Healthcare Massachusetts (MA) Rank #3 of 50

Pharmacist Salary in Massachusetts

The median pharmacist salary in Massachusetts is $189,833 per year, which is 43.0% above the national median of $132,750.

Median Salary
$189,833
vs National
+$57,083
State Rank
#3 of 50
Cost of Living
135%

Pharmacist Salary Overview in Massachusetts (2026)

Massachusetts ranks #3 out of 50 states for pharmacist compensation. This places Massachusetts in the top tier nationally, making it one of the best states for pharmacists seeking high pay. At $189,833 per year, pharmacists in Massachusetts earn $57,083 more than the national median of $132,750.

It's worth noting that Massachusetts's cost of living is 135% of the national average, which reduces the real purchasing power of the $189,833 salary. After adjusting for cost of living, the effective salary is closer to $140,617.

The salary spread in Massachusetts is significant: pharmacists at the 10th percentile earn $137,566, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $237,094 — a $99,528 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Massachusetts for this role is Cambridge, where the median reaches $223,020.

Nationally, pharmacist employment is projected to grow 2% over the next decade (slower than average). This steady growth indicates stable demand for pharmacists across the country.

Pharmacist Salary in Massachusetts by Experience

In Massachusetts, an entry-level pharmacist earns around $143,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $225,940 per year. The cost of living index in Massachusetts is 135% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$143,000
+$43,000 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$185,900
+$55,900 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$225,940
+$67,940 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Massachusetts

Percentile MA Salary
10th Percentile $137,566
25th Percentile $167,310
Median (50th) $189,833
75th Percentile $217,646
90th Percentile $237,094

Pharmacist Salary by City in Massachusetts

The largest employment areas for pharmacists in Massachusetts include Boston, Worcester, Springfield, and Cambridge. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Pharmacist in Massachusetts

Education

Most pharmacist positions require a doctoral degree. Massachusetts has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

PharmacologyPatient CounselingDrug InteractionsCompoundingClinical ReviewPharmacy Software

Job Outlook in Massachusetts

Nationally, pharmacist employment is projected to grow 2% over the next decade (slower than average). Massachusetts's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

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Frequently Asked Questions: Pharmacist Salary in Massachusetts

How much does a Pharmacist make in Massachusetts? ▼
The median pharmacist salary in Massachusetts is $189,833 per year, which is 43.0% above the national median of $132,750. Salaries range from $137,566 (10th percentile) to $237,094 (90th percentile).
How much does a Pharmacist make per hour in Massachusetts? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $189,833, a pharmacist in Massachusetts earns approximately $91 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Massachusetts a good state for pharmacists? ▼
Massachusetts ranks #3 out of 50 states for pharmacist pay. The cost of living index is 135% of the national average. Entry-level pharmacists earn $143,000, while senior professionals earn $225,940.
How does Massachusetts compare to other states for pharmacist salary? ▼
The highest paying state for pharmacists is Hawaii at $236,295. Massachusetts's median of $189,833 ranks #3 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Hawaii ($236,295) and California ($193,815).
What is the entry-level pharmacist salary in Massachusetts? ▼
An entry-level pharmacist in Massachusetts earns approximately $143,000 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $185,900. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $225,940.
What city in Massachusetts pays pharmacists the most? ▼
Cambridge is the highest paying city in Massachusetts for pharmacists, with a median salary of $223,020. Other cities include Boston and Worcester.