Pharmacist Salary

Pharmacist - View salary data across all locations

Average Salary

$136,177

across all locations

Highest Paying

$187,661

San Francisco, CA

Locations Covered

50

metro areas

Top 10 Highest Paying Cities for Pharmacists

See which cities pay Pharmacists the most, from $187,661 down to the #10 spot.

View Rankings

Pharmacist Salary by Location

LocationAnnual SalaryHourly RateEmployed
San Francisco, CA$187,661$90.22387
San Jose, CA$184,563$88.73354
New York, NY$162,376$78.07620
Seattle, WA$162,031$77.90379
Washington, DC$158,980$76.43392
Boston, MA$157,384$75.67415
Los Angeles, CA$149,868$72.05363
San Diego, CA$147,156$70.75309
Portland, OR$143,871$69.17288
Sacramento, CA$143,501$68.99306
Denver, CO$142,633$68.57239
Chicago, IL$141,894$68.22397
Austin, TX$141,127$67.85248
Hartford, CT$139,431$67.03297
Miami, FL$138,743$66.70345
Minneapolis, MN$138,713$66.69299
Riverside, CA$137,999$66.35276
Atlanta, GA$137,553$66.13381
Dallas, TX$137,413$66.06353
Philadelphia, PA$136,522$65.64353
Phoenix, AZ$136,422$65.59298
Raleigh, NC$135,553$65.17295
Salt Lake City, UT$135,009$64.91274
Baltimore, MD$134,898$64.85286
Houston, TX$133,949$64.40349
Tampa, FL$131,905$63.42292
Providence, RI$131,458$63.20245
Las Vegas, NV$130,405$62.69310
Nashville, TN$129,547$62.28273
Charlotte, NC$129,398$62.21293
Milwaukee, WI$129,346$62.19257
Columbus, OH$129,082$62.06257
Cleveland, OH$129,016$62.03270
Detroit, MI$128,996$62.02322
Jacksonville, FL$128,919$61.98262
Cincinnati, OH$127,351$61.23246
Indianapolis, IN$127,167$61.14269
St. Louis, MO$127,077$61.09242
Pittsburgh, PA$126,703$60.91264
Orlando, FL$126,642$60.89268
Richmond, VA$126,154$60.65283
Kansas City, MO$125,890$60.52307
Tucson, AZ$124,080$59.65288
Louisville, KY$121,381$58.36297
San Antonio, TX$121,003$58.17291
New Orleans, LA$120,462$57.91256
Birmingham, AL$119,673$57.54318
Oklahoma City, OK$119,375$57.39309
Memphis, TN$117,047$56.27263
El Paso, TX$115,546$55.55284

About Pharmacist Careers

This professional role involves specialized skills and knowledge to perform essential job duties across various industries and organizations. Professionals in this field contribute to organizational success through their expertise and dedication to quality work.

Based on Bureau of Labor Statistics data, the average pharmacist salary across all U.S. metropolitan areas is $136,177 per year. Salaries range from $115,546 in El Paso, TX to $187,661 in San Francisco, CA, reflecting significant variation based on location, cost of living, and local demand. There are approximately 15,469 professionals employed as pharmacists across the metro areas we track.

What Does a Pharmacist Do?

Pharmacists perform a variety of essential duties in their daily work:

  • Perform core job responsibilities with attention to quality and detail
  • Collaborate with team members and stakeholders
  • Stay current with industry trends and best practices
  • Meet performance targets and organizational goals
  • Maintain professional standards and ethical conduct
  • Contribute to process improvements and efficiency gains
  • Document work and maintain accurate records

Education Requirements

Qualifications for this role typically include relevant education, training, and experience. Many employers value a combination of formal education and practical experience. Professional certifications and continuing education can enhance career prospects and earning potential.

Key Skills for Pharmacists

Strong communication and interpersonal abilitiesProblem-solving and critical thinkingTechnical proficiency relevant to the fieldAttention to detail and organizational skillsAbility to work independently and as part of a teamAdaptability and willingness to learnTime management and prioritization

Factors That Affect Pharmacist Salary

Several factors influence how much a pharmacist earns:

1Years of relevant experience
2Education level and certifications
3Geographic location and cost of living
4Industry sector and employer size
5Specialized skills and expertise
6Performance and demonstrated results

Career Path & Advancement

Career advancement typically involves gaining experience, developing specialized expertise, and taking on increased responsibility. Opportunities may include senior-level positions, management roles, or specialized technical tracks.

Job Outlook

Employment in this field is influenced by economic conditions, industry trends, and technological developments. Professionals who stay current with industry changes and continuously develop their skills will have better career prospects.

Work Environment

Work environments vary based on industry and specific role requirements. Many positions offer opportunities for professional growth and development in supportive workplace settings.

Frequently Asked Questions About Pharmacist Salaries

What is the average pharmacist salary in the United States?

The average pharmacist salary across U.S. metropolitan areas is approximately $136,177 per year. However, salaries vary significantly by location, with some areas paying up to $187,661.

Where do pharmacists earn the most money?

San Francisco, CA offers the highest average salary for pharmacists at $187,661 per year. Other high-paying areas can be found on our top paying cities for pharmacists page.

How can I increase my salary as a pharmacist?

To increase your earning potential as a pharmacist, consider gaining additional certifications, specializing in high-demand areas, relocating to higher-paying metropolitan areas, negotiating salary during job transitions, and continuously developing your skills. Experience and demonstrated results also significantly impact earning potential.

What is the hourly rate for pharmacists?

The average hourly rate for pharmacists is approximately $65.47 per hour (based on a standard 2,080-hour work year). Hourly rates range from $55.55 to $90.22 depending on location.

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