How Much Do Pharmacists Make?

Pharmacists in the United States earn an average annual salary of $134,790, according to recent data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. With over 331,700 professionals employed in this field, pharmacy remains a well-compensated and essential health care occupation.

These medication experts play a crucial role in our health care system, ensuring patients receive the right prescriptions and understand how to use them safely. Pharmacists do much more than just dispense drugs – they advise doctors on medication choices, educate patients about potential side effects, and even administer vaccines. In this article, we'll dive deeper into the world of pharmacy, exploring how salaries and job opportunities vary across different regions of the country. We'll also compare pharmacists' earnings to those of similar health care professions, providing valuable insights for anyone considering a career in this field or looking to understand the financial prospects of pharmacy work.

Highest Paying States for Pharmacists

Pharmacists seeking the highest average salaries will find lucrative opportunities in certain states. According to the latest data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, California leads the nation in pharmacist salaries, with an average annual mean of $157,280 and an hourly mean wage of $75.62. The state also boasts a significant employment level, with 35,980 pharmacists.

• California: $157,280 annually, $75.62 hourly, 35,980 employed
• Alaska: $151,600 annually, $72.89 hourly, 520 employed
• Oregon: $149,550 annually, $71.9 hourly, 3,710 employed
• Washington: $148,550 annually, $71.42 hourly, 9,450 employed
• Minnesota: $143,210 annually, $68.85 hourly, 6,250 employed

The data highlights a trend of higher wages on the West Coast, with California, Oregon, and Washington all ranking in the top four. Alaska also stands out as a top-paying state despite having a smaller total employment number for pharmacists. These states not only offer competitive salaries but also present diverse employment opportunities ranging from urban centers to more remote areas, catering to various professional preferences.

Pharmacy Salaries Compared

When looking at the pharmacy field, there are significant differences in salaries depending on the role. Pharmacists, who are responsible for dispensing medications and advising patients, have the highest average annual salary at $134,790. This translates to an average hourly wage of $64.81. There are about 331,700 pharmacists employed across the country.

On the other hand, pharmacy technicians and aides earn considerably less. Pharmacy technicians, who assist pharmacists with tasks such as counting pills and labeling bottles, have an average annual salary of $43,330, or $20.83 per hour. They are the largest group in this field, with around 460,280 employed. Pharmacy aides, who perform more basic tasks like answering phones and stocking shelves, have the lowest earnings with an annual average salary of $38,980, or $18.74 per hour. There are approximately 43,830 pharmacy aides employed. This data highlights the range of earnings in pharmacy-related occupations, influenced by the level of responsibility and required qualifications for each position.

Bottom Line

Pharmacists in the United States are well-compensated, with an average annual salary of $134,790, making it a lucrative field within health care. This profession plays a vital role in ensuring the safe and effective use of medications, providing valuable services such as advising on drug choices, educating patients about side effects, and even administering vaccines. If you're considering a career as a pharmacist, it's important to understand the financial prospects and regional salary variations.

• Top-Paying States: California, Alaska, Oregon, Washington, and Minnesota offer the highest salaries, with California leading at $157,280 annually.
• Employment Landscape: Over 331,700 pharmacists are employed nationwide, with significant opportunities, especially in states with high average salaries.
• Comparative Salaries: Pharmacists earn significantly more than pharmacy technicians and aides, who make $43,330 and $38,980 annually, respectively. This highlights the impact of responsibility and expertise on earnings within the pharmacy field.

The data suggests that becoming a pharmacist not only offers a financially rewarding career but also places you at the forefront of patient care within the health care system.