Entry-Level Pharmacist Salary in Stoughton, MA: $101,540 (2026)
Quick Answer:New pharmacists entering the Stoughton, MA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $101,540 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1051, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Stoughton's local price level (BEA RPP 108.5 — 9% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $93,585 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($135,437) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, a new graduate embarking on a pharmacist career in Stoughton, Massachusetts, can anticipate a starting salary of approximately $101,540. This entry-level figure is significantly below the city's median annual salary of $135,437, indicating a gap that early-career pharmacists should keep in mind. Over the first several years in the profession, salaries are expected to grow steadily, allowing for a realistic progression from the initial $101,540 to around $124,553 as pharmacists gain experience and expand their skill sets. Overall, Stoughton represents a relatively favorable market for new graduates, especially those willing to pursue additional certifications and training, which can enhance their employability and potential earnings.
About the Stoughton Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($148,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Stoughton
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Stoughton
Entry-level pharmacists in Stoughton, MA typically start between $101,540 and $124,553 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $60,615 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $135,437 — 5.61% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average pharmacy program cost in Massachusetts of $195,000 represents just 192.04% of the starting pharmacist pay ($101,540/year) in Stoughton. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Program cost estimates based on ACPE-accredited PharmD program data and AACP tuition survey reports. Tuition-only averages; actual costs vary significantly by institution type (public in-state vs. private).
PharmD Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Stoughton
- 1Research the Stoughton market: entry-level pharmacist pay ranges from $101,540 to $124,553, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the pharmacy field — employers in MA often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Stoughton, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Stoughton for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Stoughton's moderate cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Pharmacist Compensation Range
The pharmacist wage spread in Stoughton is $60,615 ( 59.70%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $101,540, experienced hygienists can earn up to $162,155.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$88,778
2025 BLS Actual
$99,715
2026 Current Est.
$101,540
2019–2027 Growth
+16.5%
Salary Trajectory for Pharmacists in Stoughton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 1.83% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $88,778 | Actual |
| 2020 | $85,575 | Actual |
| 2021 | $77,169 | Actual |
| 2022 | $80,292 | Actual |
| 2023 | $90,365 | Actual |
| 2024 | $103,780 | Actual |
| 2025 | $99,715 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $101,540 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $103,398 | Projected |
Entry-level pharmacist compensation (10th percentile) in Stoughton, MA grew 12.3% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $88,778 in 2019 to $99,715 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $103,398. New graduates entering the Stoughton job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Stoughton metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 1.83% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Starting Your pharmacy Career in Stoughton
Several employers in Stoughton actively recruit new graduates, particularly within hospital systems that offer PGY-1 residency opportunities essential for clinical career paths. Retail chains, often the most common option for new hires, have adjusted their hiring practices, with sign-on bonuses reduced compared to previous years due to market fluctuations. Furthermore, specialty pharmacies and managed care organizations seek residency-trained PharmDs, increasing competition among new graduates. Earning credentials like the NAPLEX and MPJE, alongside optional PGY-1 or PGY-2 residencies, can positively influence starting pharmacist salary in Stoughton. As hospitals and specialty roles expand while retail pharmacy locations contract, understanding this dynamic is crucial. New pharmacists should set realistic expectations for salary growth in their initial years, aiming to harness new opportunities in clinical settings, especially given evolving responsibilities in areas such as vaccinations and point-of-care testing.
More salary data for Stoughton, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Written by Sofia Chen, PharmD
Career Analyst
Sofia Chen has 10 years of experience in community pharmacy. She specializes in medication therapy management.
Methodology & Data Source
Entry-level salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new pharmacy graduates. A 1.83% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Stoughton. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Stoughton is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 1.83%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for pharmacists (SOC 29-1051).
Compiled and verified by Sofia Chen, PharmD, a licensed pharmacist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov