Pharmacist Hourly Pay in Kansas City, KS: $68.70 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a pharmacist working in Kansas City, KS runs $68.70 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $142,915 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1051). Weighted against Kansas City's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.9, 9% below national), each hour of work buys what $75.58 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $85,743 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the pharmacist hourly pay in Kansas City, Kansas, is projected to reach a median rate of $68.70, which falls slightly below the national median of $68.99. This figure offers a solid foundation for both full-time and part-time workers in various settings, including retail pharmacy counters, hospital pharmacy departments, and specialty pharmacies. Part-time pharmacists, working three days a week, can take home a significant amount while enjoying flexible hours, and per-diem workers are similarly positioned to earn competitive hourly rates across different sectors. Entry-level pharmacists can expect to start around $45.70 per hour, while those with more experience might earn up to $84.97 per hour, reflecting the varying demands and responsibilities associated with the profession in Kansas City.
About the Kansas City Market
Salary estimated from Kansas average ($128,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Pharmacist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $45.70 | $365.61 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $60.62 | $484.96 |
| Median (P50) | $68.70 | $549.64 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $79.00 | $632.00 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $84.97 | $679.74 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Kansas City
Based on $68.70/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $68.70/hr, a pharmacist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Kansas City, KS can expect to earn approximately $142,906 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $82,446. With a cost-of-living index of 90.90 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Kansas City.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Kansas City
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,748.19 | $11,909 | $142,906 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,648.91 | $7,145 | $85,743 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,099.28 | $4,764 | $57,162 |
Compare PharmD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Pharmacist (Kansas City) | $68.70 |
| 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 Kansas City, KS earn a median of $142,915 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.40% lower than the national median of $143,489 and 9.60% above the Kansas state average of $130,397.
Pharmacist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $68.70/hr = $85,743/year (purchasing power: $94,327).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $142,906/year (purchasing power: $157,212).
CoL index: 90.9 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$61.33/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$67.47/hr
2026 Current Est.
$68.70/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+14.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Pharmacists in Kansas City (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 1.83% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $61.33/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $61.63/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $61.56/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $63.56/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $65.13/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $56.86/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $67.47/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $68.70/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $69.96/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for pharmacists in Kansas City grew 10.0% from $61.33/hr (2019) to $67.47/hr (2025). At a 1.83% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $69.96/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 Kansas City 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 Kansas City
Shifting to part-time work, a pharmacist putting in a 24-hour week could see their annual income noticeably vary compared to full-time roles. In Kansas City, per diem pharmacists typically earn around $55-$75/hr in retail settings, with hospital clinical roles offering $60-$85/hr. Specialty areas, like oncology or critical care, see rates increase to about $70-$95/hr, showcasing the higher earning potential in more demanding roles. While large chains and hospitals can offer stable pay, some pharmacists may opt for positions that provide better hourly rates despite lacking benefits, balancing higher earnings with job security. When negotiating, pharmacists should emphasize their qualifications, such as PGY-1 residency experience or board certifications, as these can strengthen their position to command a higher pharmacist hourly rate in KS. The evolving landscape of pharmacy, marked by retail consolidation and the expansion of hospital and specialty roles, provides fertile ground for those willing to adapt and advocate for fair compensation.
More salary data for Kansas City, KS:
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 Kansas City. 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 Kansas City 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