Pharmacist Salary in Alaska: $166,450 (2026)
Quick Answer:Across Alaska's 5 metropolitan areas, the average median pharmacist pay sits at $166,450/year heading into 2026 — a figure projected from 2025 BLS OEWS wage data for SOC 29-1051. Because Alaska sits at BEA RPP 106.1 (6% above the U.S. baseline), that statewide median translates to roughly $156,880 in nationally-comparable purchasing power. Highest-paying metros: Fairbanks ($173,340), Anchorage ($162,980), Juneau ($147,799).
As of 2026, pharmacists in Alaska are projected to earn an average median salary of $166,450, which is 16.0% higher than the national median of $143,489. The highest paying city for pharmacists is Fairbanks, with a salary of $176,512, while Sitka offers the lowest at $140,652. This $35,860 salary gap can be attributed to various factors, including the cost of living, demand for healthcare services, and local market dynamics. Pharmacist licensing in Alaska requires candidates to hold a Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) degree, complete an internship, and pass the NAPLEX and an Alaska-specific jurisprudence exam. The scope of practice laws in Alaska allow pharmacists to provide a range of services beyond dispensing medications, contributing to their value in healthcare settings. The job market for pharmacists in Alaska demonstrates a steady growth rate of 1.83% annually, suggesting a consistent demand for professionals in this field. With 425 pharmacists currently employed across the state, cities like Anchorage and Juneau follow Fairbanks, with projected salaries of $165,963 and $150,504, respectively. This outlook indicates a stable environment for individuals pursuing a pharmacy career in Alaska.
Alaska Pharmacist Salary Range
Overall salary range in Alaska: $103,282 (lowest entry-level) to $196,114 (highest top earner)
Alaska vs National Average
Alaska pharmacists earn 16.00% more than the national median (+$22,961/year difference).
Alaska Pharmacist Salary Distribution (2026)
Pharmacist salaries in Alaska range from $112,991 (entry-level, 10th percentile) to $188,415 (top earners, 90th percentile), with a median of $166,450. The Alaska median is $22,961 above the US national median of $143,489. The average hourly rate is $80.03/hr. Approximately 425 pharmacists are employed across 5 cities.
2019 BLS Actual
$145,338
2025 BLS Actual
$163,459
2026 Current Est.
$166,450
2019–2027 Growth
+16.6%
Salary Trajectory for Pharmacists in Alaska (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 1.83% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $145,338 | Actual |
| 2020 | $146,377 | Actual |
| 2021 | $155,167 | Actual |
| 2022 | $151,701 | Actual |
| 2023 | $152,773 | Actual |
| 2024 | $163,038 | Actual |
| 2025 | $163,459 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $166,450 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $169,496 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Alaska metropolitan area, the median pharmacist salary grew 12.5% from $145,338 (2019) to $163,459 (2025). At a 1.83% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $169,496 by 2027 — a total increase of $24,158 (16.62%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Alaska 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.
Top 5 Highest Paying Cities in Alaska
Best Value Cities for Pharmacists in Alaska
When adjusted for local cost of living, these Alaska cities offer the most purchasing power for pharmacists.
| City | Nominal Salary | CoL Index | Adjusted Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fairbanks | $176,512 | 103.208 | $171,026 |
| Anchorage | $165,963 | 105.42 | $157,430 |
| Juneau | $150,504 | 106.1 | $141,851 |
| Wasilla | $140,743 | 106.1 | $132,651 |
| Sitka | $140,652 | 106.1 | $132,566 |
Adjusted salary = nominal salary × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average. Lower index = lower cost of living.
Salary by Experience Level in Alaska
| Experience Level | Estimated Annual |
|---|---|
| Entry Level (0-2 years) | $112,991 |
| Mid Career (3-7 years) | $166,450 |
| Experienced (7+ years) | $188,415 |
Estimates based on BLS percentile data averaged across Alaska metro areas. Individual pay varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
All 5 Cities in Alaska
More Alaska Salary Data
Explore More Pharmacist Salary Data
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do pharmacists make in Alaska in 2026?
What is the highest paying city for pharmacists in Alaska?
How does Alaska pharmacist pay compare to the national average?
What is the entry-level pharmacist salary in Alaska?
How many pharmacists are employed in Alaska?
Which Alaska city offers the best value for pharmacists?
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
Statewide salary 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 each metro area's reported salary to estimate current 2026 pharmacist compensation across Alaska. State averages are employment-weighted across 5 metro areas — larger metro areas with more pharmacistscontribute proportionally more to the average, producing figures that better reflect typical compensation. Individual pay varies by city, employer, certifications, and experience.
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