Pharmacist Salary in Iowa
Based on 3K+ workers in Iowa
Median Annual Salary (IA)
$138,860
$66.76/hr
vs National Average
$142,891
-2.8% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$117K – $165K
3K employed in Iowa
Pharmacist salary in Iowa averages $138,860 per year, with approximately 3,230 professionals employed throughout the state. This figure falls about 3% below the national average, though it remains a competitive compensation level for healthcare professionals. Iowa's pharmacist salaries typically range from $117,450 to $164,520 annually, reflecting variations in experience and employment setting.
Several factors influence pharmacist compensation across Iowa, including years of experience, type of employer, and geographic location within the state. Pharmacists working in hospital settings, specialty pharmacy, or management roles often earn toward the higher end of the salary range. Rural versus urban positioning and individual credentials or certifications can also affect earning potential, as can whether a pharmacist works for large chains, independent retailers, or institutional healthcare systems.
Salary Distribution — Pharmacist in Iowa
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $117,450 |
| 25th percentile | $127,840 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $138,860 |
| 75th percentile | $157,880 |
| 90th percentile | $164,520 |
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 Iowa 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 Iowa vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Iowa) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $130,630 |
| 2023 | $130,890 |
| 2024 | $133,220 |
| 2025 | $138,860 |
| 2026 (projected) | $144,739 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Iowa Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $130,630 | $132,955 |
| 2023 | $130,890 | $136,337 |
| 2024 | $133,220 | $138,804 |
| 2025 | $138,860 | $142,891 |
| 2026 (projected) | $144,739 | $148,940 |
Pharmacist Salary by Experience Level in Iowa
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $127,840 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $138,860 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $157,880 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $164,520 |
Pharmacist Salary in Other States
Related Pharmacist Salaries in Iowa
How other high-demand occupations in Iowa compare to Pharmacist ($138,860 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Pharmacist | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Emergency Medicine Physician in IA | $429,050 | +209.0% | $206.27/hr |
| Radiologist in IA | $405,220 | +191.8% | $194.82/hr |
| Surgeon in IA | $370,390 | +166.7% | $178.07/hr |
| Obstetrician and Gynecologist in IA | $356,020 | +156.4% | $171.16/hr |
| Psychiatrist in IA | $295,270 | +112.6% | $141.96/hr |
| Cardiologist in IA | $283,070 | +103.9% | $136.09/hr |
| Nurse Anesthetist in IA | $273,070 | +96.7% | $131.28/hr |
| Family Medicine Physician in IA | $265,200 | +91.0% | $127.50/hr |
| Pediatrician in IA | $262,440 | +89.0% | $126.17/hr |
| Dentist in IA | $181,520 | +30.7% | $87.27/hr |
| Podiatrist in IA | $134,830 | -2.9% | $64.82/hr |
| Physician Assistant in IA | $134,770 | -2.9% | $64.79/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do pharmacists make in Iowa?
- Pharmacists in Iowa earn a median salary of $138,860 per year, or approximately $67 per hour. This is slightly below the national average, representing a difference of -2.8% compared to pharmacists nationwide.
What is the salary range for pharmacists in Iowa?
- The salary range for pharmacists in Iowa spans from $117,450 to $164,520 per year. This range reflects differences based on experience, location within the state, and specific employer type.
How many pharmacists are employed in Iowa?
- There are currently 3,230 pharmacists employed in Iowa, making it a significant part of the state's healthcare workforce.
Is a pharmacist salary in Iowa competitive compared to the national average?
- Iowa's pharmacist median salary of $138,860 is slightly below the national average by 2.8%, meaning pharmacists in Iowa earn modestly less than their national counterparts. However, the state still offers competitive compensation within the healthcare field.