Pharmacist Salary in North Carolina
Based on 11K+ workers in North Carolina
Median Annual Salary (NC)
$138,860
$66.76/hr
vs National Average
$142,891
-2.8% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$102K – $170K
11K employed in North Carolina
Understanding the Pharmacist salary in North Carolina reveals a median annual income of $138,860. This places the state's average slightly below the national figure, with a typical earning range between $101,670 and $169,820 for these vital healthcare professionals. Currently, there are approximately 11,430 pharmacists employed across the state.
Several factors influence the Pharmacist salary in North Carolina. Experience level, the specific type of facility (e.g., retail, hospital, or clinical), and the geographic location within the state all play significant roles. Furthermore, specialized certifications and a pharmacist's unique skill set can contribute to variations within the reported salary range.
Salary Distribution — Pharmacist in North Carolina
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $101,670 |
| 25th percentile | $128,660 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $138,860 |
| 75th percentile | $159,010 |
| 90th percentile | $169,820 |
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 North Carolina 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 North Carolina vs National
| Year | Median Salary (North Carolina) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $132,530 |
| 2023 | $135,370 |
| 2024 | $136,000 |
| 2025 | $138,860 |
| 2026 (projected) | $141,780 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | North Carolina Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $132,530 | $132,955 |
| 2023 | $135,370 | $136,337 |
| 2024 | $136,000 | $138,804 |
| 2025 | $138,860 | $142,891 |
| 2026 (projected) | $141,780 | $145,896 |
Pharmacist Salary by Experience Level in North Carolina
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $128,660 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $138,860 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $159,010 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $169,820 |
Pharmacist Salary in Other States
Related Pharmacist Salaries in North Carolina
How other high-demand occupations in North Carolina compare to Pharmacist ($138,860 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Pharmacist | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Surgeon in NC | $398,410 | +186.9% | $191.54/hr |
| Emergency Medicine Physician in NC | $339,350 | +144.4% | $163.15/hr |
| Internal Medicine Physician in NC | $289,780 | +108.7% | $139.32/hr |
| Nurse Anesthetist in NC | $224,610 | +61.8% | $107.99/hr |
| Podiatrist in NC | $215,420 | +55.1% | $103.57/hr |
| Family Medicine Physician in NC | $215,230 | +55.0% | $103.48/hr |
| Dentist in NC | $207,000 | +49.1% | $99.52/hr |
| Pediatrician in NC | $183,550 | +32.2% | $88.25/hr |
| Psychiatrist in NC | $168,880 | +21.6% | $81.19/hr |
| Optometrist in NC | $161,560 | +16.3% | $77.67/hr |
| Obstetrician and Gynecologist in NC | $134,540 | -3.1% | $64.68/hr |
| Physician Assistant in NC | $129,360 | -6.8% | $62.19/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average salary for a pharmacist in North Carolina?
- The median salary for a pharmacist in North Carolina is $138,860 per year, which equates to about $67 per hour. This figure represents the midpoint, with half of pharmacists earning more and half earning less.
How much can a pharmacist in North Carolina expect to earn?
- Pharmacists in North Carolina typically earn between $101,670 and $169,820 annually. The median salary sits at $138,860 per year, offering a good benchmark for earning potential within the state.
How does the pharmacist salary in North Carolina compare to the national average?
- Pharmacist salaries in North Carolina are slightly lower than the national average, coming in at -2.8% less. This means the median salary of $138,860 per year is below the national median.
How many pharmacists are employed in North Carolina?
- There are a significant number of pharmacists working in North Carolina, with a total of 11,430 employed. This indicates a robust job market for the profession within the state.