Average Pharmacists Salary in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
Pharmacists in the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV metropolitan area earn an impressive average annual salary of $142,280. This figure notably surpasses the national average of $136,140, indicating a premium for pharmaceutical professionals in this region. The localized demand and cost of doing business likely contribute to this elevated compensation.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $142,280 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 14.3% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $173,000.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 4,870 pharmacists and a Location Quotient of 0.73, the job market in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria shows a slightly lower concentration of these professionals compared to the national average. While not indicating an oversupply, this suggests a stable, albeit not exceptionally concentrated, demand for pharmacists in the area.
Salary Overview
The average Pharmacists in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV earns+4.5%above the national average.
$68.4
$2,736
$11,857
Pharmacists Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that pharmacist salaries in the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria area have experienced consistent growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Factors such as increasing healthcare needs, advancements in pharmaceutical services, and inflation typically drive upward salary adjustments in this vital profession.
Pharmacists Salary Distribution in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
Salary progression for pharmacists in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria typically scales significantly with experience. Entry-level positions may start at a lower percentile, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills or supervisory roles can command salaries well into the higher percentiles. These percentile gaps clearly signify substantial career growth opportunities and earning potential.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resident / New GradClinical rotation complete. Gaining floor experience. | 10% (Entry) | $107,870 | $51.9 |
| Staff ClinicianFull patient caseload. Proficient in core procedures. | 25% (Junior) | $106,710 | $51.3 |
| Charge / SeniorShift lead. Precepts new hires. Specialized certification. | 50% (Median) | $143,890 | $69.2 |
| SpecialistAdvanced degree/cert (e.g., ICU, OR). High acuity cases. | 75% (Senior) | $177,850 | $85.5 |
| Director / LeadDepartment head or Advanced Practice Provider. | 90% (Expert) | $173,000 | $83.2 |
Detailed Pharmacists Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$142,280
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$142,280
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $142,280 in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria aligns perfectly with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of a pharmacist's salary in this region is equivalent to the national average, offering a stable financial standing without the immediate pressure of higher or lower living expenses.
Job Market Context
4,870
Total Jobs
1.562
Per 1K Jobs
0.73
Location Quotient
Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV has 0.73x the national average concentration of Pharmacists jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.
A Location Quotient of 0.73 suggests that while pharmacists are present in the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria area, their concentration is slightly below the national average. This indicates a competitive market where demand is steady but not overwhelmingly saturated, offering a balanced environment for job seekers and employers alike.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Pharmacists
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Maryland nonmetropolitan area Pharmacists Salary | $129,120↓ 9% | 17 mi |
| Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD Pharmacists Salary | $133,870↓ 6% | 35 mi |
| Lexington Park, MD Pharmacists Salary | $130,290↓ 8% | 55 mi |
| Hagerstown-Martinsburg, MD-WV Pharmacists Salary | $131,200↓ 8% | 63 mi |
| Winchester, VA-WV Pharmacists Salary | $133,300↓ 6% | 64 mi |
Comparing salaries near Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
Hiring Pharmacistss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Pharmacists make in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV?
The median annual salary for a Pharmacists in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV is $142,280. This typically ranges from $107,870 for entry-level positions to $173,000 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV is 4.5% higher than the national median of $136,140.
Is Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV a lucrative place for Pharmacists?
Yes, it is a lucrative place for Pharmacists.Pharmacists in this region earn above the national average salary, and the cost of living is on par with the national average, indicating strong purchasing power.
Is Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV a good place to live for Pharmacists?
The Cost of Living Index in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV?
Some top paying nearby cities include Maryland nonmetropolitan area ($129,120) and Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD.
How does the pharmacist salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for pharmacists in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria is $142,280, which is higher than the national average of $136,140.
What is the concentration of pharmacists in this area compared to the nation?
The Location Quotient of 0.73 indicates that the concentration of pharmacists in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria is slightly lower than the national average.
Does the cost of living affect the pharmacist's salary in this region?
No, the local Cost of Living Index is 100, which is the national average. This means the $142,280 salary has the same purchasing power as the national average salary.
How many pharmacists work in the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria area?
There are approximately 4,870 pharmacists employed within the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV metropolitan area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 4,870 employees in the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV area with a job density of 1.562 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 Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV