Pharmacist Salary in Colorado
Based on 5K+ workers in Colorado
Median Annual Salary (CO)
$156,030
$75.01/hr
vs National Average
$142,891
+9.2% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$120K – $188K
5K employed in Colorado
Pharmacist salary in Colorado averages $156,030 per year, positioning the state well above the national median. With approximately 4,560 pharmacists employed throughout Colorado, the profession remains in steady demand. Salaries in the state range from $120,410 to $188,430 annually, reflecting the diversity of pharmacy roles and experience levels available to professionals in this region.
Several factors influence pharmacist compensation in Colorado, including years of experience, work setting, and specialization. Pharmacists in hospital systems, clinical roles, or specialized practices typically earn more than those in retail settings. Geographic location within Colorado, employer size, and additional certifications also play meaningful roles in determining salary outcomes. The state's growing healthcare sector and competitive market for experienced professionals contribute to wages remaining 9% above the national average.
Salary Distribution — Pharmacist in Colorado
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $120,410 |
| 25th percentile | $136,750 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $156,030 |
| 75th percentile | $169,120 |
| 90th percentile | $188,430 |
Top-Paying Industries for Pharmacist (U.S.)
Which industries pay Pharmacists the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Pharmacists in Colorado tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Health Care and Social Assistance | $156,600 | 122K |
| Transportation and Warehousing | $156,490 | 470 |
| Government (excl. schools, hospitals & USPS) | $153,650 | 10K |
| Other Services (except Public Administration) | $150,350 | — |
| Management of Companies and Enterprises | $144,820 | 5K |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Pharmacist in Colorado vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Colorado) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $136,100 |
| 2023 | $144,240 |
| 2024 | $151,680 |
| 2025 | $156,030 |
| 2026 (projected) | $160,505 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Colorado Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $136,100 | $132,955 |
| 2023 | $144,240 | $136,337 |
| 2024 | $151,680 | $138,804 |
| 2025 | $156,030 | $142,891 |
| 2026 (projected) | $160,505 | $146,989 |
Pharmacist Salary by Experience Level in Colorado
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $136,750 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $156,030 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $169,120 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $188,430 |
Pharmacist Salary in Other States
Related Pharmacist Salaries in Colorado
How other high-demand occupations in Colorado compare to Pharmacist ($156,030 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Pharmacist | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Radiologist in CO | $344,270 | +120.6% | $165.51/hr |
| Internal Medicine Physician in CO | $299,990 | +92.3% | $144.23/hr |
| Psychiatrist in CO | $266,370 | +70.7% | $128.06/hr |
| Family Medicine Physician in CO | $265,560 | +70.2% | $127.67/hr |
| Pediatrician in CO | $196,440 | +25.9% | $94.44/hr |
| Dentist in CO | $166,240 | +6.5% | $79.92/hr |
| Optometrist in CO | $152,000 | -2.6% | $73.08/hr |
| Podiatrist in CO | $142,620 | -8.6% | $68.57/hr |
| Nurse Midwife in CO | $137,610 | -11.8% | $66.16/hr |
| Medical and Health Services Manager in CO | $134,910 | -13.5% | $64.86/hr |
| Physician Assistant in CO | $134,540 | -13.8% | $64.68/hr |
| Nurse Practitioner in CO | $132,930 | -14.8% | $63.91/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do pharmacists make in Colorado?
- Pharmacists in Colorado earn a median salary of $156,030 per year, or $75 per hour. This is 9.2% higher than the national average, making Colorado a competitive state for pharmacy professionals.
What is the salary range for pharmacists in Colorado?
- The salary range for pharmacists in Colorado spans from $120,410 at the lower end to $188,430 at the higher end. This $68,020 range reflects differences in experience, specialization, and employer type.
How many pharmacists are employed in Colorado?
- There are currently 4,560 pharmacists employed in Colorado. This represents a substantial workforce in the state's healthcare sector.
Is a pharmacist salary in Colorado above the national average?
- Yes, Colorado pharmacists earn 9.2% more than the national average, with a median salary of $156,030 compared to lower national figures. This makes Colorado an attractive location for pharmacists seeking above-average compensation.