Pharmacist Salary in the United States
Based on 322K+ data points from BLS and H-1B filings
Median Annual Salary
$142,891
$68.70/hr
▲ 2.9% vs 2024Salary Range
$101K – $172K
10th – 90th percentile
Total Employed
322K
workers nationwide
The median Pharmacist salary in the United States is $142,891 annually, or $69 per hour. This figure represents the midpoint of earnings, with most pharmacists falling between $100,612 and $171,784 per year. With over 321,960 pharmacists employed nationwide, this profession offers a substantial earning potential.
Several factors can influence a pharmacist's income. Location plays a significant role, with top-paying states like Alaska offering higher salaries. Additionally, years of experience, the specific work setting (such as retail, hospital, or clinical pharmacy), and any specialized certifications can all impact the overall Pharmacist salary in the United States.
Salary Distribution — Pharmacist
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $100,612 |
| 25th percentile | $130,558 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $142,891 |
| 75th percentile | $160,572 |
| 90th percentile | $171,784 |
Pharmacist Salary by State
Top 10 Highest-Paying States for Pharmacist
| # | State | Median Salary | vs National | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Alaska | $167,310 | +17.1% | 560 |
| 2 | Oregon | $165,960 | +16.1% | 3K |
| 3 | California | $164,610 | +15.2% | 34K |
| 4 | Hawaii | $163,220 | +14.2% | 1K |
| 5 | Washington | $160,610 | +12.4% | 7K |
| 6 | Minnesota | $159,740 | +11.8% | 6K |
| 7 | Colorado | $156,030 | +9.2% | 5K |
| 8 | District of Columbia | $153,400 | +7.4% | 850 |
| 9 | Delaware | $152,880 | +7.0% | 790 |
| 10 | Wisconsin | $148,740 | +4.1% | 6K |
Pharmacist Salary by Industry
How much Pharmacists earn across industries nationwide — Health Care and Social Assistance pays the most ($156,600 median). Ranked by median annual salary (2025 BLS OEWS data).
| # | Industry | Median Salary | vs National | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Health Care and Social Assistance | $156,600 | +9.6% | 122K |
| 2 | Transportation and Warehousing | $156,490 | +9.5% | 470 |
| 3 | Government (excl. schools, hospitals & USPS) | $153,650 | +7.5% | 10K |
| 4 | Other Services (except Public Administration) | $150,350 | +5.2% | — |
| 5 | Management of Companies and Enterprises | $144,820 | +1.3% | 5K |
| 6 | Educational Services | $141,770 | -0.8% | 2K |
| 7 | Manufacturing | $138,810 | -2.9% | 1K |
| 8 | Wholesale Trade | $137,940 | -3.5% | 7K |
| 9 | Real Estate and Rental and Leasing | $136,770 | -4.3% | 40 |
| 10 | Finance and Insurance | $136,570 | -4.4% | 7K |
| 11 | Retail Trade | $134,940 | -5.6% | 163K |
| 12 | Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services | $134,310 | -6.0% | 2K |
| 13 | Administrative and Support Services | $128,140 | -10.3% | 3K |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures.
Top H-1B Employers for Pharmacist
Companies that filed the most H-1B applications for Pharmacist roles, with their median base salary.
| # | Company | Median Salary | Filings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cvs Rx Services | $141,440 | 79 |
| 2 | Safeway | $156,520 | 8 |
Historical Salary Trend — Pharmacist
| Year | Median Salary (United States) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $132,955 |
| 2023 | $136,337 |
| 2024 | $138,804 |
| 2025 | $142,891 |
| 2026 (projected) | $147,098 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
Pharmacist Salary by Experience Level
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $130,558 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $142,891 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $160,572 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $171,784 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average salary for a Pharmacist in the US?
- The median salary for a Pharmacist in the United States is $142,891 per year. This means half of all pharmacists earn more, and half earn less, with a typical range between $100,612 and $171,784 annually.
Which states pay Pharmacists the most?
- Alaska is currently the top-paying state for Pharmacists, with an average salary of $167,310 per year. This highlights the significant geographical variations in pharmacist compensation across the country.
How much do entry-level Pharmacists typically earn?
- While the data focuses on median and range, entry-level pharmacists will likely earn closer to the lower end of the salary spectrum. The reported salary range starts at $100,612, suggesting that new graduates can expect to earn within this lower bracket.
Is there a significant difference in hourly pay for Pharmacists?
- Yes, the median hourly rate for a Pharmacist is $69. This aligns with the annual median of $142,891, indicating that pharmacists are well-compensated professionals.