Healthcare career

Pharmacist

Also called: PharmD · Clinical Pharmacist · Retail Pharmacist · Hospital Pharmacist

What pharmacists do, what they earn, how long training takes and how to get started, with official BLS pay data and practical, job-level detail.

Updated By the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team
What does a pharmacist do?

Pharmacists dispense prescription medications, check for interactions, counsel patients on safe use, give vaccinations and advise doctors and nurses on drug therapy. The median pay is $140,910 per year (BLS, May 2025), most people train for about 6–8 years, and employment is projected to grow +5.2% from 2025–35.

Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026

  • Median pay
    $140,910
    $67.75/hour · May 2025
  • Job growth
    +5.2%
    2025–35, faster than average
  • Openings per year
    12,500
    Average, 2025–35
  • Typical entry education
    Doctoral or professional degree
    BLS classification
  • Time to train
    6–8 years
    Typical program length
  • U.S. jobs
    325,200
    Employment, 2025

What pharmacists do

Pharmacists are medication experts. In retail pharmacies they verify prescriptions, check doses and interactions, counsel patients, give vaccines and help with over-the-counter choices. In hospitals they work with medical teams to choose therapies, adjust doses, monitor drug levels and prepare sterile medications. Others work in clinics, long-term care, industry and research.

Pharmacists need a Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) degree, usually four years after prerequisites, and must pass the NAPLEX and a state law exam. BLS projects employment to grow about as fast as average.

Typical duties

  • Verify prescriptions for accuracy
  • Check for drug interactions and allergies
  • Counsel patients on medications
  • Give vaccinations
  • Advise prescribers on therapy
  • Supervise pharmacy technicians
  • Keep records and follow regulations

Work environment and schedule

Pharmacists work in retail pharmacies, hospitals, clinics, mail-order pharmacies and industry.

Schedule: Retail and hospital pharmacies often require evenings, weekends and holidays; some hospitals need overnight pharmacists.

A day in the life

  1. Verify the morning prescription queue.
  2. Call a doctor about a drug interaction.
  3. Give flu and shingles vaccines.
  4. Counsel a patient starting a blood thinner.

See a full day in the life of a pharmacist →

Pharmacist salary

Half of pharmacists earned more than $140,910 and half earned less in May 2025. Pay ranged from about $99,290 for the lowest 10% to $174,230 for the top 10%.

Full pharmacist pay scale and hourly rates →

How to become a pharmacist

  1. Complete prerequisites
  2. Earn a PharmD
  3. Complete internship hours
  4. Pass the NAPLEX and MPJE
  5. Specialize

A Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) degree from an accredited program is required, plus passing the NAPLEX and a state law exam.

Step-by-step guide to becoming a pharmacist →

Skills and tools

Technical skills

  • Pharmacology
  • Drug interactions
  • Dose calculations
  • Patient counseling
  • Immunization

People skills

  • Attention to detail
  • Communication
  • Integrity
  • Calm under pressure

All pharmacist skills and tools →

Pros and cons

Pros

  • High pay
  • Respected expertise
  • Help patients daily
  • Many practice settings

Cons

  • Long doctoral education
  • Busy retail workloads
  • Weekend and holiday shifts
  • Insurance hassles

Certifications and licenses

  • NAPLEX: National pharmacist licensing exam.
  • MPJE: State pharmacy law exam.
  • Immunization certification: APhA immunizing pharmacist training.
  • Board Certified Pharmacotherapy Specialist (BCPS): Advanced clinical credential.

Career path

  1. Pharmacy Intern: Train during school.
  2. Staff Pharmacist: Verify and counsel.
  3. Pharmacy Manager or Clinical Specialist: Lead or specialize.
  4. Director of Pharmacy: Lead departments.

Learn the job before day one

Our Pharmacist training (12 hours, $109.99) covers the role, 15+ key terms, step-by-step procedures such as verify a prescription and counsel a patient on a new medication, safety and how to land your first job.

View Pharmacist trainingIs this career right for me?

Pharmacy Technician

Fill prescriptions, manage inventory and help pharmacists keep patients safe.

  • $45,750
  • 3–12 months

Pharmacy Aide

Help pharmacies run smoothly with customer service and stocking.

  • $37,680
  • 1–4 weeks

Registered Nurse

Assess patients, give treatments, coordinate care and educate families.

  • $97,550
  • 2–4 years

Chemist

Study substances and create new materials, medicines and products.

  • $91,240
  • 4+ years

Compare: Pharmacist vs. Pharmacy Technician · Pharmacist vs. Pharmacy Aide · Pharmacist vs. RN · Pharmacist vs. Chemist

Pharmacist FAQ

How long does it take to become a pharmacist?

Usually 6–8 years, including prerequisites and a PharmD.

Do pharmacists give vaccines?

Yes, in all states, with training.

Do pharmacists need a residency?

Not for retail, but clinical hospital roles often require one.

How much does a pharmacist make?

The median annual wage for pharmacists was $140,910 ($67.75 per hour) in May 2025, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The lowest 10% earned less than $99,290 and the highest 10% earned more than $174,230.

How long does it take to become a pharmacist?

Most people need about 6–8 years of training. A Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) degree from an accredited program is required, plus passing the NAPLEX and a state law exam.

Do you need a degree to be a pharmacist?

Yes. BLS lists a doctoral or professional degree as the typical entry-level education, and you also need a state license to practice.

More pharmacist questions →

Sources

Reviewed by the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team. Pay figures are national estimates; local pay varies. See our editorial policy.

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