Pharmacist Salary
by City (2026)
Dispense medications, counsel patients, and collaborate with healthcare teams on drug therapy. National median: $132K/year. See how your city compares.
Pharmacist salary by city
Sorted by median salaryCOL-adjusted: where does your salary go furthest?
A $132K Pharmacist salary in Houston (COL 91, no tax) has significantly more purchasing power than the same salary in San Francisco (COL 224, 9.3% state tax). Use our calculator to see the real numbers.
Try COL Calculator βPharmacist Salary Guide (2026)
The national median salary for a Pharmacist is $132,000 per year. Entry-level positions typically start at $118,000, while experienced professionals in the top 25% earn $148,000 or more. The highest-paid 10% of Pharmacists nationally earn $165,000+.
Education and requirements
Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD); state licensure. This role is 10% remote-eligible nationally, which significantly expands the geographic job market for workers in lower cost-of-living cities.
Salary growth outlook
Pharmacist compensation is growing at 1.2% annually, near the national average wage growth rate.
Pharmacist salary FAQ
How much does a Pharmacist make?
The median Pharmacist salary in the US is $132,000 per year β about $63/hour. Most earn between $118,000 (25th percentile) and $148,000 (75th percentile).
What is the starting salary for a Pharmacist?
Entry-level Pharmacist positions typically start around $118,000 per year. Pay rises with experience, specialization, and location.
How much do the highest-paid Pharmacists earn?
The top 10% of Pharmacists earn $165,000 or more per year β usually senior, lead, or specialized professionals in high-cost or high-demand markets.
Which city pays Pharmacists the most?
San Francisco has the highest median Pharmacist salary at $185K among the cities we track. But high-cost metros like San Francisco and New York often have lower real purchasing power once cost of living and taxes are factored in.
Are Pharmacist salaries going up?
Yes β Pharmacist pay is growing about 1.2% year over year, near the US average wage-growth rate.