Pharmacist Salary.
Across 30 U.S. cities.
$132,000
national median salary
$118,000 to $152,000. Last updated April 2026.
Highest Paying
$182,000
San Jose, CA
Best Purchasing Power
$138,000
Philadelphia, PA
Lowest Paying
$115,000
St. Louis, MO
Salary data sourced from SEC filings, H-1B Labor Condition Applications (DOL), Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, and aggregated job postings across 50+ platforms. Ranges reflect 25th to 75th percentile for full-time positions. Cost-of-living adjustments use Bureau of Economic Analysis Regional Price Parities (2025 index). Last updated April 2026.
The average Pharmacist salary in the United States is $132,000 in 2026, with the full range spanning $118,000 at the 25th percentile to $152,000 at the 75th. San Jose pays the most at $182,000, while Philadelphia offers the best purchasing power after cost-of-living adjustments. Practice setting creates the widest salary spread, with hospital and specialty pharmacy paying above retail.
Pharmacist salary by city
What you should know
Practice setting creates the widest salary spread, with hospital and specialty pharmacy paying above retail. Board certifications in oncology, critical care, or ambulatory care add 5 to 10% premiums. States with pharmacist provider status and areas with workforce shortages consistently offer higher base salaries to attract talent.
Staff pharmacists start at $115,000 to $125,000 in most settings. Clinical specialists with board certification earn $135,000 to $155,000 after gaining experience. Pharmacy directors and chief pharmacy officers can reach $160,000 to $220,000 in health system leadership roles.
Pharmacists receive comprehensive benefits, often including loan repayment assistance of $5,000 to $20,000 annually. Retail pharmacists may earn performance bonuses, while hospital pharmacists receive shift differentials and clinical ladder advancement pay.