Healthcare Washington (WA) Rank #7 of 50

Pharmacist Salary in Washington

The median pharmacist salary in Washington is $157,973 per year, which is 19.0% above the national median of $132,750.

Median Salary
$157,973
vs National
+$25,223
State Rank
#7 of 50
Cost of Living
115%

Pharmacist Salary Overview in Washington (2026)

Washington ranks #7 out of 50 states for pharmacist compensation. This places Washington in the top tier nationally, making it one of the best states for pharmacists seeking high pay. At $157,973 per year, pharmacists in Washington earn $25,223 more than the national median of $132,750.

It's worth noting that Washington's cost of living is 115% of the national average, which reduces the real purchasing power of the $157,973 salary. After adjusting for cost of living, the effective salary is closer to $137,368.

The salary spread in Washington is significant: pharmacists at the 10th percentile earn $114,478, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $197,302 — a $82,824 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Washington for this role is Bellevue, where the median reaches $207,090.

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 Washington by Experience

In Washington, an entry-level pharmacist earns around $119,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $188,020 per year. The cost of living index in Washington is 115% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$119,000
+$19,000 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$154,700
+$24,700 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$188,020
+$30,020 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Washington

Percentile WA Salary
10th Percentile $114,478
25th Percentile $139,230
Median (50th) $157,973
75th Percentile $181,118
90th Percentile $197,302

Pharmacist Salary by City in Washington

The largest employment areas for pharmacists in Washington include Seattle, Spokane, Tacoma, and Bellevue. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Pharmacist in Washington

Education

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

Key Skills

PharmacologyPatient CounselingDrug InteractionsCompoundingClinical ReviewPharmacy Software

Job Outlook in Washington

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

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Frequently Asked Questions: Pharmacist Salary in Washington

How much does a Pharmacist make in Washington? ▼
The median pharmacist salary in Washington is $157,973 per year, which is 19.0% above the national median of $132,750. Salaries range from $114,478 (10th percentile) to $197,302 (90th percentile).
How much does a Pharmacist make per hour in Washington? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $157,973, a pharmacist in Washington earns approximately $76 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Washington a good state for pharmacists? ▼
Washington ranks #7 out of 50 states for pharmacist pay. The cost of living index is 115% of the national average. Entry-level pharmacists earn $119,000, while senior professionals earn $188,020.
How does Washington compare to other states for pharmacist salary? ▼
The highest paying state for pharmacists is Hawaii at $236,295. Washington's median of $157,973 ranks #7 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include New York ($168,593) and New Jersey ($159,300).
What is the entry-level pharmacist salary in Washington? ▼
An entry-level pharmacist in Washington earns approximately $119,000 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $154,700. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $188,020.
What city in Washington pays pharmacists the most? ▼
Bellevue is the highest paying city in Washington for pharmacists, with a median salary of $207,090. Other cities include Seattle and Spokane.