Hospital pharmacists earn more than retail. Pay has flattened — saturation of new grads.
Pay scales steeply with tenure for Pharmacists. National figures, before regional adjustments.
| Experience | Median 2026 | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (0–1 yr) | $106,400 | $91,000 | $121,900 |
| Junior (2–4 yrs) | $132,300 | $113,100 | $151,500 |
| Mid-Level (5–9 yrs) | $152,100 | $130,100 | $174,200 |
| Senior (10–14 yrs) | $182,500 | $156,100 | $209,000 |
| Veteran (15+ yrs) | $206,800 | $176,900 | $236,900 |
Top 10 states by median Pharmacist salary in 2026.
| State | Median | 25th % | 75th % | vs Nat'l |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Washington DC | $213,000 | $161,900 | $276,900 | +40% |
| California | $205,400 | $156,100 | $267,000 | +35% |
| New York | $202,400 | $153,800 | $263,100 | +33% |
| Massachusetts | $197,800 | $150,300 | $257,100 | +30% |
| Washington | $197,800 | $150,300 | $257,100 | +30% |
| New Jersey | $191,700 | $145,700 | $249,200 | +26% |
| Connecticut | $184,100 | $139,900 | $239,300 | +21% |
| Alaska | $182,600 | $138,800 | $237,300 | +20% |
| Maryland | $182,600 | $138,800 | $237,300 | +20% |
| Colorado | $178,000 | $135,300 | $231,400 | +17% |
| State | Median | 25th % | 75th % | vs Nat'l |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kentucky | $129,300 | $98,300 | $168,100 | -15% |
| North Dakota | $127,800 | $97,100 | $166,100 | -16% |
| Oklahoma | $127,800 | $97,100 | $166,100 | -16% |
| Wyoming | $127,800 | $97,100 | $166,100 | -16% |
| Alabama | $126,300 | $96,000 | $164,200 | -17% |
| Louisiana | $126,300 | $96,000 | $164,200 | -17% |
| Arkansas | $121,700 | $92,500 | $158,200 | -20% |
| South Dakota | $121,700 | $92,500 | $158,200 | -20% |
| Mississippi | $118,700 | $90,200 | $154,300 | -22% |
| West Virginia | $118,700 | $90,200 | $154,300 | -22% |
Metro-level pay frequently outpaces state averages — major metros concentrate higher wages.
Click any state for detailed breakdown by experience level and percentile.
The median is just a benchmark. Your exact market value also depends on your state, experience, and education. Use the free calculator for a personalized number.
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