Salary Outlook
According to the BLS, the median annual salary for a pharmacist was $113,390 in 2011. The best-paid 10 percent made approximately $144,090 a year, while the lowest-paid made approximately $84,490. The field's best-compensated areas include residential mental health or rehabilitation facilities and consulting services. The highest-paid in the profession work in California near the metropolitan areas of El Centro, Napa, and Santa Cruz-Watsonville.
| Job Salary | Year |
|---|---|
| 2002 | $68,390.00 |
| 2004 | $82,580.00 |
| 2006 | $92,370.00 |
| 2008 | $103,150.00 |
| 2010 | $109,380.00 |
Average Pharmacist Pay vs. All Healthcare Jobs
Pharmacists have the highest average salary of any of our Best Healthcare Jobs. They make about $35,000 more than the average physical therapist, and approximately $47,440 more than a registered nurse. Of all the top healthcare jobs, only dentists and physicians earn more.
| Job Name | Salary |
|---|---|
| Physician | $183,170.00 |
| Dentist | $142,740.00 |
| Pharmacist | $113,390.00 |
| Physical Therapist | $78,270.00 |
| Registered Nurse | $65,690.00 |
See Complete List of Best Healthcare Jobs
Best Paying Cities for Pharmacists
The highest paid in the pharmacist profession work in the metropolitan areas of El Centro, CA, Napa, CA, and Santa Cruz, CA. The Detroit, MI area also pays well, as does the city of Chico, CA.
El Centro, CA
Average Salary: $163,410 | See Job Openings
The annual median wage of a pharmacist working in El Centro, CA is $163,410, which is $50,020 more than the average pay in the profession.
Napa, CA
Average Salary: $140,230 | See Job Openings
The annual median wage of a pharmacist working in Napa, CA is $140,230, which is $26,840 more than the average pay in the profession.
Santa Cruz, CA
Average Salary: $140,220 | See Job Openings
The annual median wage of a pharmacist working in Santa Cruz, CA is $140,220, which is $26,830 more than the average pay in the profession.
Detroit, MI
Average Salary: $136,400 | See Job Openings
The annual median wage of a pharmacist working in Detroit, MI is $136,400, which is $23,010 more than the average pay in the profession.
Chico, CA
Average Salary: $135,780 | See Job Openings
The annual median wage of a pharmacist working in Chico, CA is $135,780, which is $22,390 more than the average pay in the profession.
