Average Pharmacists Salary in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA
Pharmacists in the Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA metropolitan area earn an impressive average annual salary of $160,750. This figure significantly surpasses the national average of $136,140, indicating a strong demand and higher compensation for pharmaceutical professionals in this region. Factors such as the robust healthcare sector and the concentration of major medical institutions likely contribute to this elevated pay scale.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $160,750 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 24.4% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $201,610.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 4,850 pharmacists and a Location Quotient of 1.09, the Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue area demonstrates a healthy and slightly above-average concentration of these professionals. This suggests a stable job market with consistent demand, indicating a robust outlook for those in or looking to enter the pharmacy field within this dynamic metropolitan region.
Salary Overview
The average Pharmacists in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA earns+18.1%above the national average.
$77.3
$3,091
$13,396
Pharmacists Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that pharmacist salaries in the Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue area have experienced steady growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Increased demand for healthcare services, evolving pharmaceutical practices, and inflationary pressures typically drive upward salary adjustments for skilled professionals in this sector.
Pharmacists Salary Distribution in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA
Salary progression for pharmacists in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue typically scales significantly with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower percentiles, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills or supervisory roles can command salaries in the upper percentiles. The gap between entry-level and senior-level compensation clearly signifies substantial career advancement opportunities and increased earning potential over time.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resident / New GradClinical rotation complete. Gaining floor experience. | 10% (Entry) | $128,340 | $61.7 |
| Staff ClinicianFull patient caseload. Proficient in core procedures. | 25% (Junior) | $120,563 | $58 |
| Charge / SeniorShift lead. Precepts new hires. Specialized certification. | 50% (Median) | $165,270 | $79.5 |
| SpecialistAdvanced degree/cert (e.g., ICU, OR). High acuity cases. | 75% (Senior) | $200,938 | $96.6 |
| Director / LeadDepartment head or Advanced Practice Provider. | 90% (Expert) | $201,610 | $96.9 |
Detailed Pharmacists Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$160,750
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$160,750
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $160,750 in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue aligns perfectly with the national Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the nominal salary earned by pharmacists in this region offers purchasing power equivalent to the national average, suggesting a balanced financial landscape where compensation effectively meets the cost of living.
Job Market Context
4,850
Total Jobs
2.328
Per 1K Jobs
1.09
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.09, Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Pharmacists roles compared to the national norm.
A Location Quotient of 1.09 indicates that pharmacists are slightly more concentrated in the Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue area compared to the national average. This suggests a competitive yet stable job market; while there are more pharmacists per worker than the national average, the demand remains strong enough to support this concentration and maintain favorable compensation levels.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Pharmacists
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Bremerton-Silverdale-Port Orchard, WA Pharmacists Salary | $148,410↓ 8% | 18 mi |
| Western Washington nonmetropolitan area Pharmacists Salary | $149,820↓ 7% | 42 mi |
| Eastern Washington nonmetropolitan area Pharmacists Salary | $147,040↓ 9% | 42 mi |
| Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater, WA Pharmacists Salary | $144,670↓ 10% | 47 mi |
| Mount Vernon-Anacortes, WA Pharmacists Salary | $146,820↓ 9% | 56 mi |
Comparing salaries near Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA
Hiring Pharmacistss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Pharmacists make in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA?
The median annual salary for a Pharmacists in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA is $160,750. This typically ranges from $128,340 for entry-level positions to $201,610 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA is 18.1% higher than the national median of $136,140.
Is Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA a lucrative place for Pharmacists?
Yes, it is a highly lucrative area for pharmacists.Pharmacists in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue earn significantly above the national average salary, and the cost of living is at the national average, making it a financially advantageous location.
Is Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA a good place to live for Pharmacists?
The Cost of Living Index in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Bremerton-Silverdale-Port Orchard, WA ($148,410) and Western Washington nonmetropolitan area.
How does the Seattle pharmacist salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for pharmacists in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue is $160,750, which is considerably higher than the national average of $136,140.
What is the job market like for pharmacists in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue?
The job market is robust, with a local workforce of 4,850 pharmacists and a concentration (Location Quotient) slightly above the national average, indicating steady demand.
Does the high salary in Seattle account for the cost of living?
Yes, the average salary of $160,750 in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue is balanced by a Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average, suggesting good purchasing power.
How much does experience impact a pharmacist's salary in this region?
Experience plays a crucial role, with entry-level pharmacists earning less and senior or specialized pharmacists commanding significantly higher salaries, reflecting clear career progression.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 4,850 employees in the Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA area with a job density of 2.328 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Pharmacists • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA