Pharmacists mix, package and sell medications that have been prescribed by a licensed medical professionals. Pharmacy managers oversee the activities of pharmacists and pharmacy technicians, and make sure that pharmacies and drug stores run smoothly. Pharmacists are required to have a doctorate degree in pharmacy before they can practice; pharmacy managers should have at least a bachelor's or master's in pharmacy.

National and Local Pharmacist Pay

As of 2020, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that pharmacists earned an average salary of $128,710 per year. Pharmacists in California reported the highest average salary in the United States, at $129,170 per year. Maine ranked second, at $128,030 per year, followed by California at $125,800, Vermont at $125,520 and Delaware at $121,830. Pharmacists working in Nebraska reported the lowest average salary in the country, with an average annual paycheck of $100,830.

Pharmacist Pay by Employment Setting

Most pharmacists work in drug stores or other personal care stores, and earned an average salary of $122,860 as of 2021. Those who worked in hospital pharmacies earned slightly less, with an average salary of $128,310 per year, while pharmacists employed in physicians' offices reported an average annual salary of $126,330. Pharmacists working in grocery stores reported an average salary of $124,120 per year, while those employed by department stores brought home an average of $124,470.

National and Regional Pharmacy Manager Pay

As of 2020, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that pharmacy managers working in the United States earned an average salary of $128,710 per year. Those in California reported the highest average salary, at $146,070, followed by pharmacy managers in the Texas, who averaged $125,470 per year. Pharmacy managers in the country reported average annual salaries ranging between $85,000 and $165,000.

Pharmacy Manager Pay by Employment Setting

According to PharmacyWeek.com, pharmacy managers working in hospitals and other healthcare facilities earned the highest average pay by employment setting, at $139,600 per year. Those who worked for drug stores and grocery stores both reported an average salary of $125,740 per year. As of 2020, pharmacy managers working for mass merchandisers and department stores reported the lowest average salary by employment setting, at $123,400 per year.

Pharmacists salary

• Top 10% Annual Salary: More than $164,980 ($79.32/hour)
• Median Annual Salary: $128,710 ($61.88/hour)
• Bottom 10% Annual Salary: Less than $85,210 ($40.97/hour)