How much does a Pharmacist make in 2026?
The national median Pharmacist salary is $132,750 per year. Pharmacists dispense prescription medications, counsel patients, and ensure drug safety.
Pharmacist salary by city
Median pay across 10 major US metros — sorted by highest to lowest. Click any city for a full breakdown.
| City | Median | |
|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $188,500 | View → |
| Seattle, WA | $172,600 | View → |
| New York, NY | $169,900 | View → |
| Los Angeles, CA | $152,700 | View → |
| Austin, TX | $148,700 | View → |
| Denver, CO | $146,000 | View → |
| Chicago, IL | $140,700 | View → |
| Houston, TX | $138,100 | View → |
| Miami, FL | $131,400 | View → |
| Phoenix, AZ | $130,100 | View → |
What does a Pharmacist do?
Pharmacists dispense prescription medications, counsel patients, and ensure drug safety.
- Verify and dispense prescriptions
- Counsel patients
- Check drug interactions
- Manage pharmacy inventory
- Administer immunizations
How to become a Pharmacist
Requires a Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) degree (6–8 years post-high-school) and state licensure.
Related job salaries
FAQ — Pharmacist salary
What is the average Pharmacist salary in the United States?+
The national median Pharmacist salary is $132,750 per year, based on the latest BLS OEWS data (May 2024 BLS OEWS).
Which US city pays Pharmacists the most?+
San Francisco, CA currently pays the highest at a median of $188,500/yr — roughly 42% above the national average. Adjust for cost of living before deciding to relocate.
How much does an entry-level Pharmacist make?+
Entry-level Pharmacists typically earn around $122,500 in top-paying metros and 64% of the median nationally.
How fast is the Pharmacist job market growing?+
The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects about average growth of +3% over the next 10 years.
Do I need a degree to be a Pharmacist?+
Requires a Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) degree (6–8 years post-high-school) and state licensure.
Are you being paid fairly?
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