Pharmacist Salary in Kentucky
Based on 5K+ workers in Kentucky
Median Annual Salary (KY)
$136,530
$65.64/hr
vs National Average
$142,891
-4.5% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$84K – $169K
5K employed in Kentucky
Pharmacist salary in Kentucky averages $136,530 annually, with approximately 5,030 licensed professionals working throughout the state. This figure falls about 4 percent below the national average, reflecting regional economic differences. Salaries in the field range from $84,280 for entry-level positions to $168,940 for experienced practitioners, offering considerable earning potential as pharmacists advance in their careers.
Several factors influence pharmacist compensation in Kentucky, including years of experience, employer type, and geographic location within the state. Pharmacists working in urban centers or specialized settings typically earn more than those in rural areas. Additionally, factors such as shift differentials, certifications, and the specific pharmacy sector—whether retail, hospital, or clinical—significantly impact overall earnings and career progression opportunities.
Salary Distribution — Pharmacist in Kentucky
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $84,280 |
| 25th percentile | $128,970 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $136,530 |
| 75th percentile | $158,280 |
| 90th percentile | $168,940 |
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 Kentucky 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 Kentucky vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Kentucky) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $129,690 |
| 2023 | $131,890 |
| 2024 | $132,750 |
| 2025 | $136,530 |
| 2026 (projected) | $140,418 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Kentucky Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $129,690 | $132,955 |
| 2023 | $131,890 | $136,337 |
| 2024 | $132,750 | $138,804 |
| 2025 | $136,530 | $142,891 |
| 2026 (projected) | $140,418 | $146,960 |
Pharmacist Salary by Experience Level in Kentucky
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $128,970 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $136,530 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $158,280 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $168,940 |
Pharmacist Salary in Other States
Related Pharmacist Salaries in Kentucky
How other high-demand occupations in Kentucky compare to Pharmacist ($136,530 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Pharmacist | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cardiologist in KY | $558,180 | +308.8% | $268.36/hr |
| Anesthesiologist in KY | $347,960 | +154.9% | $167.29/hr |
| Obstetrician and Gynecologist in KY | $317,110 | +132.3% | $152.46/hr |
| Radiologist in KY | $279,990 | +105.1% | $134.61/hr |
| Family Medicine Physician in KY | $248,730 | +82.2% | $119.58/hr |
| Internal Medicine Physician in KY | $241,530 | +76.9% | $116.12/hr |
| Psychiatrist in KY | $237,770 | +74.2% | $114.31/hr |
| Nurse Anesthetist in KY | $222,520 | +63.0% | $106.98/hr |
| Podiatrist in KY | $201,260 | +47.4% | $96.76/hr |
| Pediatrician in KY | $175,690 | +28.7% | $84.47/hr |
| Emergency Medicine Physician in KY | $169,390 | +24.1% | $81.44/hr |
| Surgeon in KY | $162,160 | +18.8% | $77.96/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do pharmacists make in Kentucky?
- The median salary for pharmacists in Kentucky is $136,530 per year, or $66 per hour. This is approximately 4.5% below the national average for pharmacists.
What is the salary range for pharmacists in Kentucky?
- Pharmacist salaries in Kentucky range from $84,280 at the lower end to $168,940 at the higher end, depending on experience, employer, and other factors.
How many pharmacists are employed in Kentucky?
- There are currently 5,030 pharmacists employed in Kentucky, representing the total workforce in this profession across the state.
Is the pharmacist salary in Kentucky lower than the national average?
- Yes, Kentucky's median pharmacist salary of $136,530 is 4.5% below the national average, making it a slightly lower-paying state for this profession compared to the rest of the country.