Pharmacist Hourly Pay in Olympia, WA: $75.81 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a pharmacist working in Olympia, WA runs $75.81 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $157,694 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1051). Weighted against Olympia's regional price level (BEA RPP 103.7, 4% above national), each hour of work buys what $73.13 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $94,614 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Olympia, Washington, the projected pharmacist hourly pay stands at $75.81, significantly higher than the national median of $68.99. This rate reflects the increasing demand for pharmacists across various settings, including retail pharmacy counters, hospital inpatient pharmacies, and specialty clinics. For professionals looking to work part-time at about three days a week, this hourly wage can translate to a substantial income while allowing for flexibility. With an hourly range from entry-level positions starting around $61.71 to seasoned practitioners earning up to $92.32, pharmacists in Olympia can find opportunities across diverse environments such as mail-order fulfillment and ambulatory care clinics. This data, derived from 2025 BLS OEWS figures projected to 2026, showcases the region's robust employment landscape for pharmacists.
Pharmacist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $61.71 | $493.67 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $66.12 | $528.95 |
| Median (P50) | $75.81 | $606.50 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $82.96 | $663.69 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $92.32 | $738.55 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Olympia
Based on $75.81/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $75.81/hr, a pharmacist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Olympia, WA can expect to earn approximately $157,690 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $90,975. With a cost-of-living index of 103.67 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Olympia.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Olympia
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $3,032.50 | $13,141 | $157,690 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,819.50 | $7,884 | $94,614 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,213.00 | $5,256 | $63,076 |
Compare PharmD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Pharmacist (Olympia) | $75.81 |
| 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 Olympia, WA earn a median of $157,694 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.90% higher than the national median of $143,489 and 2.00% below the Washington state average of $160,912.
Pharmacist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $75.81/hr = $94,614/year (purchasing power: $91,265).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $157,690/year (purchasing power: $152,108).
CoL index: 103.67 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$61.35/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$74.45/hr
2026 Current Est.
$75.81/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Pharmacists in Olympia (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 1.83% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $61.35/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $62.43/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $62.54/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $65.16/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $69.28/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $72.48/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $74.45/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $75.81/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $77.20/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for pharmacists in Olympia grew 21.4% from $61.35/hr (2019) to $74.45/hr (2025). At a 1.83% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $77.20/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 Olympia 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 Olympia
Focusing on part-time earnings, a pharmacist working 24 hours per week at the median hourly rate could gross around $59,536 annually, highlighting the potential income for those balancing work and other commitments. Per diem work presents another avenue for pharmacists in Olympia, with retail positions typically billing between $55 and $75 per hour, and hospital-based roles reaching $60 to $85, depending on the clinical setting and demand. Specialty pharmacists in oncology or critical care can earn premiums, with rates between $70 and $95 per hour. However, variations in pay exist across employer types, from retail chains like CVS and Walgreens to health systems and specialty pharmacies. While some may choose less competitive hourly rates that include health benefits, others opt for higher pay without such coverage, reflecting a trade-off in work-life balance. For those negotiating their pay, understanding the local job market dynamics and being knowledgeable about the benefits versus higher hourly pay can greatly enhance bargaining outcomes.
More salary data for Olympia, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for pharmacists in Olympia in 2026?
How much do part-time pharmacists make in Olympia?
Are pharmacists in Olympia paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time pharmacist make per year in Olympia?
Do pharmacists earn more per hour working part-time in Olympia?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Washington
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 Olympia. 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