Healthcare Durham, NC Pop. 283,506

Pharmacist Salary in Durham, North Carolina

The median pharmacist salary in Durham, NC is $126,113 per year, which is 5% below the national median and 3.3% above the North Carolina state average.

City Median
$126,113
vs State Avg
+$3,983
vs National
$-6,637
Cost of Living
95%

Pharmacist Pay in Durham: What to Expect (2026)

Durham offers a median pharmacist salary of $126,113, which is $3,983 above the North Carolina state average of $122,130. Compared to the national median of $132,750, Durham pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Durham's cost of living is 95% of the national average, meaning salary figures here closely reflect actual purchasing power. This makes direct comparisons to other cities straightforward.

The salary range for pharmacists in Durham spans from $91,390 at the 10th percentile to $157,510 at the 90th percentile — a $66,120 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $95,000, while senior pharmacists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $150,100. With a population of 283,506, Durham is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Pharmacist Salary in Durham by Experience

In Durham, an entry-level pharmacist earns around $95,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $150,100 per year. The local cost of living index is 95% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$95,000
$-5,000 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$123,500
$-6,500 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$150,100
$-7,900 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Durham, NC

Percentile Durham
10th Percentile $91,390
25th Percentile $111,150
Median (50th) $126,113
75th Percentile $144,590
90th Percentile $157,510

Pharmacist Salary in Other North Carolina Cities

How to Become a Pharmacist in Durham

Education

Most pharmacist positions require a doctoral degree. Durham and the surrounding North Carolina 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 Durham may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Pharmacist Jobs in Durham

Browse open pharmacist positions in Durham, NC:

Frequently Asked Questions: Pharmacist Salary in Durham

How much does a Pharmacist make in Durham, NC? ▼
The median pharmacist salary in Durham, North Carolina is $126,113 per year, which is 5% below the national median of $132,750. Salaries range from $91,390 (10th percentile) to $157,510 (90th percentile).
How much does a Pharmacist make per hour in Durham? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $126,113, a pharmacist in Durham earns approximately $61 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Durham compare to the North Carolina state average for pharmacist pay? ▼
Durham's median pharmacist salary of $126,113 is 3.3% above the North Carolina state average of $122,130. The local cost of living index is 95% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Durham, NC? ▼
Durham has a cost of living index of 95% compared to the national average. This means a pharmacist salary of $126,113 in Durham has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a pharmacist in Durham? ▼
Most pharmacist positions in Durham 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.