Healthcare Denver, CO Pop. 715,522

Pharmacist Salary in Denver, Colorado

The median pharmacist salary in Denver, CO is $151,335 per year, which is 14.0% above the national median and 6.5% above the Colorado state average.

City Median
$151,335
vs State Avg
+$9,292
vs National
+$18,585
Cost of Living
112%

Pharmacist Pay in Denver: What to Expect (2026)

Denver offers a median pharmacist salary of $151,335, which is $9,292 above the Colorado state average of $142,043. Compared to the national median of $132,750, Denver pays above average for this role.

However, Denver's cost of living index is 112%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $151,335 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $135,121. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Denver should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for pharmacists in Denver spans from $109,668 at the 10th percentile to $189,012 at the 90th percentile — a $79,344 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $114,000, while senior pharmacists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $180,120. As a major metro area with a population of 715,522, Denver typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Pharmacist Salary in Denver by Experience

In Denver, an entry-level pharmacist earns around $114,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $180,120 per year. The local cost of living index is 112% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$114,000
+$14,000 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$148,200
+$18,200 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$180,120
+$22,120 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Denver, CO

Percentile Denver
10th Percentile $109,668
25th Percentile $133,380
Median (50th) $151,335
75th Percentile $173,508
90th Percentile $189,012

Pharmacist Salary in Other Colorado Cities

How to Become a Pharmacist in Denver

Education

Most pharmacist positions require a doctoral degree. Denver and the surrounding Colorado area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

PharmacologyPatient CounselingDrug InteractionsCompoundingClinical ReviewPharmacy Software

Job Outlook

Nationally, pharmacist employment is projected to grow 2% over the next decade (slower than average). Demand in Denver may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Pharmacist Jobs in Denver

Browse open pharmacist positions in Denver, CO:

Frequently Asked Questions: Pharmacist Salary in Denver

How much does a Pharmacist make in Denver, CO? ▼
The median pharmacist salary in Denver, Colorado is $151,335 per year, which is 14.0% above the national median of $132,750. Salaries range from $109,668 (10th percentile) to $189,012 (90th percentile).
How much does a Pharmacist make per hour in Denver? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $151,335, a pharmacist in Denver earns approximately $73 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Denver compare to the Colorado state average for pharmacist pay? ▼
Denver's median pharmacist salary of $151,335 is 6.5% above the Colorado state average of $142,043. The local cost of living index is 112% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Denver, CO? ▼
Denver has a cost of living index of 112% compared to the national average. This means a pharmacist salary of $151,335 in Denver has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a pharmacist in Denver? ▼
Most pharmacist positions in Denver require a doctoral degree. Key skills include Pharmacology, Patient Counseling, Drug Interactions, Compounding. The job market is projected to grow 2% nationally over the next decade.