Entry-Level Pharmacist Salary in Winona, MN: $111,138 (2026)
Quick Answer:New pharmacists entering the Winona, MN job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $111,138 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1051, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Winona's local price level (BEA RPP 98.5 — 1% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $112,830 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($151,520) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For new pharmacists entering the field in Winona, Minnesota, the starting pharmacist salary in 2026 is projected to be around $111,138. This figure establishes a marked difference from the city’s median annual salary of $151,520, highlighting the realistic expectations for recent graduates. Although the early-career stage may see salaries lagging behind the median, there is potential for growth, with entry-level salaries advancing from the 10th percentile up to the 25th percentile, reaching approximately $140,895 within the first few years. Winona presents a decent job market for new graduates, particularly as the state demonstrates a strong desire for skilled professionals in pharmacy, underscored by an annual growth rate of 1.83% anticipated over the next five years.
About the Winona Market
Salary estimated from Minnesota average ($138,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Winona
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 Winona
Entry-level pharmacists in Winona, MN typically start between $111,138 and $140,895 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $67,757 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $151,520 — 5.6% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average pharmacy program cost in Minnesota of $150,000 represents just 134.97% of the starting pharmacist pay ($111,138/year) in Winona. 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 Winona
- 1Research the Winona market: entry-level pharmacist pay ranges from $111,138 to $140,895, 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 MN often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Winona, 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 Winona for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Winona'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 Winona is $67,757 ( 60.97%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $111,138, experienced hygienists can earn up to $178,895.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$97,171
2025 BLS Actual
$109,141
2026 Current Est.
$111,138
2019–2027 Growth
+16.5%
Salary Trajectory for Pharmacists in Winona (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 1.83% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $97,171 | Actual |
| 2020 | $93,664 | Actual |
| 2021 | $84,464 | Actual |
| 2022 | $87,882 | Actual |
| 2023 | $98,907 | Actual |
| 2024 | $84,883 | Actual |
| 2025 | $109,141 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $111,138 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $113,172 | Projected |
Entry-level pharmacist compensation (10th percentile) in Winona, MN grew 12.3% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $97,171 in 2019 to $109,141 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $113,172. New graduates entering the Winona job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Winona 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 Winona
In Winona, various employers are looking to hire new graduates, particularly in the healthcare sector. Hospital systems often provide PGY-1 residency opportunities, which are pivotal for those aspiring to clinical roles, while retail chains typically recruit entry-level pharmacists for positions that come with sign-on bonuses, although the incentives have reduced since the peaks of 2021-2022. Filling out the picture, specialty pharmacies and managed care organizations are also in demand of residency-trained pharmacists. Despite a competitive atmosphere, continuing education credentials can enhance starting pay; obtaining a PharmD, passing the NAPLEX and MPJE exams, and securing state licensure is essential. For those aiming for hospital roles, pursuing PGY-1 or PGY-2 residencies is becoming increasingly required. Entry-level pharmacists can expect a gradual increase in wages as they gain experience, aligning with the projected shifts within the retail pharmacy market where chains such as CVS and Walgreens are consolidating, while opportunities in hospitals and specialty roles are expanding.
More salary data for Winona, MN:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for pharmacists in Winona in 2026?
How fast do pharmacist salaries grow in Winona?
Is pharmacy school worth it in Winona?
What do new pharmacists make right out of school in Winona?
How do I become a pharmacist in Minnesota?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Minnesota
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 Winona. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Winona 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