How Much Do Pharmacists Make?

A Guide to Pharmacist Salaries in the U.S.

If you’ve asked yourself, “How much do pharmacists make?” then this is the guide for you. We’re answering this question and more.

Pharmacists care for patients by dispensing medicine, providing drug information, monitoring drug therapy, counseling on health advice, and more. These pharmacy professionals are critical in the medical field, and in return, the yearly pay is extremely competitive.

If you’re considering a pharmacy degree, it’s most likely due to your interest in health science and desire to help the people around you—and salary does impact that decision. At Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences (MCPHS), our pharmaceutical graduates are among the nation's top earners, ensuring their hard work during medical school pays off in the long run.

If you’re looking for a lucrative and rewarding career, look no further than a job in the pharmaceutical industry. This blog will guide you through general pharmaceutical earnings, helping you get a better understanding of what to expect after graduation.

How Much Do Pharmacists Make?

On average, the median pay for pharmacists is about $137,000 per year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, with most workers in this industry earning a six-figure salary. This amount fluctuates based on the degree earned and the location and setting of the role.

What Types of Pharmacists Get Paid the Most?

While any pharmacy career can be lucrative, certain specializations earn more than others. Let’s look at 10 of the highest-paid pharmacist positions:

• Nuclear pharmacist: Professionals in this role give patients radioactive medicine to find and treat illnesses, making and mixing medicine as necessary based on patients’ needs.
• Pharmacy informaticist: These professionals manage the software and databases that medical professionals use as part of their pharmaceutical duties. By streamlining the flow of information, pharmacy informationists help reduce errors.
• Pharmacometrician: Pharmacometricians focus on the mathematical aspects of the pharmaceutical sector, managing and interpreting data on drugs, diseases, and ongoing trials.
• Hospital pharmacist: These professionals work alongside doctors and nurses in a hospital setting to analyze patient charts and data to determine the best prescription medication to prescribe.
• Pharmacologist: Pharmacologists look at medicine from a cellular level, conducting drug experiments at various stages of development, from individual cells to whole organisms.
• Registered pharmacist: This is the standard pharmaceutical role, focusing on taking prescriptions from external sources and filling them for patients.
• Pharmaceutical physician: This role takes a doctor’s skills and a pharmacist’s expertise and combines them to work in every sector of the pharmaceutical industry, helping with marketing, regulation, research, and advising for major companies
• Community pharmacist: A community pharmacist’s role takes place in a store or healthcare facility where people go to buy medicine. These professionals talk directly to customers, fill prescriptions sent from doctors, and give advice on healthy living
• Pharmacist manager: Pharmacist managers act as lead pharmacists in a variety of settings, focusing on the business side of pharmacy operations while also ensuring the proper storage and care of drugs.
• Clinical pharmacologist: Clinical pharmacists perform chemistry-focused research at a molecular level to learn about different medicines and synthesize them in a lab setting.

Which States Have the Highest Salaries for Pharmacists?

Pharmacist salaries vary across the U.S. based on cost of living, demand, and competitive labor markets. States like California and Alaska report some of the highest average earnings, largely due to higher living expenses.

But salary potential is only part of the picture. Massachusetts consistently ranks as one of the top states for healthcare careers, offering pharmacists not only competitive wages but also access to some of the world’s best hospitals, research centers, and biotech companies. The state’s strong healthcare ecosystem provides unique opportunities for professional growth, networking, and career advancement.

For example, pharmacists in the state often earn around the national average of $137,000. With its often unmatched access to leading healthcare employers in the Boston area, MCPHS students can study and train in one of the most dynamic healthcare hubs in the country.

How Experience Impacts Pharmacist Salaries

Like many other types of jobs, the more experience you have, the more earning potential you secure. For entry-level positions, salaries may start at a lower rate, but with increased experience and additional certifications, training, and education, salaries have the potential to increase significantly.

• Entry-level - 0 to 5 years: $110,000 on average.
• Mid-career - 5 to 10 years: $125,000 on average.
• Experienced - 10 to 20 years: $140,000 on average.
• Late-career - 20+ years: $150,000 on average.

As you continue in this field, you’ll learn, grow, and have the opportunity for promotions along the way. If you love what you end up doing as a registered pharmacist and want to continue in your role, that’s great! However, there’s also plenty of room for advancement in a number of different areas, including executive positions, pharmacy ownership, hospital management, academia, and government jobs.

Is a Pharmacy Degree Worth It?

Yes, a pharmacy degree can help set you up for success in the field, no matter what location or type of work you’d like to do after graduation.

Our direct entry PharmD program equips you with the skills to excel in pharmacy and work directly with patients, starting with two years of preprofessional education in sciences, chemistry, and communications. It’s then followed by a four-year professional phase focused on pharmaceutical sciences, pharmacy practice, immersive labs, and clinical rotations. For those with prior accredited pharmacy education, we also offer an accelerated PharmD option to build on your existing knowledge.

If you’re looking for a pathway that’s designed for ultimate flexibility, our innovative Online PharmD is for you, allowing you to earn your degree on your schedule. Enjoy the convenience of fully online coursework while benefiting from built-in on-campus immersion experiences that provide essential hands-on training.

Want to join a field where you can both support your community and have high earning potential? The pharmacy industry is for you! Get started on your educational journey by exploring pharmacy programs at MCPHS.

Salary FAQs

What type of pharmacist gets paid the most?

Nuclear pharmacists, pharmacy informaticists, and pharmacometricians are some of the highest-paid pharmacist roles in the United States. These specialized positions typically require advanced training beyond a PharmD, such as residencies, fellowships, or certifications.

Nuclear pharmacists handle and prepare radioactive materials for medical use, pharmacy informaticists integrate technology and data to improve prescription medication management, and pharmacometricians use mathematical modeling and statistics to optimize drug development and dosing.

Other high-paying specialties include clinical pharmacy directors, industry-based medical science liaisons, and regulatory affairs pharmacists, all of which often offer well above the national average salary for pharmacists.

Can I make $150k as a pharmacist?

Yes, there’s the potential to earn a $150,000 annual salary as a pharmacist, especially with the right specialization, education, and years of experience. High-paying roles are often offered in certain settings—including specialized clinics and hospitals. Geographic locations play a role, too, with states like California, Alaska, and Oregon being the highest paying places for pharmacists.

Do all pharmacists make six figures?

While it’s very common for pharmacists to earn six figures, it’s not a guarantee. Your salary will be based on your location, level of education, and type of role and specialization. If you’re in the pharmaceutical industry but want to earn more, completing further education or training can help.