Healthcare New Jersey (NJ) Rank #6 of 50

Pharmacist Salary in New Jersey

The median pharmacist salary in New Jersey is $159,300 per year, which is 20.0% above the national median of $132,750.

Median Salary
$159,300
vs National
+$26,550
State Rank
#6 of 50
Cost of Living
115%

Pharmacist Salary Overview in New Jersey (2026)

New Jersey ranks #6 out of 50 states for pharmacist compensation. This places New Jersey in the top tier nationally, making it one of the best states for pharmacists seeking high pay. At $159,300 per year, pharmacists in New Jersey earn $26,550 more than the national median of $132,750.

It's worth noting that New Jersey's cost of living is 115% of the national average, which reduces the real purchasing power of the $159,300 salary. After adjusting for cost of living, the effective salary is closer to $138,522.

The salary spread in New Jersey is significant: pharmacists at the 10th percentile earn $115,440, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $198,960 — a $83,520 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in New Jersey for this role is Jersey City, where the median reaches $176,558.

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 New Jersey by Experience

In New Jersey, an entry-level pharmacist earns around $120,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $189,600 per year. The cost of living index in New Jersey is 115% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$120,000
+$20,000 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$156,000
+$26,000 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$189,600
+$31,600 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in New Jersey

Percentile NJ Salary
10th Percentile $115,440
25th Percentile $140,400
Median (50th) $159,300
75th Percentile $182,640
90th Percentile $198,960

Pharmacist Salary by City in New Jersey

The largest employment areas for pharmacists in New Jersey include Newark, Jersey City, Paterson, and Elizabeth. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Pharmacist in New Jersey

Education

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

Key Skills

PharmacologyPatient CounselingDrug InteractionsCompoundingClinical ReviewPharmacy Software

Job Outlook in New Jersey

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

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Frequently Asked Questions: Pharmacist Salary in New Jersey

How much does a Pharmacist make in New Jersey? ▼
The median pharmacist salary in New Jersey is $159,300 per year, which is 20.0% above the national median of $132,750. Salaries range from $115,440 (10th percentile) to $198,960 (90th percentile).
How much does a Pharmacist make per hour in New Jersey? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $159,300, a pharmacist in New Jersey earns approximately $77 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is New Jersey a good state for pharmacists? ▼
New Jersey ranks #6 out of 50 states for pharmacist pay. The cost of living index is 115% of the national average. Entry-level pharmacists earn $120,000, while senior professionals earn $189,600.
How does New Jersey compare to other states for pharmacist salary? ▼
The highest paying state for pharmacists is Hawaii at $236,295. New Jersey's median of $159,300 ranks #6 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Alaska ($171,248) and New York ($168,593).
What is the entry-level pharmacist salary in New Jersey? ▼
An entry-level pharmacist in New Jersey earns approximately $120,000 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $156,000. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $189,600.
What city in New Jersey pays pharmacists the most? ▼
Jersey City is the highest paying city in New Jersey for pharmacists, with a median salary of $176,558. Other cities include Newark and Paterson.