Pharmacist Salary in Washington
Based on 7K+ workers in Washington
Median Annual Salary (WA)
$160,610
$77.22/hr
vs National Average
$142,891
+12.4% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$126K – $205K
7K employed in Washington
The median Pharmacist salary in Washington is $160,610 per year, placing it significantly above the national average by 12%. This figure represents the midpoint of earnings for pharmacists practicing in the Evergreen State. With approximately 7,350 workers in the field, Washington offers a robust job market for these healthcare professionals.
Several factors influence the Pharmacist salary in Washington. These include years of experience, the specific employer (retail, hospital, or specialty pharmacy), and geographic location within the state. Furthermore, advanced certifications or specialized roles can command higher compensation, contributing to the observed salary range of $126,230 to $205,210.
Salary Distribution — Pharmacist in Washington
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $126,230 |
| 25th percentile | $137,890 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $160,610 |
| 75th percentile | $179,480 |
| 90th percentile | $205,210 |
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 Washington 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 Washington vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Washington) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $138,250 |
| 2023 | $153,500 |
| 2024 | $157,020 |
| 2025 | $160,610 |
| 2026 (projected) | $164,282 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Washington Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $138,250 | $132,955 |
| 2023 | $153,500 | $136,337 |
| 2024 | $157,020 | $138,804 |
| 2025 | $160,610 | $142,891 |
| 2026 (projected) | $164,282 | $146,158 |
Pharmacist Salary by Experience Level in Washington
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $137,890 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $160,610 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $179,480 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $205,210 |
Pharmacist Salary in Other States
Related Pharmacist Salaries in Washington
How other high-demand occupations in Washington compare to Pharmacist ($160,610 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Pharmacist | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cardiologist in WA | $656,330 | +308.6% | $315.54/hr |
| Anesthesiologist in WA | $499,990 | +211.3% | $240.38/hr |
| Surgeon in WA | $479,460 | +198.5% | $230.51/hr |
| Emergency Medicine Physician in WA | $380,870 | +137.1% | $183.11/hr |
| Obstetrician and Gynecologist in WA | $343,140 | +113.6% | $164.97/hr |
| Internal Medicine Physician in WA | $340,010 | +111.7% | $163.47/hr |
| Psychiatrist in WA | $304,920 | +89.9% | $146.60/hr |
| Family Medicine Physician in WA | $292,900 | +82.4% | $140.82/hr |
| Nurse Anesthetist in WA | $274,390 | +70.8% | $131.92/hr |
| Podiatrist in WA | $232,970 | +45.1% | $112.00/hr |
| Dentist in WA | $169,730 | +5.7% | $81.60/hr |
| Pediatrician in WA | $169,540 | +5.6% | $81.51/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do pharmacists make in Washington state?
- The median salary for pharmacists in Washington is $160,610 per year, which averages out to approximately $77 per hour. This median is 12.4% higher than the national average for pharmacists.
What is the typical salary range for a pharmacist in Washington?
- In Washington, the salary range for pharmacists typically falls between $126,230 and $205,210 annually. This range reflects variations based on experience, location, and employer.
How does the average pharmacist salary in Washington compare to the rest of the US?
- Pharmacists in Washington earn significantly more than the national average, with their median salary being 12.4% higher. This means a pharmacist in Washington can expect to make around $160,610 annually, compared to the national median.
How many pharmacists are employed in Washington?
- There are approximately 7,350 pharmacists employed across Washington state. This figure indicates a substantial job market for pharmacy professionals in the region.