Salary of a Pharmacist in the USA Pharmacists play a crucial role in the healthcare system, ensuring the safe and effective use of medications. If you’re considering a career in pharmacy or are curious about earning potential, understanding the salary landscape is essential. Pharmacist salaries in the USA vary based on factors like experience, location, industry, and specialization.
Key Takeaways
- The average annual salary for pharmacists in the USA ranges between 120,000and120,000and160,000.
- Location significantly impacts earnings, with states like California and Alaska offering higher wages.
- Specializations (e.g., clinical pharmacy, oncology) can lead to higher pay.
- Retail vs. Hospital Pharmacists: Hospital pharmacists often earn more than retail pharmacists.
- Job growth for pharmacists is projected at 3% (2022-2032), slower than average due to automation and mail-order pharmacies.
Average Pharmacist Salary of a Pharmacist in the USA
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual Salary of a Pharmacist in the USA was 132,750(asofMay2023)∗∗.However,salariescanrangefrom∗∗132,750(asofMay2023)∗∗.However,salariescanrangefrom∗∗112,000 to over $164,000, depending on various factors.
Salary by Experience Level
- Entry-Level (0-2 years): 110,000−110,000−125,000
- Mid-Career (3-7 years): 125,000−125,000−140,000
- Experienced (8+ years): 140,000−140,000−165,000+
Highest-Paying States for Pharmacists
Salaries vary widely by state due to cost of living and demand:
| State | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| California | $161,000 |
| Alaska | $157,000 |
| Oregon | $150,000 |
| Washington | $148,000 |
| Vermont | $145,000 |
(Source: BLS & ZipRecruiter, 2024)
Lowest-Paying States
- South Dakota: $115,000
- Mississippi: $118,000
- Arkansas: $120,000
Factors Influencing Pharmacist Salaries
1. Industry & Work Setting
- Hospitals: 135,000−135,000−155,000
- Retail (CVS, Walgreens): 120,000−120,000−140,000
- Pharmaceutical Companies: 140,000−140,000−170,000
- Government & Military: 130,000−130,000−150,000
2. Specializations & Certifications
- Clinical Pharmacists: 135,000−135,000−160,000
- Oncology Pharmacists: 140,000−140,000−170,000
- Nuclear Pharmacists: 145,000−145,000−180,000
3. Location & Cost of Living
Urban areas with higher living costs (e.g., San Francisco, New York) tend to offer higher Salary of a Pharmacist in the USA Rural areas may pay less but sometimes offer signing bonuses or loan repayment programs.
4. Shift Differentials & Overtime
Pharmacists working overnight shifts, weekends, or holidays often earn 5-15% more due to differential pay.
Job Outlook & Future Tren
The BLS projects 3% growth (2022-2032) for pharmacist Salary of a Pharmacist in the USA, slower than average due to:
- Automation in pharmacies
- Mail-order prescriptions reducing in-person demand
- Increased pharmacy school graduates leading to competition
However, specialized roles (e.g., ambulatory care, pharmacogenomics) are growing, offering new opportunities.
How to Increase Your Salary of a Pharmacist in the USA
- Pursue a Specialty Certification (e.g., Board Certification in Pharmacotherapy)
- Gain Experience in High-Demand Areas (e.g., geriatrics, critical care)
- Relocate to Higher-Paying States (e.g., California, Alaska)
- Negotiate Salary & Benefits (e.g., bonuses, flexible schedules)
- Transition to Non-Retail Roles (e.g., pharmaceutical industry, consulting)
FAQs
What is the starting salary for a pharmacist?
New pharmacists typically earn 110,000−110,000−125,000, depending on location and employer.
Do pharmacists make more than doctors?
No, physicians earn significantly more ($200,000+), but pharmacists have less educational debt and shorter training periods.
Which pharmacy setting pays the most?
Pharmaceutical companies, hospitals, and specialized clinics tend to pay more than retail pharmacies.
Are pharmacist salaries increasing?
Wage growth has slowed, but specialized pharmacists and those in high-demand areas still see increases.
Is pharmacy still a good career choice?
Yes, pharmacy offers stable income, flexible roles, and opportunities in research and healthcare innovation, though competition is rising.
Final Thoughts
Pharmacists in the USA earn competitive salaries, with variations based on location, experience, and specialization. While job growth is slower than in previous years, specialized roles and alternative career paths (e.g., pharmacovigilance, healthcare IT) offer new opportunities. If you’re entering this field, certifications, negotiation skills, and strategic career moves can maximize your earning potential.