Pharmacist vs Registered Nurse Salary
Side-by-side salary comparison for Pharmacist and Registered Nurse — national medians, pay ranges, and city-by-city data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Pharmacists earn more nationally
$137,480 median vs $93,600 — a $43,880/yr difference (32% lower)
Median Salary
$137,480
Salary Range
$86,930 – $172,040
10th–90th percentile
Median Salary
$93,600
Salary Range
$66,030 – $135,320
10th–90th percentile
Pharmacist vs Registered Nurse Salary by City
| City | Pharmacist | Registered Nurse |
|---|---|---|
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | $196,250 | $208,940 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA | $183,510 | $188,020 |
| Vallejo, CA | $177,530 | $192,470 |
| Santa Rosa-Petaluma, CA | $174,810 | $172,390 |
| Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom, CA | $173,510 | $169,210 |
| Chico, CA | $171,200 | $141,720 |
| Modesto, CA | $166,760 | $169,460 |
| California | $165,150 | $140,330 |
| Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA | $162,630 | $178,900 |
| Urban Honolulu, HI | $160,010 | $138,690 |
| Yuba City, CA | $159,710 | $144,220 |
| Kahului-Wailuku, HI | $158,070 | $139,310 |
Green = higher-paying role in that city. Source: BLS OEWS.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Pharmacist or Registered Nurse pay more?▾
Pharmacists earn more nationally, with a median salary of $137,480 versus $93,600 for Registered Nurse. That's a difference of about $43,880 per year.
What's the salary range for a Pharmacist vs a Registered Nurse?▾
Pharmacist salaries range from $86,930 (10th percentile) to $172,040 (90th percentile). Registered Nurse salaries range from $66,030 to $135,320.
Which career has more growth potential — Pharmacist or Registered Nurse?▾
Salary growth depends on experience, specialization, location, and industry sector. Both roles show strong upper-quartile earnings. Check city-by-city data above — in some metros one role significantly outpaces the other, which often reflects local industry demand and competition.