Pharmacist Salary in 2026
Pharmacists dispense medications, advise patients on drug interactions, and ensure safe and effective use of pharmaceuticals. They work in retail, hospital, and clinical settings.
Median Salary
$140,910
$11,743/mo
Entry Level
$114,200
starting pay
Senior Level
$152,700
experienced
Job Growth
-2%
10-yr outlook
BLS OEWS May 2025 · official national figures
BLS reports Pharmacists (SOC 29-1051) at a national median of $140,910 per year (mean $140,920), or $67.75 per hour, with 321,970 people employed nationwide. The median above is this BLS figure; the entry, senior and top tiers are Salario estimates calibrated to it. Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 release.
Pharmacist Overview
Pharmacists dispense medications, advise patients on drug interactions, and ensure safe and effective use of pharmaceuticals. They work in retail, hospital, and clinical settings.
Education
Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD)
Experience
0-2 years
Industry
Healthcare
Total Jobs (US)
322K
5-Year Growth
+6%
Category
Healthcare
Hourly Rate
$67.75/hr
Monthly Pay
$11,743
Pharmacist Salary Calculator
Adjust your state and experience level to see the estimated Pharmacist salary in your area.
Mid Career (5-9 yrs)
Estimated Pharmacist Salary
$140,000
$11,667/month · $5,385/biweekly · $67.31/hr
Pharmacist Salary Range
Salary distribution from entry-level to top earners in the Pharmacist field.
Entry-level Pharmacists earn around $114,200, while the top 10% earn $167,600 or more.
Top Paying States for Pharmacists
| State | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| California | $166,000 | +$25,090 |
| New York | $162,000 | +$21,090 |
| Pennsylvania | $141,000 | +$90 |
| Texas | $138,000 | $-2,910 |
| Florida | $138,000 | $-2,910 |
Top Paying Cities for Pharmacists
| City | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| Los AngelesBLS metro | $157,440 | +$16,530 |
| New YorkBLS metro | $141,320 | +$410 |
| ChicagoBLS metro | $140,880 | $-30 |
| HoustonBLS metro | $140,470 | $-440 |
| MiamiBLS metro | $135,210 | $-5,700 |
Rows marked BLS metro are the BLS OEWS May 2025 median annual wage for Pharmacists in that city's metropolitan statistical area (5 of 5); the remaining rows are Salario estimates that scale the national median by a city cost-of-labor multiplier.
Pharmacist Salary by City
Published city-level wage and take-home pay guides for Pharmacist.
Required Skills & Certifications
Key Skills
Certifications
Pharmacist Career Progression
Typical salary growth path for a Pharmacist from entry level to expert.
$114,200
0-2 years
$133,000
3-7 years
$152,700
8-14 years
$182,500
15+ years
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Pharmacist Salary FAQ
How much does a Pharmacist make in 2026?
The median salary for a Pharmacist in the United States is $140,910 per year, the BLS OEWS May 2025 national median for Pharmacists (SOC 29-1051); the mean is $140,920. Salario's calibrated tiers put entry-level positions around $114,200, senior professionals around $152,700, and top earners at $182,500 or more annually.
What education is needed to become a Pharmacist?
A Pharmacist typically requires a Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) with 0-2 years of experience. Key skills include Medication Management, Drug Interactions, Patient Counseling. Relevant certifications such as NAPLEX or State Licensure can boost earning potential and career advancement.
What is the job outlook for Pharmacists?
The job market for Pharmacists is projected to grow by -2% over the next decade. There are currently approximately 322K Pharmacist positions in the US. Salary growth over the past 5 years has been approximately 6%, reflecting moderate demand for this role.
Which states pay Pharmacists the most?
The highest-paying states for Pharmacists include California, Texas, New York. In California, the median salary is approximately $166,000. However, cost of living varies significantly, so adjusted purchasing power should be considered when comparing salaries across states.
How can I increase my Pharmacist salary?
To increase your Pharmacist salary, focus on gaining expertise in high-demand skills like Medication Management and Drug Interactions. Pursue certifications such as NAPLEX. Consider relocating to higher-paying markets like Los Angeles. With 0-2 years of experience, you can progress from $114,200 to $152,700 or more.
Methodology & Data Sources: Pharmacist Salary
How we calculate Pharmacist salary data: The national median is the official BLS OEWS May 2025 annual median wage for Pharmacists (SOC 29-1051), retrieved from the BLS Public Data API. The entry, senior and top tiers are a Salario model: the shape of the distribution is Salario's, rescaled so that its median equals the BLS median. State and most city figures are Salario estimates that apply cost-of-labor multipliers to that median.
- National median salary: $140,910, BLS OEWS May 2025 annual median for Pharmacists; BLS mean $140,920; BLS hourly median $67.75.
- Entry-level ($114,200) and senior-level ($152,700) are Salario tiers calibrated to the BLS median; they are not BLS percentiles. BLS publishes P10/P25/P75/P90 wages for this occupation in its OEWS tables.
- Job outlook: -2% projected growth is Salario's outlook figure; compare with the BLS Employment Projections program. BLS OEWS May 2025 counts 321,970 Pharmacists jobs nationwide.
- 5-year salary growth: 6% is a Salario estimate of past 5-year wage growth for the Healthcare sector, informed by the BLS Employment Cost Index.
- Education requirement: Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD), per BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook entry for this occupation.
- State and city estimates apply Salario cost-of-labor multipliers to the national median of $140,910; city rows marked "BLS metro" are real OEWS metropolitan-area medians instead.
Authoritative US data sources for Pharmacist compensation:
- BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), national and metro-area salary data
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, Pharmacist job projections, education, and career outlook
- BLS Employment Projections, 10-year occupation growth and decline data
- BLS Employment Cost Index, quarterly compensation trend data for Healthcare
- BLS Consumer Price Index (CPI-U), regional inflation for cost-of-living wage adjustments
- IRS Revenue Procedure 2025-32 summary, 2026 federal tax brackets and standard deductions
Disclaimer: Pharmacist salary figures are statistical estimates for general guidance. Actual compensation depends on employer, location, negotiation, specific skills (Medication Management, Drug Interactions, Patient Counseling), certifications, and industry conditions. Always verify with multiple sources including current job listings, recruiter data, and direct employer offers before making career decisions.
Reviewed by Harlan Voss · Last updated May 17, 2026 · BLS figures: OEWS May 2025 release (published May 2026), retrieved from the BLS API on September 17, 2026
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