Pharmacist Hourly Pay in Kearny, NJ: $76.88 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a pharmacist working in Kearny, NJ runs $76.88 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $159,910 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1051). Weighted against Kearny's regional price level (BEA RPP 115.2, 15% above national), each hour of work buys what $66.74 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $95,948 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Kearny, NJ, the projected pharmacist hourly pay for 2026 stands at $76.88, notably higher than the national average of $68.99. This competitive rate allows pharmacists to thrive across various employment settings, from retail pharmacy counters to hospital inpatient pharmacies and specialty clean rooms. Part-time pharmacists working three days a week can expect a substantial income, with the hourly rate supporting a variety of flexible work arrangements. Entry-level positions begin at $58.89 per hour, while top earners can command around $93.56 per hour. These figures highlight that pharmacists in Kearny enjoy a lucrative compensation structure where hourly rates are derived from robust annual salary estimates.
About the Kearny Market
Salary estimated from New Jersey average ($140,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Pharmacist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $58.89 | $471.11 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $73.39 | $587.11 |
| Median (P50) | $76.88 | $615.05 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $85.42 | $683.32 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $93.56 | $748.49 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Kearny
Based on $76.88/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $76.88/hr, a pharmacist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Kearny, NJ can expect to earn approximately $159,914 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $92,258. With a cost-of-living index of 115.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Kearny.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Kearny
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $3,075.27 | $13,326 | $159,914 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,845.16 | $7,996 | $95,948 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,230.11 | $5,330 | $63,966 |
Compare PharmD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Pharmacist (Kearny) | $76.88 |
| 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 Kearny, NJ earn a median of $159,910 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.44% higher than the national median of $143,489 and 3.30% below the New Jersey state average of $165,367.
Pharmacist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $76.88/hr = $95,948/year (purchasing power: $83,288).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $159,914/year (purchasing power: $138,814).
CoL index: 115.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$68.63/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$75.50/hr
2026 Current Est.
$76.88/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+14.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Pharmacists in Kearny (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 1.83% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $68.63/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $68.96/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $68.89/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $71.13/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $72.89/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $75.01/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $75.50/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $76.88/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $78.29/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for pharmacists in Kearny grew 10.0% from $68.63/hr (2019) to $75.50/hr (2025). At a 1.83% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $78.29/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 Kearny 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 Kearny
When it comes to part-time work, engaging as a pharmacist three days a week (approximately 24 hours) can lead to significant annual earnings when compared to full-time roles. Per diem pharmacists in Kearny often earn between $55 and $95 an hour, depending on specialty and employer. Retail chains typically offer lower rates for per diem positions, averaging around $60-$75 per hour, while clinical settings can command higher rates. Notably, with the consolidation of retail pharmacy chains, many pharmacists may find themselves navigating the choice between higher hourly rates with fewer benefits or lower pay with comprehensive health packages. Moreover, securing a fair rate can depend on negotiation tactics, particularly in areas where employer types vary widely, from retail giants to specialized healthcare providers. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for pharmacists seeking to optimize their earning potential in Kearny’s evolving healthcare environment.
More salary data for Kearny, NJ:
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 Kearny. 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 Kearny 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