Pharmacist Hourly Pay in Sterling, VA: $64.01 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a pharmacist working in Sterling, VA runs $64.01 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $133,152 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1051). Weighted against Sterling's regional price level (BEA RPP 103.2, 3% above national), each hour of work buys what $62.03 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $79,885 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Sterling, Virginia, the pharmacist hourly pay stands at a median of $64.01, which undercuts the national average of $68.99. This hourly rate makes the profession appealing for part-time and per-diem workers looking for flexible schedules. Those who work three days a week can expect a reliable income without the commitment of a full-time role. Entry-level pharmacists can earn as little as $47.97 per hour, while those at the top of their game may command rates up to $77.10. Pharmacy practice areas in Sterling include retail settings, hospital pharmacies, specialty pharmacies, and various clinical environments, each influencing the pay scale. Given the evolving nature of pharmacy, particularly due to the retail market's contraction, the estimated hourly rates have become increasingly significant for job-seeking pharmacists in VA.
About the Sterling 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) | $47.97 | $383.78 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $59.05 | $472.41 |
| Median (P50) | $64.01 | $512.08 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $72.88 | $583.04 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $77.10 | $616.76 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Sterling
Based on $64.01/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $64.01/hr, a pharmacist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Sterling, VA can expect to earn approximately $133,142 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $76,812. With a cost-of-living index of 103.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Sterling.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Sterling
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,560.41 | $11,095 | $133,142 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,536.25 | $6,657 | $79,885 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,024.17 | $4,438 | $53,257 |
Compare PharmD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Pharmacist (Sterling) | $64.01 |
| 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 Sterling, VA earn a median of $133,152 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.20% lower than the national median of $143,489 and 4.10% below the Virginia state average of $138,845.
Pharmacist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $64.01/hr = $79,885/year (purchasing power: $77,408).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $133,142/year (purchasing power: $129,013).
CoL index: 103.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$57.14/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$62.86/hr
2026 Current Est.
$64.01/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+14.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Pharmacists in Sterling (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 1.83% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $57.14/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $57.42/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $57.36/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $59.22/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $60.68/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $62.84/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $62.86/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $64.01/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $65.18/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for pharmacists in Sterling grew 10.0% from $57.14/hr (2019) to $62.86/hr (2025). At a 1.83% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $65.18/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 Sterling 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 Sterling
Exploring the part-time earning potential reveals that a pharmacist working 24 hours a week could take home around $79,123 annually, a substantial income, especially compared to possible full-time earnings. On the other hand, per-diem pharmacists find varying compensation that can range from $55 to $95 per hour depending on their clinical setting. Retail pharmacy positions, particularly in chains like CVS and Walgreens, have seen compensation pressures due to market changes, leading to a smaller pay range for floaters. Additionally, benefits can heavily influence employment choices; those preferring higher hourly wages may opt out of employer-sponsored health insurance, making negotiations about pay and benefits critical. In Sterling, the shifting demands on pharmacists to engage more deeply with patient care and productivity metrics can also affect their overall compensation, making it vital for pharmacists to stay informed and strategically negotiate their pay.
More salary data for Sterling, VA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for pharmacists in Sterling in 2026?
How much do part-time pharmacists make in Sterling?
Are pharmacists in Sterling paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time pharmacist make per year in Sterling?
Do pharmacists earn more per hour working part-time in Sterling?
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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 Sterling. 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 Sterling 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