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
| City | Median Salary | Hourly Rate | Entry Level (P10) | Senior (P90) | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Philadelphia, PA | $136,522 | $65.64/hr | $88,598 | $190,425 | 353 |
| Pittsburgh, PA | $126,703 | $60.91/hr | $83,214 | $181,811 | 264 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS Survey, 2026. Sorted by median salary (highest first).
Pennsylvania vs National Average
Pharmacist Salary Comparison
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
Related Occupations in Pennsylvania
Pharmacist Salary in Neighboring States
Compare Pharmacist salaries in Pennsylvania with nearby states to find the best opportunities.
More Pennsylvania Data
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.