Pharmacist Hourly Pay in Alexandria, VA: $73.07 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a pharmacist working in Alexandria, VA runs $73.07 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $152,001 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1051). Weighted against Alexandria's regional price level (BEA RPP 103.2, 3% above national), each hour of work buys what $70.81 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $91,195 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Alexandria, Virginia, the pharmacist hourly pay stands at a competitive $73.07, which is notably higher than the national average of $68.99. This level of compensation offers attractive opportunities for both part-time and per-diem workers in a variety of settings. Pharmacists working three days a week can expect to earn a substantial income, especially in environments like retail pharmacies, hospital inpatient units, and specialty clean rooms. For individuals entering the field, hourly wages can range from approximately $52.56 for entry-level positions to $92.71 for those at the top of their game, reflecting the diverse landscape of pharmacy practice in Alexandria. These figures are derived from annual salary data, illustrating the financial potential across different pharmacist roles in this region.
About the Alexandria Market
Salary estimated from Virginia average ($132,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Pharmacist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $52.56 | $420.52 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $67.53 | $540.27 |
| Median (P50) | $73.07 | $584.59 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $85.59 | $684.70 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $92.71 | $741.65 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Alexandria
Based on $73.07/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $73.07/hr, a pharmacist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Alexandria, VA can expect to earn approximately $151,992 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $87,688. With a cost-of-living index of 103.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Alexandria.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Alexandria
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,922.93 | $12,666 | $151,992 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,753.76 | $7,600 | $91,195 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,169.17 | $5,066 | $60,797 |
Compare PharmD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Pharmacist (Alexandria) | $73.07 |
| 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 Alexandria, VA earn a median of $152,001 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.93% higher than the national median of $143,489 and 9.50% above the Virginia state average of $138,813.
Pharmacist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $73.07/hr = $91,195/year (purchasing power: $88,368).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $151,992/year (purchasing power: $147,279).
CoL index: 103.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$65.23/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$71.76/hr
2026 Current Est.
$73.07/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+14.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Pharmacists in Alexandria (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 1.83% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $65.23/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $65.55/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $65.48/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $67.60/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $69.27/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $65.59/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $71.76/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $73.07/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $74.41/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for pharmacists in Alexandria grew 10.0% from $65.23/hr (2019) to $71.76/hr (2025). At a 1.83% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $74.41/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 Alexandria 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 Alexandria
Transitioning to a part-time pharmacist role can yield significant annual earnings, equating to more than $110,000 for a 24-hour workweek when you multiply the hourly rate by the total hours worked. Conversely, per-diem pharmacists can charge varying rates depending on their setting, with retail rates typically falling between $55-$75 per hour, and critical care or specialty roles potentially reaching $70-$95 per hour. The differences in hourly rates across employer types, such as CVS and Walgreens versus hospital pharmacies and specialty operations, highlight the mixed landscape for pharmacists in Alexandria. While some pharmacists may opt for lower pay to secure health benefits in full-time positions, others may prioritize higher hourly rates without benefits for increased financial flexibility. When negotiating salaries, it's advisable to research current market trends in Alexandria, bearing in mind the impact of recent retail consolidation on pharmacist compensation.
More salary data for Alexandria, VA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for pharmacists in Alexandria in 2026?
How much do part-time pharmacists make in Alexandria?
Are pharmacists in Alexandria paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time pharmacist make per year in Alexandria?
Do pharmacists earn more per hour working part-time in Alexandria?
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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 Alexandria. 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 Alexandria 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