Healthcare Boston, MA Pop. 675,647

Pharmacist Salary in Boston, Massachusetts

The median pharmacist salary in Boston, MA is $212,400 per year, which is 60.0% above the national median and 11.9% above the Massachusetts state average.

City Median
$212,400
vs State Avg
+$22,567
vs National
+$79,650
Cost of Living
152%

Pharmacist Pay in Boston: What to Expect (2026)

Boston offers a median pharmacist salary of $212,400, which is $22,567 above the Massachusetts state average of $189,833. Compared to the national median of $132,750, Boston pays above average for this role.

However, Boston's cost of living index is 152%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $212,400 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $139,737. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Boston should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for pharmacists in Boston spans from $153,920 at the 10th percentile to $265,280 at the 90th percentile — a $111,360 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $160,000, while senior pharmacists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $252,800. As a major metro area with a population of 675,647, Boston typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Pharmacist Salary in Boston by Experience

In Boston, an entry-level pharmacist earns around $160,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $252,800 per year. The local cost of living index is 152% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$160,000
+$60,000 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$208,000
+$78,000 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$252,800
+$94,800 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Boston, MA

Percentile Boston
10th Percentile $153,920
25th Percentile $187,200
Median (50th) $212,400
75th Percentile $243,520
90th Percentile $265,280

Pharmacist Salary in Other Massachusetts Cities

Cambridge, MA
$223,020
Pop. 118,403
Worcester, MA
$156,645
Pop. 206,518
Lowell, MA
$150,008
Pop. 115,554
Springfield, MA
$140,715
Pop. 155,929

How to Become a Pharmacist in Boston

Education

Most pharmacist positions require a doctoral degree. Boston and the surrounding Massachusetts 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 Boston may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Pharmacist Jobs in Boston

Browse open pharmacist positions in Boston, MA:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Pharmacist Salary in Boston

How much does a Pharmacist make in Boston, MA? ▼
The median pharmacist salary in Boston, Massachusetts is $212,400 per year, which is 60.0% above the national median of $132,750. Salaries range from $153,920 (10th percentile) to $265,280 (90th percentile).
How much does a Pharmacist make per hour in Boston? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $212,400, a pharmacist in Boston earns approximately $102 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Boston compare to the Massachusetts state average for pharmacist pay? ▼
Boston's median pharmacist salary of $212,400 is 11.9% above the Massachusetts state average of $189,833. The local cost of living index is 152% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Boston, MA? ▼
Boston has a cost of living index of 152% compared to the national average. This means a pharmacist salary of $212,400 in Boston has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a pharmacist in Boston? ▼
Most pharmacist positions in Boston 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.