Pharmacist Hourly Pay in Kirkland, WA: $77.10 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a pharmacist working in Kirkland, WA runs $77.10 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $160,367 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1051). Weighted against Kirkland's regional price level (BEA RPP 107.4, 7% above national), each hour of work buys what $71.78 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $96,215 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Kirkland, WA, the pharmacist hourly pay reflects a median of $77.10, significantly above the national hourly median of $68.99. This elevated rate offers competitive compensation for both part-time workers and per-diem pharmacists, whether they find themselves operating at retail pharmacy counters or in specialized clinical settings. Those working part-time for three days a week can expect to earn approximately $1,850 monthly, which can vary depending on the number of hours and settings in which they work. The hourly compensation spans from $52.27 for entry-level positions to as much as $93.28 for seasoned professionals, providing a clear pathway for growth in this field and illustrating the varied opportunities available in areas such as hospital inpatient settings and specialized pharmacies.
About the Kirkland 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) | $52.27 | $418.15 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $68.73 | $549.80 |
| Median (P50) | $77.10 | $616.76 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $87.84 | $702.71 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $93.28 | $746.21 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Kirkland
Based on $77.10/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $77.10/hr, a pharmacist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Kirkland, WA can expect to earn approximately $160,359 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $92,515. With a cost-of-living index of 107.40 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Kirkland.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Kirkland
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $3,083.82 | $13,363 | $160,359 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,850.29 | $8,018 | $96,215 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,233.53 | $5,345 | $64,143 |
Compare PharmD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Pharmacist (Kirkland) | $77.10 |
| 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 Kirkland, WA earn a median of $160,367 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.76% higher than the national median of $143,489 and 0.30% below the Washington state average of $160,850.
Pharmacist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $77.10/hr = $96,215/year (purchasing power: $89,586).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $160,359/year (purchasing power: $149,310).
CoL index: 107.4 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$68.82/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$75.71/hr
2026 Current Est.
$77.10/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+14.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Pharmacists in Kirkland (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 1.83% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $68.82/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $69.16/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $69.08/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $71.33/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $73.09/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $74.62/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $75.71/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $77.10/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $78.51/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for pharmacists in Kirkland grew 10.0% from $68.82/hr (2019) to $75.71/hr (2025). At a 1.83% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $78.51/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 Kirkland 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 Kirkland
The earning potential of pharmacists in part-time roles highlights how a 24-hour workweek translates into substantial annual income compared to full-time work, which typically exceeds the $160,367 projected for 2026. Per diem roles reveal a different dynamic, with retail pharmacists billing between $55 and $75 per hour, while those in hospital settings can earn $60 to $85 per hour. Similarly, specialized areas, such as oncology or critical care, may see rates soar to $70-$95 per hour. Employers ranging from retail chains like CVS and Walgreens to specialty pharmacies and mail-order operations each offer varied rates, making negotiation a vital skill. Understanding the trade-offs in benefits and pay is crucial, as some pharmacists opt for lower hourly rates in exchange for health insurance and stability, while others seek higher rates without benefits. In Kirkland, this flexible landscape requires pharmacists to carefully weigh their options and be empowered in discussions to optimize their earnings.
More salary data for Kirkland, WA:
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 Kirkland. 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 Kirkland 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