Pharmacist Salary: $140,910 Median, Top States Pay Over $160,000
The median annual salary for a pharmacist in the United States is $140,910, with a mean wage of $140,920 — about $68 an hour. That puts the typical full-time pharmacist solidly in the six-figure club. But not every pharmacist pulls that much: the bottom 10% earn $99,290 or less, while the top 10% bring home $174,230 or more. These figures come from the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ most recent Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
How Much Do Pharmacists Earn?
The median wage is the midpoint: half of pharmacists make more, half make less. Nationally, that’s $140,910 per year. The mean (average) wage is nearly identical at $140,920. The typical range, from the 10th percentile to the 90th, spans $99,290 to $174,230. That means about 80% of pharmacists earn between those figures. Pharmacists are typically paid hourly; the mean hourly wage is roughly $67.75.
Pay by State
Where you work matters a lot. The highest-paying state is Alaska, with an average annual wage of $167,310. Oregon follows at $165,960, then California at $164,610, Hawaii at $163,220, and Washington at $160,610. On the lower end, Mississippi averages $133,230, Louisiana $132,410, and Rhode Island $128,180. These figures reflect the mean annual wage for pharmacists in each state.
How to Become a Pharmacist
Becoming a pharmacist requires a Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) degree from an accredited program, which typically takes four years after at least two years of undergraduate pre-pharmacy coursework. After earning the degree, you must pass two licensing exams: the North American Pharmacist Licensure Examination (NAPLEX) and a state-specific pharmacy law exam. Many pharmacists also complete a one- or two-year residency, especially if they want to work in clinical or hospital settings.
Steps:
Complete prerequisite undergraduate coursework (typically one to two years of sciences and math).
Earn a Pharm.D. from an Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE)-accredited program.
Pass the NAPLEX and state law exam.
Apply for a state license; requirements vary but all states require passing the exams.
- Complete prerequisite coursework
- Earn a Pharm.D.
- Pass NAPLEX and state law exam
- Get licensed by your state
Job Outlook
The BLS projects employment of pharmacists to grow at a rate that is not available for 2024–2034. As of the latest data, there are 321,970 pharmacist jobs in the U.S. The occupation is large but mature; growth will come from an aging population needing more medications and pharmacists expanding into patient care roles.
Frequently asked questions
What is the starting salary for a pharmacist?
Entry-level pharmacists typically earn near the 10th percentile, which is $99,290 per year. Many new graduates start in retail chains or hospitals at salaries in the low $100,000s.
Which state pays pharmacists the most?
Alaska pays the highest mean wage at $167,310 per year. Oregon, California, Hawaii, and Washington also pay well above the national average.
How long does it take to become a pharmacist?
Typically six to eight years: two to three years of undergraduate prerequisites, followed by four years of pharmacy school. Some programs offer accelerated paths.
Is pharmacy a growing field?
The BLS projects limited growth for pharmacists in the near term. However, the occupation remains large with over 320,000 jobs, and demand for medication management will persist.
Salary figures are U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates (OEWS / Employment Projections). For informational purposes only; not career or financial advice. See the full Pharmacist data.