Pharmacist Salary in Winston-Salem, NC: $114,165 (2026)

Pharmacist Pay in Winston-Salem: What to Expect (2026)

Winston-Salem offers a median pharmacist salary of $114,165, which is $7,965 below the North Carolina state average of $122,130. Compared to the national median of $132,750, Winston-Salem pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Winston-Salem's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 86% of the national average. This means the $114,165 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $132,750 in an average-cost city. This makes Winston-Salem an attractive option for pharmacists seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for pharmacists in Winston-Salem spans from $82,732 at the 10th percentile to $142,588 at the 90th percentile — a $59,856 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $86,000, while senior pharmacists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $135,880. With a population of 249,545, Winston-Salem is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Pharmacist Salary in Winston-Salem by Experience

In Winston-Salem, an entry-level pharmacist earns around $86,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $135,880 per year. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$86,000

$-14,000 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$111,800

$-18,200 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$135,880

$-22,120 vs national

Percentile	Winston-Salem	NC State	National
10th Percentile	$82,732	$88,504	$96,200
25th Percentile	$100,620	$107,640	$117,000
Median (50th)	$114,165	$122,130	$132,750
75th Percentile	$130,892	$140,024	$152,200
90th Percentile	$142,588	$152,536	$165,800

Percentile

Winston-Salem

10th Percentile

$82,732

25th Percentile

$100,620

Median (50th)

$114,165

75th Percentile

$130,892

90th Percentile

$142,588

How to Become a Pharmacist in Winston-Salem

Education

Most pharmacist positions require a doctoral degree. Winston-Salem 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 Winston-Salem may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Frequently Asked Questions: Pharmacist Salary in Winston-Salem

How much does a Pharmacist make in Winston-Salem, NC? ▼

The median pharmacist salary in Winston-Salem, North Carolina is $114,165 per year, which is 14% below the national median of $132,750. Salaries range from $82,732 (10th percentile) to $142,588 (90th percentile).

How much does a Pharmacist make per hour in Winston-Salem? ▼

Based on the median annual salary of $114,165, a pharmacist in Winston-Salem earns approximately $55 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does Winston-Salem compare to the North Carolina state average for pharmacist pay? ▼

Winston-Salem's median pharmacist salary of $114,165 is 6.5% below the North Carolina state average of $122,130. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.

What is the cost of living in Winston-Salem, NC? ▼

Winston-Salem has a cost of living index of 86% compared to the national average. This means a pharmacist salary of $114,165 in Winston-Salem has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

What qualifications do I need to become a pharmacist in Winston-Salem? ▼

Most pharmacist positions in Winston-Salem 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.

Pharmacist Salary in Winston-Salem, North Carolina