Pharmacist Hourly Pay in Meriden, CT: $68.29 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a pharmacist working in Meriden, CT runs $68.29 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $142,044 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1051). Weighted against Meriden's regional price level (BEA RPP 107.9, 8% above national), each hour of work buys what $63.29 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $85,222 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Pharmacists in Meriden, Connecticut, earn a median hourly pay of $68.29, slightly below the national median of $68.99. This hourly wage translates to a viable income for those engaged in part-time roles, such as working three days a week, which often involves both community pharmacies and institutional settings like hospitals or specialty facilities. The hourly range for pharmacists in the area spans from $50.80 at entry-level positions to $81.55 for those at the top of the pay scale. Given that these figures are derived from annual salaries, it's essential for pharmacists to consider local demand and market conditions when negotiating their compensation, especially in light of the evolving pharmacy practice environment brought about by factors such as pharmacy chain consolidation.
About the Meriden Market
Salary estimated from Connecticut average ($138,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Pharmacist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $50.80 | $406.42 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $64.20 | $513.63 |
| Median (P50) | $68.29 | $546.30 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $77.00 | $616.03 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $81.55 | $652.36 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Meriden
Based on $68.29/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $68.29/hr, a pharmacist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Meriden, CT can expect to earn approximately $142,037 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $81,945. With a cost-of-living index of 107.90 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Meriden.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Meriden
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,731.49 | $11,836 | $142,037 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,638.89 | $7,102 | $85,222 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,092.60 | $4,735 | $56,815 |
Compare PharmD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Pharmacist (Meriden) | $68.29 |
| Pharmacy Technician (National Avg) | $19.27 |
| Registered Nurse (National Avg) | $42.80 |
| Physician Assistant (National Avg) | $63.17 |
| Nurse Practitioner (National Avg) | $60.81 |
Pharmacists in Meriden, CT earn a median of $142,044 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.01% lower than the national median of $143,489 and 1.30% below the Connecticut state average of $143,915.
Pharmacist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $68.29/hr = $85,222/year (purchasing power: $78,983).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $142,037/year (purchasing power: $131,638).
CoL index: 107.9 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$60.96/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$67.06/hr
2026 Current Est.
$68.29/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+14.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Pharmacists in Meriden (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 1.83% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $60.96/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $61.25/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $61.19/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $63.18/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $64.74/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $70.68/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $67.06/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $68.29/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $69.54/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for pharmacists in Meriden grew 10.0% from $60.96/hr (2019) to $67.06/hr (2025). At a 1.83% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $69.54/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem pharmacists can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Meriden 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.
Working as an Hourly Pharmacist in Meriden
A part-time pharmacist working 24 hours weekly can expect to take home around $84,525 annually, reflecting the potential for a solid income even without full-time hours. Per-diem pharmacist pay in Meriden varies significantly based on the setting. For instance, retail pharmacists typically see rates of $55-$75 per hour, while those in hospital clinical roles might earn between $60-$85 hourly. Specialty pharmacy positions, especially in oncology or critical care, can reach rates of $70-$95 per hour. The choice between hourly wages with health benefits or higher pay without insurance often comes down to individual priorities. Pharmacists working in varied environments—ranging from retail chains like CVS and Walgreens to hospital pharmacies—may negotiate salary and benefits differently. Those seeking to improve their pay should remember that demonstrating specialized skills or gaining certifications through agencies such as ASHP or APhA can position them favorably in the local job market.
More salary data for Meriden, CT:
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
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 1.83% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for pharmacists in Meriden. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Meriden 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