If you’re aspiring to be a pharmacist or simply curious about how much they earn in 2025, you’re at the right place. Let’s get into the figures in a straightforward and personal manner so that you have a good idea of what pharmacists are earning in the United States this year.
What is the average salary for a pharmacist in 2025?
As of 2025, the average total compensation for a pharmacist in the United States is around $152,328 yearly, according to current statistics of more than 28,000 recorded salaries. This figure encompasses base salary and any additional income, such as bonuses or commissions.
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Here’s how that total breaks down:
- Base salary: $119,000 to $154,000 per year
- Additional pay (like bonuses, tips, profit-sharing): $13,000 to $24,000 per year
- Median base salary: $135,359
- Estimated median additional pay: $16,969
So if you’re working as a pharmacist, you’re likely earning a comfortable six-figure salary, even without counting any perks or overtime.
Who Pays the Most? Top Companies for Pharmacists
If you want to earn the highest pay, try working for one of the top-paying employers. Some of the best in 2025 are:
- Gilead Sciences: $169K–$229K per year
- Blue Origin: $163K–$235K per year
- Google: $150K–$246K per year
- Apple: $155K–$237K per annum
- Biogen: $164K–$223K per year
These firms provide not only high salaries but usually lucrative bonuses and stock options as well.
Popular retail chains and how much they pay
If you’re researching retail pharmacy positions, here’s what some prominent companies are paying:
- CVS Health: Approximately $63/hour
- Walgreens: Median salary of $127,000/year
- Walmart: Median salary of $136,000/year
- Publix and Kroger: Both provide approximately $134,000/year
- Rite Aid: Approximately $63/hour
The hourly wage generally falls between $57 and $82, based on location, experience, and type of job.
What about specialized and government roles?
A few of the highest-paying jobs are in government or niche fields such as aerospace and information technology. For example:
- FDA Pharmacist: Approximately $157,429/year
- VA (Veterans Affairs): $154,694/year
U.S. Army: $146,532/year. These positions usually carry great benefits and job security and thus are appealing to most professionals.
How to boost your pay as a pharmacist
If you want to boost your online income, try:
- Obtaining a clinical or specialty certification
- Practicing in underserved or high-need areas
- Salary negotiation based on experience or qualifications
- Changing to a well-paid sector, such as biotech or government health agencies
Final thoughts
So, to recap: in 2025, U.S. pharmacists make $132,000 to $178,000 on average when base and bonus compensation are included. High producers in the industry, particularly those employed by large companies or government agencies, can make significantly more. If you’re new to the profession or pondering a career change, pharmacy continues to be a fulfilling, stable profession with room to grow.
If you are in the field, you are well-placed. And if not yet, now might be the perfect moment to consider getting into it.
