Pharmacist Salary in Massachusetts
Based on 7K+ workers in Massachusetts
Median Annual Salary (MA)
$138,170
$66.43/hr
vs National Average
$142,891
-3.3% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$114K – $165K
7K employed in Massachusetts
Pharmacist salary in Massachusetts averages $138,170 per year, according to the latest employment data. With approximately 7,230 pharmacists working in the state, Massachusetts offers a competitive healthcare job market. However, this median falls about 3% below the national average, reflecting regional cost-of-living adjustments and labor market dynamics that influence compensation across the state's pharmacy sector.
Several factors shape pharmacist salary in Massachusetts, including experience level, specialization, and work setting. Retail pharmacy positions often differ significantly from hospital or clinical roles in terms of compensation. Geographic location within the state, employer size, and additional certifications can also impact earning potential. Pharmacists entering the field should expect salaries ranging from $113,710 to $164,500, with advancement opportunities potentially improving earnings over time.
Salary Distribution — Pharmacist in Massachusetts
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $113,710 |
| 25th percentile | $133,460 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $138,170 |
| 75th percentile | $155,490 |
| 90th percentile | $164,500 |
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 Massachusetts 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 Massachusetts vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Massachusetts) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $131,440 |
| 2023 | $135,200 |
| 2024 | $136,030 |
| 2025 | $138,170 |
| 2026 (projected) | $140,344 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Massachusetts Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $131,440 | $132,955 |
| 2023 | $135,200 | $136,337 |
| 2024 | $136,030 | $138,804 |
| 2025 | $138,170 | $142,891 |
| 2026 (projected) | $140,344 | $145,139 |
Pharmacist Salary by Experience Level in Massachusetts
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $133,460 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $138,170 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $155,490 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $164,500 |
Pharmacist Salary in Other States
Related Pharmacist Salaries in Massachusetts
How other high-demand occupations in Massachusetts compare to Pharmacist ($138,170 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Pharmacist | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Radiologist in MA | $426,560 | +208.7% | $205.08/hr |
| Surgeon in MA | $387,150 | +180.2% | $186.13/hr |
| Emergency Medicine Physician in MA | $356,230 | +157.8% | $171.26/hr |
| Nurse Anesthetist in MA | $295,550 | +113.9% | $142.09/hr |
| Internal Medicine Physician in MA | $285,250 | +106.4% | $137.14/hr |
| Family Medicine Physician in MA | $277,490 | +100.8% | $133.41/hr |
| Obstetrician and Gynecologist in MA | $272,240 | +97.0% | $130.88/hr |
| Pediatrician in MA | $221,170 | +60.1% | $106.33/hr |
| Podiatrist in MA | $217,700 | +57.6% | $104.66/hr |
| Dentist in MA | $181,600 | +31.4% | $87.31/hr |
| Nurse Midwife in MA | $159,800 | +15.7% | $76.83/hr |
| Optometrist in MA | $151,730 | +9.8% | $72.95/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do pharmacists make in Massachusetts?
- Pharmacists in Massachusetts earn a median salary of $138,170 per year, or $66 per hour. This is slightly below the national average by 3.3%, but still represents a solid earning potential in the state.
What is the salary range for pharmacists in Massachusetts?
- The salary range for pharmacists in Massachusetts spans from $113,710 at the lower end to $164,500 at the upper end. This $50,790 range reflects differences in experience, location within the state, and employer type.
How many pharmacists are employed in Massachusetts?
- There are currently 7,230 pharmacists employed in Massachusetts, indicating a substantial job market for the profession in the state.
Is Massachusetts a good state for pharmacist salaries compared to the national average?
- Massachusetts pharmacist salaries are 3.3% below the national average at $138,170 median annually. While slightly lower than the national benchmark, this remains a competitive wage that reflects the state's cost of living and healthcare industry standards.