Healthcare Pennsylvania (PA) Rank #21 of 50

Pharmacist Salary in Pennsylvania

The median pharmacist salary in Pennsylvania is $131,423 per year, which is 1% below the national median of $132,750.

Median Salary
$131,423
vs National
$-1,327
State Rank
#21 of 50
Cost of Living
96%

Pharmacist Salary Overview in Pennsylvania (2026)

Pennsylvania ranks #21 out of 50 states for pharmacist compensation. Pennsylvania falls in the middle of the pack for pharmacist pay, offering salaries near the national average. At $131,423 per year, pharmacists in Pennsylvania earn $1,327 less than the national median of $132,750.

Pennsylvania's cost of living is near the national average at 96%, meaning pharmacist salaries here translate closely to their face value in purchasing power.

The salary spread in Pennsylvania is significant: pharmacists at the 10th percentile earn $95,238, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $164,142 — a $68,904 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Pennsylvania for this role is Philadelphia, where the median reaches $139,388.

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 Pennsylvania by Experience

In Pennsylvania, an entry-level pharmacist earns around $99,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $156,420 per year. The cost of living index in Pennsylvania is 96% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$99,000
$-1,000 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$128,700
$-1,300 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$156,420
$-1,580 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Pennsylvania

Percentile PA Salary
10th Percentile $95,238
25th Percentile $115,830
Median (50th) $131,423
75th Percentile $150,678
90th Percentile $164,142

Pharmacist Salary by City in Pennsylvania

The largest employment areas for pharmacists in Pennsylvania include Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Allentown, and Reading. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Pharmacist in Pennsylvania

Education

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

Key Skills

PharmacologyPatient CounselingDrug InteractionsCompoundingClinical ReviewPharmacy Software

Job Outlook in Pennsylvania

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

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Frequently Asked Questions: Pharmacist Salary in Pennsylvania

How much does a Pharmacist make in Pennsylvania? ▼
The median pharmacist salary in Pennsylvania is $131,423 per year, which is 1% below the national median of $132,750. Salaries range from $95,238 (10th percentile) to $164,142 (90th percentile).
How much does a Pharmacist make per hour in Pennsylvania? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $131,423, a pharmacist in Pennsylvania earns approximately $63 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Pennsylvania a good state for pharmacists? ▼
Pennsylvania ranks #21 out of 50 states for pharmacist pay. The cost of living index is 96% of the national average. Entry-level pharmacists earn $99,000, while senior professionals earn $156,420.
How does Pennsylvania compare to other states for pharmacist salary? ▼
The highest paying state for pharmacists is Hawaii at $236,295. Pennsylvania's median of $131,423 ranks #21 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Maine ($132,750) and Nevada ($131,423).
What is the entry-level pharmacist salary in Pennsylvania? ▼
An entry-level pharmacist in Pennsylvania earns approximately $99,000 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $128,700. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $156,420.
What city in Pennsylvania pays pharmacists the most? ▼
Philadelphia is the highest paying city in Pennsylvania for pharmacists, with a median salary of $139,388. Other cities include Pittsburgh and Allentown.