Pharmacist Hourly Pay in Des Moines, WA: $76.65 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a pharmacist working in Des Moines, WA runs $76.65 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $159,425 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1051). Weighted against Des Moines's regional price level (BEA RPP 107.4, 7% above national), each hour of work buys what $71.37 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $95,656 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Des Moines, Washington, the pharmacist hourly pay stands at a median of $76.65, significantly higher than the national hourly median of $68.99. This competitive rate supports various work arrangements, making it favorable for part-time and per-diem workers who may choose to work in settings such as retail pharmacies, hospital pharmacy departments, or specialty pharmacies. Those in entry-level positions might expect to earn around $55.19 per hour, while experienced pharmacists can make up to $92.37. Such a pay structure encourages individuals to consider flexible schedules, whether they prefer to work just three days a week or seek opportunities in per-diem roles, particularly in environments like mail-order fulfillment and ambulatory clinics.
About the Des Moines Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($145,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Pharmacist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $55.19 | $441.53 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $70.75 | $566.01 |
| Median (P50) | $76.65 | $613.18 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $87.31 | $698.47 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $92.37 | $738.96 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Des Moines
Based on $76.65/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $76.65/hr, a pharmacist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Des Moines, WA can expect to earn approximately $159,427 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $91,977. With a cost-of-living index of 107.40 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Des Moines.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Des Moines
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $3,065.90 | $13,286 | $159,427 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,839.54 | $7,971 | $95,656 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,226.36 | $5,314 | $63,771 |
Compare PharmD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Pharmacist (Des Moines) | $76.65 |
| 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 Des Moines, WA earn a median of $159,425 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.11% higher than the national median of $143,489 and 0.90% below the Washington state average of $160,873.
Pharmacist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $76.65/hr = $95,656/year (purchasing power: $89,065).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $159,427/year (purchasing power: $148,442).
CoL index: 107.4 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$68.42/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$75.27/hr
2026 Current Est.
$76.65/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+14.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Pharmacists in Des Moines (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 1.83% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $68.42/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $68.75/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $68.68/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $70.91/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $72.66/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $74.18/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $75.27/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $76.65/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $78.05/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for pharmacists in Des Moines grew 10.0% from $68.42/hr (2019) to $75.27/hr (2025). At a 1.83% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $78.05/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 Des Moines 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 Des Moines
Analyzing the part-time compensation for pharmacists in Des Moines reveals an intriguing financial landscape. A pharmacist working 24 hours a week would take home a substantial annual income, demonstrating the profitability of even part-time commitments in this field. Per diem positions can offer varied pay rates; for instance, retail pharmacists typically bill between $55 to $75 per hour, while those in hospital settings may earn from $60 to $85 per hour. Specialty pharmacy experts, particularly in oncology or critical care, can command $70 to $95 per hour, although rising costs and market dynamics have compressed retail floater pay since 2023. As pharmacists contemplate their options, the choice between higher hourly rates with no benefits versus lower rates with health coverage becomes a critical decision point. Understanding varying employer types, from chains like CVS and Walgreens to specialty pharmacies and mail-order operations, enables pharmacists to make informed negotiations regarding their hourly pay and working conditions tailored to the ever-evolving needs of the community in Des Moines, WA.
More salary data for Des Moines, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for pharmacists in Des Moines 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 Des Moines. 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 Des Moines 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