Average Pharmacist Salary in Ohio

Pharmacists in Ohio earn an average of $128,483 per year across 3 metro areas. This is +5.5% lower than the national average.

Average Salary

$128,483

per year

Hourly Rate

$61.77

per hour

vs National

-5.5%

$136,030 national

Salary Range

$81,277

to $186,729

About Pharmacist Careers in Ohio

Pharmacists are drug therapy experts who dispense medications, counsel patients on proper use, and collaborate with healthcare providers to optimize medication regimens. The profession has evolved well beyond the dispensing counter — pharmacists now provide immunizations, chronic disease management services, medication therapy management (MTM), and point-of-care testing in a wide range of clinical settings. The national median annual salary is approximately $132,750, with clinical and specialty pharmacists in hospitals and specialty infusion centers often earning $140,000–$175,000.

In Ohio, pharmacists earn an average of $128,483 per year as of 2026, with salaries ranging from $81,277 for entry-level roles to $186,729 for the most experienced professionals — +5.5% below the national average. Pay is influenced most by practice setting — health system/hospital clinical pharmacy pays more than retail chain, specialty certification (bcps, bcacp, bcop, bcpps) — board certification adds 5–15% to base, and the specific metro area within Ohio.

Cost of Living Adjusted Salary

Nominal Salary

$128,483

Cost of Living Index

91

100 = national average

Adjusted Salary

$141,190

purchasing power equivalent

After adjusting for Ohio's cost of living (below average), a Pharmacist's salary of $128,483 has the purchasing power of $141,190 in an average-cost area.

Pharmacist Salary by City in Ohio

CityMedian SalaryHourly RateEntry Level (P10)Senior (P90)Employment
Columbus, OH$129,082$62.06/hr$81,345$180,610257
Cleveland, OH$129,016$62.03/hr$80,733$191,837270
Cincinnati, OH$127,351$61.23/hr$81,754$187,740246

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS Survey, 2026. Sorted by median salary (highest first).

Ohio vs National Average

Pharmacist Salary Comparison

Ohio Average$128,483
National Average$136,030
Difference-$7,547 (-5.5%)

Employment in Ohio

There are approximately 773 Pharmacists employed across 3 metro areas in Ohio.

Key Industries: Manufacturing, Healthcare, Finance

State Income Tax: 0% - 3.99%

Pharmacist Salary Range in Ohio

Entry Level (10th Percentile)

$81,277

Starting salary for new Pharmacists

Median (50th Percentile)

$128,483

Mid-career Pharmacist salary

Senior (90th Percentile)

$186,729

Top earners in the field

Pharmacist Salary in Neighboring States

Compare Pharmacist salaries in Ohio with nearby states to find the best opportunities.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average Pharmacist salary in Ohio?

The average Pharmacist salary in Ohio is $128,483 per year ($61.77/hour) based on 2026 data across 3 metro areas. This is 5.5% below the national average of $136,030.

What is the highest paying city for Pharmacists in Ohio?

Columbus, OH is the highest paying city for Pharmacists in Ohio, with a median salary of $129,082 per year. The lowest paying metro area is Cincinnati, OH at $127,351.

What is the salary range for Pharmacists in Ohio?

Pharmacist salaries in Ohio range from $81,277 (entry-level, 10th percentile) to $186,729 (experienced, 90th percentile). The median salary is $128,483 per year.

About This Data

Salary data is sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey. State-level averages are calculated from metro area data within Ohio. Figures represent 2026 estimates and may not reflect all employers or self-employed workers. Cost of living adjustments use regional indices to provide purchasing power context.