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.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

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
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 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.
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.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Lowell
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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
| Role | Median 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 |
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 (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 1.83% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $60.90/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $61.19/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $61.12/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $63.11/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $64.67/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $77.42/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $66.99/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $68.22/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $69.46/hr | Projected |
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 (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Lowell 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 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.
More salary data for Lowell, 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
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).
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