Pharmacist Salary in District of Columbia
Based on 850+ workers in District of Columbia
Median Annual Salary (DC)
$153,400
$73.75/hr
vs National Average
$142,891
+7.4% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$65K – $196K
850 employed in District of Columbia
Pharmacists in the District of Columbia earn a median salary of $153,400 per year, which is 7% above the national average. With approximately 850 pharmacists employed in the district, this represents a competitive compensation level for the region. Salaries in this field typically range from $64,870 to $196,080 annually, reflecting variations based on experience and specialization.
Several factors influence pharmacist salary in District of Columbia, including years of experience, type of employer, and specialized credentials. Those working in hospital settings, clinical roles, or specialty pharmacy often command higher compensation than retail pharmacists. Additionally, the district's higher cost of living and demand for healthcare professionals contribute to the elevated salary figures compared to national benchmarks.
Salary Distribution — Pharmacist in District of Columbia
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $64,870 |
| 25th percentile | $132,840 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $153,400 |
| 75th percentile | $165,710 |
| 90th percentile | $196,080 |
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 District of Columbia 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 District of Columbia vs National
| Year | Median Salary (District of Columbia) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $135,670 |
| 2023 | $140,320 |
| 2024 | $141,560 |
| 2025 | $153,400 |
| 2026 (projected) | $162,604 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | District of Columbia Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $135,670 | $132,955 |
| 2023 | $140,320 | $136,337 |
| 2024 | $141,560 | $138,804 |
| 2025 | $153,400 | $142,891 |
| 2026 (projected) | $162,604 | $151,464 |
Pharmacist Salary by Experience Level in District of Columbia
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $132,840 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $153,400 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $165,710 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $196,080 |
Pharmacist Salary in Other States
Related Pharmacist Salaries in District of Columbia
How other high-demand occupations in District of Columbia compare to Pharmacist ($153,400 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Pharmacist | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Emergency Medicine Physician in DC | $318,200 | +107.4% | $152.98/hr |
| Podiatrist in DC | $265,740 | +73.2% | $127.76/hr |
| Family Medicine Physician in DC | $233,390 | +52.1% | $112.21/hr |
| Internal Medicine Physician in DC | $223,250 | +45.5% | $107.33/hr |
| Anesthesiologist in DC | $202,570 | +32.1% | $97.39/hr |
| Psychiatrist in DC | $183,080 | +19.3% | $88.02/hr |
| Radiologist in DC | $182,450 | +18.9% | $87.72/hr |
| Medical and Health Services Manager in DC | $155,140 | +1.1% | $74.59/hr |
| Dental Hygienist in DC | $137,220 | -10.5% | $65.97/hr |
| Nurse Practitioner in DC | $135,880 | -11.4% | $65.33/hr |
| Physician Assistant in DC | $135,140 | -11.9% | $64.97/hr |
| Optometrist in DC | $134,840 | -12.1% | $64.83/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do pharmacists make in Washington DC?
- Pharmacists in District of Columbia earn a median salary of $153,400 per year, which translates to approximately $74 per hour. This is 7.4% higher than the national average for pharmacists.
What is the salary range for pharmacists in DC?
- Pharmacist salaries in District of Columbia range from $64,870 at the lower end to $196,080 at the higher end, reflecting variations based on experience, employer, and specialization.
Is DC a good place for pharmacists to work based on pay?
- Yes, District of Columbia offers competitive pharmacist compensation with a median salary of $153,400 annually, which is 7.4% above the national average, making it an attractive location for pharmacy professionals.
How many pharmacists work in Washington DC?
- There are approximately 850 pharmacists employed in District of Columbia, representing a significant pharmaceutical workforce in the region.