Average Pharmacist Salary in Pennsylvania

Pharmacists in Pennsylvania earn an average of $131,613 per year across 2 metro areas. This is +3.2% lower than the national average.

Average Salary

$131,613

per year

Hourly Rate

$63.28

per hour

vs National

-3.2%

$136,030 national

Salary Range

$85,906

to $186,118

About Pharmacist Careers in Pennsylvania

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 Pennsylvania, pharmacists earn an average of $131,613 per year as of 2026, with salaries ranging from $85,906 for entry-level roles to $186,118 for the most experienced professionals — +3.2% 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 Pennsylvania.

Cost of Living Adjusted Salary

Nominal Salary

$131,613

Cost of Living Index

99

100 = national average

Adjusted Salary

$132,942

purchasing power equivalent

After adjusting for Pennsylvania's cost of living (below average), a Pharmacist's salary of $131,613 has the purchasing power of $132,942 in an average-cost area.

Pharmacist Salary by City in Pennsylvania

CityMedian SalaryHourly RateEntry Level (P10)Senior (P90)Employment
Philadelphia, PA$136,522$65.64/hr$88,598$190,425353
Pittsburgh, PA$126,703$60.91/hr$83,214$181,811264

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

Pennsylvania vs National Average

Pharmacist Salary Comparison

Pennsylvania Average$131,613
National Average$136,030
Difference-$4,417 (-3.2%)

Employment in Pennsylvania

There are approximately 617 Pharmacists employed across 2 metro areas in Pennsylvania.

Key Industries: Healthcare, Education, Manufacturing

State Income Tax: 3.07% flat rate

Pharmacist Salary Range in Pennsylvania

Entry Level (10th Percentile)

$85,906

Starting salary for new Pharmacists

Median (50th Percentile)

$131,613

Mid-career Pharmacist salary

Senior (90th Percentile)

$186,118

Top earners in the field

Pharmacist Salary in Neighboring States

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average Pharmacist salary in Pennsylvania?

The average Pharmacist salary in Pennsylvania is $131,613 per year ($63.28/hour) based on 2026 data across 2 metro areas. This is 3.2% below the national average of $136,030.

What is the highest paying city for Pharmacists in Pennsylvania?

Philadelphia, PA is the highest paying city for Pharmacists in Pennsylvania, with a median salary of $136,522 per year. The lowest paying metro area is Pittsburgh, PA at $126,703.

What is the salary range for Pharmacists in Pennsylvania?

Pharmacist salaries in Pennsylvania range from $85,906 (entry-level, 10th percentile) to $186,118 (experienced, 90th percentile). The median salary is $131,613 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 Pennsylvania. 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.