Table of Contents
- What Are Pharmacists?
- Pharmacist Job Responsibility Examples
- How Much Is a Starting Pharmacist Salary?
- What Is the Average Salary for a Pharmacist?
- What Is the Average Pharmacist Salary by State for 2024?
- Pharmacist Job Considerations for Pay & Benefits
- Pros and Cons of Pharmacist Salary
- Pros of Being a Pharmacist
- Cons of Becoming a Pharmacist
- FAQ
If you’re exploring career options, pharmacy might have popped up on your radar — and for good reason. Not only can pharmacists command a good salary, they also have job security, as the pharmaceutical industry is one that won’t vanish any time soon.
That said, how much does a pharmacist make? Is it worth all the trouble of going through pharmacy school to become one? Let’s find out.
Key Points
• Entry-level pharmacists earn an average of $61 per hour, or $126,701 per year.
• The mean hourly wage for pharmacists is $65.97, translating to $137,210 per year.
• Pharmacist salaries vary by state, with California offering the highest mean annual salary at $162,110.
• Pharmacists can choose from various roles, including staff pharmacist, pharmacy manager, and clinical pharmacist, each with different responsibilities and salary ranges.
• While being a pharmacist is rewarding, it requires significant education and training, typically six years after high school, and can involve long hours and variable schedules.
What Are Pharmacists?
You’ve likely picked up a prescription or two at a pharmacy, but maybe you didn’t give any thought to the person behind the counter. This individual is your local pharmacist, and it’s their job to prepare and dispense prescription medications.
Check your score with SoFi Insights
Track your credit score for free. Sign up and get $10.*
Pharmacist Job Responsibility Examples
In addition to doling out prescription drugs, pharmacists also consult with patients, provide instructions for how to take medications, and help patients find low-cost medications. Some also give health screenings and immunizations.
Keep in mind, a pharmacist often needs to be outgoing, since their work involves speaking with patients throughout the day. If that’s not your personality, you may want to look into jobs for introverts.
đź’ˇ Quick Tip: We love a good spreadsheet, but not everyone feels the same. An online budget planner can give you the same insight into your budgeting and spending at a glance, without the extra effort.
How Much Is a Starting Pharmacist Salary?
As with most professions, pharmacists tend to earn more money as they gain more experience. But what is a good entry-level salary for pharmacists?
An entry-level pharmacist generally earns, on average, about $61 per hour. That’s $126,701 per year.
Of course, how much you can actually earn depends on where you live, what your duties are, and whether you work for an independent pharmacy or a chain. It can also help to research the highest-paying jobs by state.
Recommended: Is a $100,000 Salary Good?
What Is the Average Salary for a Pharmacist?
Now that you’ve seen what starting salaries are for pharmacists, let’s address the next question: How much money does a more experienced pharmacist make?
Generally speaking, pharmacists are usually paid by the hour. As of 2024, the mean wage for a pharmacist in the US is $65.97 per hour, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. That adds up to $137,210 per year.
What Is the Average Pharmacist Salary by State for 2024?
The amount you make will depend on where you live, among other factors. Here’s a look at the mean annual pharmacist salaries by state, according to May 2024 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
| State | Salary |
|---|---|
| Alabama | $129,100 |
| Alaska | $158,430 |
| Arizona | $136,410 |
| Arkansas | $132,090 |
| California | $162,110 |
| Colorado | $145,690 |
| Connecticut | $134,610 |
| Delaware | $138,860 |
| District of Columbia | $136,920 |
| Florida | $129,460 |
| Georgia | $130,430 |
| Guam | $118,170 |
| Hawaii | $147,650 |
| Idaho | $132,460 |
| Illinois | $136,050 |
| Indiana | $133,700 |
| Iowa | $131,150 |
| Kansas | $130,770 |
| Kentucky | $130,990 |
| Louisiana | $125,450 |
| Maine | $136,010 |
| Maryland | $136,210 |
| Massachusetts | $133,640 |
| Michigan | $129,620 |
| Minnesota | $147,880 |
| Mississippi | $127,530 |
| Missouri | $136,170 |
| Montana | $135,130 |
| Nebraska | $127,300 |
| Nevada | $133,320 |
| New Hampshire | $140,440 |
| New Jersey | $134,360 |
| New Mexico | $135,670 |
| New York | $136,020 |
| North Carolina | $134,030 |
| North Dakota | $125,790 |
| Ohio | $127,400 |
| Oklahoma | $127,050 |
| Oregon | $156,160 |
| Pennsylvania | $133,720 |
| Puerto Rico | $98,290 |
| Rhode Island | $120,170 |
| South Carolina | $135,720 |
| South Dakota | $137,460 |
| Tennessee | $125,850 |
| Texas | $134,880 |
| Utah | $131,280 |
| Vermont | $135,880 |
| Virgin Islands | $126,140 |
| Virginia | $137,920 |
| Washington | $154,860 |
| West Virginia | $125,530 |
| Wisconsin | $141,090 |
| Wyoming | $138,330 |
Recommended: Pros and Cons of Raising the Minimum Wage
Pharmacist Job Considerations for Pay & Benefits
Where you live is one factor that can determine how much you earn as a pharmacist. Your on-the-job responsibilities may also play a role. For example, there are different job titles, and each has its own set of responsibilities, requirements, and salary ranges. Examples include:
• Staff pharmacist
• Pharmacy specialist
• Clinical pharmacist
• Pharmacy manager
• Director of pharmacy
Some pharmacists may have roles and responsibilities beyond filling prescriptions, such as offering immunizations and health screenings. Some may be in charge of hiring and managing other employees. Some may work in traditional pharmacies, while others may work for companies focusing on chemotherapy, nuclear pharmacy, or long-term care.
Recommended: 25 High-Paying Trade Jobs in Demand
Pros and Cons of Pharmacist Salary
While being a pharmacist can be a rewarding job, there are potential drawbacks to keep in mind. Let’s look at some pros and cons.
Pros of Being a Pharmacist
Naturally, the competitive pay pharmacists often earn may be one reason to consider this career path. Because many pharmacists get paid by the hour, they’ll be compensated fairly for their time even if they work more than 40 hours a week.
Another perk is that you may have a flexible schedule that allows you to work part-time or during certain hours. There could even be opportunities to work remotely, which may be useful if you’re working in a rural area.
You might also be able to open your own pharmacy instead of working for someone else. This brings freedom and flexibility to you as a business owner.
Finally, you’ll be a valuable member of your community, since it’s your job to help people on their path to wellness.
Cons of Becoming a Pharmacist
If becoming a pharmacist was easy, everyone would do it! For starters, you’ll need to have about six years of education after high school. And the cost of pharmacy school can range anywhere from $34,000 to $43,000 a year for an in-state public college, or up to $92,000 a year for a private school.
Depending on your financial situation, this could require you to tap into savings or take out student loans. (Creating a budget while you’re in school or just starting out can help you keep track of where your money is going. A money tracker app can help make the job easier.)
Another possible drawback? Some pharmacies may not guarantee a certain number of hours a week, and in that case, being paid hourly may not come with the big paycheck you’d expect.
Also keep in mind that on the other hand, some pharmacists work long hours, which can have a negative impact on your health and mental wellbeing.
đź’ˇ Quick Tip: Income, expenses, and life circumstances can change. Consider reviewing your budget a few times a year and making any adjustments if needed.
The Takeaway
If you’re looking for a rewarding and potentially lucrative job, becoming a pharmacist might fit the bill. You’ll help your local community get healthier, and depending on where you live and your level of experience, you could earn a good salary, too.
Take control of your finances with SoFi. With our financial insights and credit score monitoring tools, you can view all of your accounts in one convenient dashboard. From there, you can see your various balances, spending breakdowns, and credit score. Plus you can easily set up budgets and discover valuable financial insights — all at no cost.
With SoFi, you can keep tabs on how your money comes and goes.
FAQ
What is the highest pharmacist salary?
The state where pharmacists tend to earn the most is California. The mean annual income of a pharmacist there is $162,110.
Is it hard to be hired as a pharmacist?
Becoming a pharmacist requires six years of education after high school. The workload is challenging, and pharmacies looking to hire generally have high expectations of applicants.
What is a pharmacist’s salary in NY?
The mean annual salary for a pharmacist in New York is $136,020, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. However, salaries can vary considerably by region, experience, and level of responsibility.
Photo credit: iStock/ADragan
SoFi Relay offers users the ability to connect both SoFi accounts and external accounts using Plaid, Inc.’s service. When you use the service to connect an account, you authorize SoFi to obtain account information from any external accounts as set forth in SoFi’s Terms of Use. Based on your consent SoFi will also automatically provide some financial data received from the credit bureau for your visibility, without the need of you connecting additional accounts. SoFi assumes no responsibility for the timeliness, accuracy, deletion, non-delivery or failure to store any user data, loss of user data, communications, or personalization settings. You shall confirm the accuracy of Plaid data through sources independent of SoFi. The credit score is a VantageScore® based on TransUnion® (the “Processing Agent”) data.
*Terms and conditions apply. This offer is only available to new SoFi users without existing SoFi accounts. It is non-transferable. One offer per person. To receive the rewards points offer, you must successfully complete setting up Credit Score Monitoring. Rewards points may only be redeemed towards active SoFi accounts, such as your SoFi Checking or Savings account, subject to program terms that may be found here: SoFi Member Rewards Terms and Conditions. SoFi reserves the right to modify or discontinue this offer at any time without notice.
Non affiliation: SoFi isn’t affiliated with any of the companies highlighted in this article.
Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances.
Third-Party Brand Mentions: No brands, products, or companies mentioned are affiliated with SoFi, nor do they endorse or sponsor this article. Third-party trademarks referenced herein are property of their respective owners.
SORL-Q425-009