Pharmacist Salary

Pharmacist Hourly Pay in Lowell, MA: $68.22 (2026)

Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a pharmacist working in Lowell, MA runs $68.22 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $141,880 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1051). Weighted against Lowell's regional price level (BEA RPP 108.5, 9% above national), each hour of work buys what $62.87 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $85,133 per year.

$141,880
Median Annual Salary
$68.22/hr
Hourly Rate
$102,491
Entry Level (P10)
$180,361
Top Earners (P90)

Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

Pharmacist Hourly Rate in Lowell, MA — 2026 est., based on 2025 BLS
Lowell, MA pharmacist hourly rate overview (2026 est., based on 2025 BLS)

In Lowell, Massachusetts, the projected median pharmacist hourly pay for 2026 stands at $68.22, slightly below the national median of $68.99. This rate indicates a competitive earning potential for pharmacists, particularly for those working in various settings such as retail pharmacy counters, hospital inpatient pharmacies, and specialty pharmacies. For part-time workers on a three-day/week schedule, this hourly rate translates to a yearly income of approximately $106,585, making it a viable option for those seeking flexibility in their careers. The hourly pay ranges from $49.28 for entry-level pharmacists to $86.71 for top earners, allowing for significant variability based on experience, specialty, and the specific work environment within Lowell's pharmacy landscape.

About the Lowell Market

Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($148,000) adjusted for local cost of living.

Pharmacist Hourly Wage Breakdown

PercentileHourly RatePer 8hr Shift
Entry Level (P10)$49.28$394.20
Lower Range (P25)$63.13$505.08
Median (P50)$68.22$545.73
Upper Range (P75)$80.05$640.39
Top Earners (P90)$86.71$693.67

Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Lowell

Based on $68.22/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.

Horizontal bars showing a pharmacist in Lowell earning $68.22/hr would make approximately $81,859 part-time (24 hr/wk) or $141,889 full-time (40 hr/wk).Part-Time (24 hr/wk)$81,859Reduced (32 hr/wk)$109,145Full-Time (40 hr/wk)$141,889

At $68.22/hr, a pharmacist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Lowell, MA can expect to earn approximately $141,889 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $81,859. With a cost-of-living index of 108.50 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Lowell.

Annual estimates assume 5052 working weeks per year. Actual earnings vary by employer, overtime, and benefits.

Hourly Rate Calculator

$545.73
per 8hr shift
$2,728.64
per week
$11,824
per month
$141,889
per year

Schedule Comparison in Lowell

ScheduleWeeklyMonthlyAnnual
Full-Time (40 hrs)$2,728.64$11,824$141,889
Part-Time (24 hrs)$1,637.18$7,094$85,133
Per Diem (16 hrs)$1,091.45$4,730$56,756

Compare PharmD Wages With Similar Roles

RoleMedian Hourly
Pharmacist (Lowell)$68.22
Pharmacy Technician (National Avg)$19.27
Registered Nurse (National Avg)$42.80
Physician Assistant (National Avg)$63.17
Nurse Practitioner (National Avg)$60.81
Horizontal bar chart comparing pharmacist median salary in Lowell ($141,880) with Massachusetts average ($141,455) and the US national median ($143,489).Lowell$141,880Massachusetts Avg$141,455+0.30%US National$143,489-1.12%

Pharmacists in Lowell, MA earn a median of $141,880 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.12% lower than the national median of $143,489 and 0.30% above the Massachusetts state average of $141,455.

Pharmacist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living

Working 24h/week at $68.22/hr = $85,133/year (purchasing power: $78,464).

Working 40h/week (full-time) = $141,889/year (purchasing power: $130,773).

CoL index: 108.5 (100 = national average).

2019 BLS Actual

$60.90/hr

2025 BLS Actual

$66.99/hr

2026 Current Est.

$68.22/hr

2019–2027 Growth

+14.1%

Hourly Rate Trajectory for Pharmacists in Lowell (20192027)

2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 1.83% projection.

BLS Actual Estimated Projected
Hourly rate trajectory chart for pharmacists in Lowell. Baseline $60.90/hr in 2025, projected to $69.46/hr by 2027.$58$63$69$75$812019202020212022202320242025202620272025 BLS$60.90$61.19$61.12$63.11$64.67$77.42$66.99$68.22$69.46
YearHourly RateStatus
2019$60.90/hrActual
2020$61.19/hrActual
2021$61.12/hrActual
2022$63.11/hrActual
2023$64.67/hrActual
2024$77.42/hrActual
2025$66.99/hrActual
2026(current)$68.22/hrEstimated
2027$69.46/hrProjected

Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for pharmacists in Lowell grew 10.0% from $60.90/hr (2019) to $66.99/hr (2025). At a 1.83% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $69.46/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem pharmacists can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.

Note: Historical values (20192025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Lowell metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 20262026 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 Lowell

Part-time pharmacists enjoying a schedule of 24 hours per week can expect to see a substantial difference in their income when contrasted with full-time salaries. While they may earn around $106,585 annually, full-time pharmacists could take home a significantly higher amount, depending on their specific roles and employer types. Per-diem pharmacists in Lowell typically bill between $55 to $75 per hour for retail positions, with hospital and specialty care roles offering rates ranging from $60 to $95 per hour. This variability in per diem pay reflects the different demands and responsibilities associated with each pharmacy setting, emphasizing the fluctuating market dynamics. Retail pharmacy chains like CVS, Walgreens, and Rite Aid provide a broad spectrum of pharmacist hourly rates, while specialty pharmacies and managed care positions often command higher compensation. Given the current retail chain consolidation, many pharmacists may find themselves evaluating hourly compensation against potential benefits, which can skew decisions towards lower-paying roles that provide health insurance. For those negotiating salaries or hourly rates, it is wise to consider not just the pay but also the full package of benefits offered by the employer.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hourly rate for pharmacists in Lowell in 2026?

The estimated 2026 median hourly rate for pharmacists in Lowell is $68.22/hour, based on estimated 2026 salary (projected from 2025 BLS data at 1.83% annual growth). Rates range from $49.28 at entry level (10th percentile) to $86.71 for experienced practitioners (90th percentile). This is 1.1% below the national average. Hourly pay varies based on practice type, patient volume, years of experience, and whether the position includes benefits.

How much do part-time pharmacists make in Lowell?

A part-time pharmacist working 3 days per week (24 hours) in Lowell earns approximately $7,094/month, or $85,133/year at the median hourly rate of $68.22. Many pharmacists prefer part-time schedules for work-life balance, and some work at multiple practices to maximize earnings. Part-time positions may not include benefits like health insurance or retirement contributions, but typically offer higher hourly rates to compensate.

Are pharmacists in Lowell paid hourly or salary?

The majority of pharmacists in Lowell are paid hourly at a median rate of $68.22/hour. Some full-time positions at larger practices or organizations offer salaried compensation around $141,889/year, often bundled with benefits including health insurance, paid time off, retirement plans, and continuing education allowances. Hourly pay gives flexibility, while salary positions provide income stability.

How much does a full-time pharmacist make per year in Lowell?

A full-time pharmacist working 40 hours per week (2,080 hours/year) in Lowell earns approximately $141,889/year at the median hourly rate of $68.22. This is 1.1% below the national median. Top earners working full-time can reach $180,353/year at the 90th percentile rate. Overtime and weekend shifts may further increase annual earnings.

Do pharmacists earn more per hour working part-time in Lowell?

Part-time and per diem pharmacists in Lowell sometimes command higher hourly rates — up to $86.71/hour — because practices need flexible coverage for specific days or peak hours. However, part-time positions typically do not include benefits like health insurance, paid time off, or retirement contributions. When factoring in the value of benefits, full-time salaried positions may offer comparable or better total compensation despite a slightly lower hourly rate.

Related Pages

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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.

Clinically reviewed by Liam Patel, PharmDData verified by Amina Al-Sayed, PharmD

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 Lowell. 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 Lowell is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).

View estimation methodology

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

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