How to become pharmacistseducation, training, experience and the steps to enter
Median annual pay
$140,910
25th–75th pct. $129,380–$161,840
Top pay (est.)
$226,500
Top 10% $174,230
Pay in 5 years
$163,400est.
2031
Pay in 10 years
$189,400est.
$162,900–$219,900
Outlook score
59/100
★★★☆☆ Average
AI replacement risk
52%
Moderate
Job growth (10 yr)
+5.2%
12K openings / yr
How to become pharmacists
Typical education
Doctoral or professional degree
BLS
Related experience
None
On-the-job training
None
A step-by-step guide for this occupation is being prepared. The education, training and experience data above show the typical path.
Skills, education and requirements for Pharmacists
Key skills
O*NET skill level ratings (0–7).
Key knowledge areas
What the work involves
Updating and Using Relevant KnowledgeAssisting and Caring for OthersProcessing InformationGetting InformationMonitoring Processes, Materials, or SurroundingsTraining and Teaching OthersAnalyzing Data or InformationProviding Consultation and Advice to Others
Important abilities
Oral ComprehensionWritten ComprehensionOral ExpressionProblem SensitivityNear VisionWritten Expression
Education of workers
Training before entry
Related work experience
Job Zone 5 — extensive preparation needed (O*NET)
Difficulty of entry: ★★★☆☆ Moderate (from education, training, experience and Job Zone)
Career path and how to earn more as pharmacists
Career-path guidance is being prepared. Pay by percentile is shown in the Pay section.
Pay and employment figures are national statistics. Projected pay, outlook scores and AI replacement risk are estimates from the Shigoto Zukan model, not guarantees. To request a correction, use the contact form. How to read the data
Sources: BLS OEWS May 2025; BLS Employment Projections 2025–35; O*NET 31.0 Database by USDOL/ETA (CC BY 4.0), modified by Shigoto Zukan. Pay ranges, projections and scores are Shigoto Zukan estimates.