | -$13,860 |
| 75th Percentile | $133,120 | $156,160▲ | -$23,040 |
| 90th Percentile | $166,400 | $195,200▲ | -$28,800 |
| Cost of Living Index | 152 | 162 | -10 |
| State Income Tax | 9.3% | 0%▲ | +9.3% |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $68,421 | $75,309▲ | -$6,888 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $87,159 | $112,728▲ | -$25,569 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $57,341 | $69,585▲ | -$12,244 |
| Total Employment | 19,200 | 46,400 | -27,200 |
▲ = Higher value wins for this metric. Diff = San Diego, CA minus Seattle, WA.
3Summary Analysis
On paper, Seattle, WA pays $18,000 more (median: $104,000 vs $122,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 152 vs 162), Seattle, WA provides better purchasing power ($68,421 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.