Pharmacist Hourly Pay in Portland, OR: $82.66 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a pharmacist working in Portland, OR runs $82.66 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $171,920 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1051). Weighted against Portland's regional price level (BEA RPP 105.4, 5% above national), each hour of work buys what $78.41 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $103,154 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Portland, Oregon, the median pharmacist hourly pay is projected to be $82.66 in 2026, significantly higher than the national median of $68.99. This robust hourly rate offers attractive earning potential for both full-time and part-time pharmacists. For those working three days a week, or about 24 hours, the earnings can still translate into a substantial income. Pharmacists in Portland work across various settings, including retail pharmacies, hospitals, specialty pharmacy clean rooms, and ambulatory clinics, showcasing the diversity of opportunities available. With a pay range that spans from $62.23 for entry-level positions up to $96.20 for experienced pharmacists, this profession is positioned favorably within the local economy, as highlighted by official Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data.
Pharmacist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $62.23 | $497.83 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $71.35 | $570.82 |
| Median (P50) | $82.66 | $661.24 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $92.79 | $742.30 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $96.20 | $769.59 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Portland
Based on $82.66/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $82.66/hr, a pharmacist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Portland, OR can expect to earn approximately $171,923 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $99,186. With a cost-of-living index of 105.42 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Portland.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Portland
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $3,306.22 | $14,327 | $171,923 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,983.73 | $8,596 | $103,154 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,322.49 | $5,731 | $68,769 |
Compare PharmD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Pharmacist (Portland) | $82.66 |
| 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 Portland, OR earn a median of $171,920 per year (2026 est.), which is 19.81% higher than the national median of $143,489 and 2.50% above the Oregon state average of $167,726.
Pharmacist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $82.66/hr = $103,154/year (purchasing power: $97,850).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $171,923/year (purchasing power: $163,083).
CoL index: 105.421 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$68.76/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$81.17/hr
2026 Current Est.
$82.66/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+22.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Pharmacists in Portland (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 1.83% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $68.76/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $69.29/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $65.07/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $70.26/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $75.97/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $81.50/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $81.17/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $82.66/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $84.17/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for pharmacists in Portland grew 18.0% from $68.76/hr (2019) to $81.17/hr (2025). At a 1.83% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $84.17/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 Portland 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 Portland
A part-time pharmacist working 24 hours a week would earn around $102,500 annually, which is a competitive income compared to full-time counterparts. However, per-diem arrangements are becoming common; retail pharmacists may earn anywhere from $55 to $75 per hour, while those in hospitals and specialty roles might see rates ranging from $60 to $95. Earning potential can differ markedly based on employer types in Portland, with retail chains like CVS and Walgreens typically offering lower hourly rates compared to hospital or specialty pharmacies. Some pharmacists opt for lower pay in exchange for benefits, highlighting the trade-offs between hourly rates and job security. Negotiation strategies can be essential for those seeking hourly positions, emphasizing the importance of knowing local market standards and highlighting relevant certifications, such as BPS board credentials or residency experiences, to secure the best possible compensation in a rapidly evolving field.
More salary data for Portland, OR:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for pharmacists in Portland in 2026?
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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 Portland. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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