HealthcareUpdated Q1 2026

Pharmacist Salary
in Cary, NC

Dispense medications, counsel patients, and collaborate with healthcare teams on drug therapy. Median salary in Cary: $148K/year. Data from BLS, O*NET, and H-1B disclosures.

Median salary
$148K
per year
Take-home: $97K

Salary range in Cary

Entry level (25th)$132,000
Median (50th)$148,000
Senior (75th)$166,000
Top earner (90th)$185,000
Data freshness

Figures represent annual base salary in Cary, North Carolina. Reviewed by SalaryOptics Editorial Β· How we calculate this β†’

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What the numbers say for Cary

Analysis derived from the salary, COL, tax, and labor-market figures above β€” specific to this role and city.

12% premium vs national median

Pharmacists in Cary earn approximately 12% higher than the US national median for this role β€” a $16,000 premium on annual base salary. This reflects Cary's position as a higher-cost labor market where employers must match local wage norms.

Primarily on-site role

Only 10% of Pharmacist positions offer remote flexibility, meaning the Cary salary above represents what local employers actually pay β€” not a remote-anywhere rate. Geographic constraints reinforce the local market, so the salary range above is more directly applicable than for remote-friendly roles.

Slower wage growth (1.2%/yr)

Pharmacist wages are growing at 1.2% year-over-year β€” slower than the BLS all-occupations average of ~3.5%. Real wages may lag inflation in years where CPI exceeds this rate, so total compensation negotiation (bonus, equity, benefits) matters more than base salary growth for this role.

Key facts for Cary

Median salary
$148K
annual
Take-home pay
$97K
after fed/state tax
COL index
112
100 = US avg
State income tax
4.75%
effective rate
Avg 1BR rent
$1,700
per month
YoY growth
+1.2%
salary trend

Salary forecast: Cary Pharmacist to 2030

Based on BLS 2022–2032 Employment Projections and WEF Future of Jobs Report 2026. At current growth rates, median salary reaches $148K by 2030.

Salary trend & forecast β€” Cary

Historical (2019–2025) + projected to 2030 based on BLS growth rates

HistoricalProjected
Pharmacist salary trend 2019–2030PROJECTED β†’$124K$135K$146K$156K$167K201920212023202520272029
2026
$152K
projected
2027
$155K
projected
2028
$159K
projected
2029
$163K
projected
2030
$167K
projected

Projections based on BLS Employment Projections 2022–2032 CAGR and WEF Jobs Report 2025. Not financial advice.

YearProjected median salaryvs today
2027 projected$148,000+$0
2028 projected$148,000+$0
2029 projected$148,000+$0
2030 projected$148,000+$0

Projections use compound annual growth rate (CAGR) from BLS occupational outlook data. Actual salaries may vary.

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Pharmacist Salary in Cary, North Carolina: Complete Guide (2026)

The median Pharmacist salary in Cary, NC is $148,000 per year as of Q1 2026. This figure represents the midpoint of all reported compensation for this role in the Cary–NC metropolitan area, based on data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment Statistics, H-1B visa disclosures from the Department of Labor, and O*NET occupational data.

Salary range for Pharmacist in Cary

Entry-level Pharmacists in Cary with 0–2 years of experience typically earn between $132,000 and $148,000 annually. Mid-career professionals with 3–7 years command $148,000 to $166,000, while senior-level practitioners with 8+ years of experience regularly earn $166,000 to $185,000 or more.

Cost of living in Cary for Pharmacists

Cary has a cost of living index of 112 compared to the US national average of 100. Living costs in Cary are close to the national average. North Carolina has a 4.75% state income tax rate.

Education requirements for Pharmacist

Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD); state licensure. 10% of these roles offer some remote flexibility.

Pharmacist salary in nearby cities

CityMedian salaryCOL index
Cary (current)$148K112
Charlotte$135K100
Raleigh$139K102
Greensboro$116K88
Durham$143K100
Winston-Salem$112K85