Healthcare Virginia (VA) Rank #14 of 50

Pharmacist Salary in Virginia

The median pharmacist salary in Virginia is $140,715 per year, which is 6.0% above the national median of $132,750.

Median Salary
$140,715
vs National
+$7,965
State Rank
#14 of 50
Cost of Living
104%

Pharmacist Salary Overview in Virginia (2026)

Virginia ranks #14 out of 50 states for pharmacist compensation. Virginia falls in the middle of the pack for pharmacist pay, offering salaries near the national average. At $140,715 per year, pharmacists in Virginia earn $7,965 more than the national median of $132,750.

Virginia's cost of living is near the national average at 104%, meaning pharmacist salaries here translate closely to their face value in purchasing power.

The salary spread in Virginia is significant: pharmacists at the 10th percentile earn $101,972, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $175,748 — a $73,776 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Virginia for this role is Arlington, where the median reaches $177,885.

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 Virginia by Experience

In Virginia, an entry-level pharmacist earns around $106,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $167,480 per year. The cost of living index in Virginia is 104% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$106,000
+$6,000 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$137,800
+$7,800 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$167,480
+$9,480 vs national

You May Qualify for Premium Rewards

Professionals earning $140,715+ often qualify for premium rewards cards with $500+ signup bonuses and 2–5% cashback on every purchase.

View Offers You Qualify For →

Salary Percentiles in Virginia

Percentile VA Salary
10th Percentile $101,972
25th Percentile $124,020
Median (50th) $140,715
75th Percentile $161,332
90th Percentile $175,748

Pharmacist Salary by City in Virginia

The largest employment areas for pharmacists in Virginia include Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Richmond, and Arlington. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Pharmacist in Virginia

Education

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

Key Skills

PharmacologyPatient CounselingDrug InteractionsCompoundingClinical ReviewPharmacy Software

Job Outlook in Virginia

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

Stand Out from the Competition

85% of recruiters say a professionally written resume increases interview rates by 40%. Stand out from 322,200 other Pharmacists.

Get a Professional Resume →

Open to Pharmacist Roles in Virginia?

Get matched with recruiters hiring pharmacists in Virginia at competitive salaries.

Or browse positions directly:

Frequently Asked Questions: Pharmacist Salary in Virginia

How much does a Pharmacist make in Virginia? ▼
The median pharmacist salary in Virginia is $140,715 per year, which is 6.0% above the national median of $132,750. Salaries range from $101,972 (10th percentile) to $175,748 (90th percentile).
How much does a Pharmacist make per hour in Virginia? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $140,715, a pharmacist in Virginia earns approximately $68 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Virginia a good state for pharmacists? ▼
Virginia ranks #14 out of 50 states for pharmacist pay. The cost of living index is 104% of the national average. Entry-level pharmacists earn $106,000, while senior professionals earn $167,480.
How does Virginia compare to other states for pharmacist salary? ▼
The highest paying state for pharmacists is Hawaii at $236,295. Virginia's median of $140,715 ranks #14 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Rhode Island ($143,370) and Colorado ($142,043).
What is the entry-level pharmacist salary in Virginia? ▼
An entry-level pharmacist in Virginia earns approximately $106,000 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $137,800. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $167,480.
What city in Virginia pays pharmacists the most? ▼
Arlington is the highest paying city in Virginia for pharmacists, with a median salary of $177,885. Other cities include Virginia Beach and Norfolk.