Pharmacist Salary in Golden, CO: $140,738 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time pharmacist in Golden, CO earns a median $140,738/year (≈ $67.67/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1051). Once you factor in Golden's price level (5% above national, BEA RPP 105.0), that paycheck buys what $134,036 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 8.0% below the Colorado state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the median annual salary for pharmacists in Golden, Colorado, is projected to be $140,738, positioning the city slightly below the national median of $143,489. The salary range for pharmacists here varies significantly, with the lowest earners making about $106,888 while the top earners can command up to $166,000. These figures are derived from 2025 BLS data and adjusted for local market conditions. Since the consolidation of retail chains post-2023 has impacted local pharmacies, those seeking pharmacist positions in Golden may find opportunities less favorable in traditional retail settings. However, this shift also opens doors to alternative roles in hospitals and specialty pharmacies, which can offer more competitive compensation packages.
About the Golden Market
Salary estimated from Colorado average ($135,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $106,888 | $51.38 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $133,318 | $64.09 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $140,738 | $67.67 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $159,135 | $76.50 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $166,000 | $79.80 |
Median Salary Position
1.92% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Golden
In Golden, CO, the pharmacist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $59,112 (2026 est.). At $140,738, the local median is 1.92% below the national median of $143,489.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Golden: You'd be above the median
How Golden Pharmacist Pay Compares
Golden median: $140,738/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Golden Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Colorado Average | $152,976 | -8.00% less |
| National Average | $143,489 | -1.92% less |
Pharmacists in Golden, CO earn a median of $140,738 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.92% lower than the national median of $143,489 and 8.00% below the Colorado state average of $152,976.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Golden has a cost of living 5.00% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Golden, CO has a cost-of-living index of 105 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $140,738 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $134,036 — a 4.76% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$125,635
2025 BLS Actual
$138,209
2026 Current Est.
$140,738
2019–2027 Growth
+14.1%
Salary Trajectory for Pharmacists in Golden (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 1.83% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $125,635 | Actual |
| 2020 | $126,243 | Actual |
| 2021 | $126,106 | Actual |
| 2022 | $130,205 | Actual |
| 2023 | $133,423 | Actual |
| 2024 | $130,468 | Actual |
| 2025 | $138,209 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $140,738 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $143,314 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Golden metropolitan area, the median pharmacist salary grew 10.0% from $125,635 (2019) to $138,209 (2025). At a 1.83% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $143,314 by 2027 — a total increase of $17,679 (14.07%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Golden 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $106,888 – $133,318 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $133,318 – $140,738 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $140,738 – $159,135 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $159,135 – $166,000 |
PharmD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual pharmacist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Pharmacist Job Market in Golden
Looking at the job market, only six pharmacists are currently employed in Golden, indicating a tight labor pool. With a cost of living index of 105, local purchasing power is slightly above the national average, necessitating higher salaries for comfortable living. Top employers may include large retail chains such as CVS and Walgreens, as well as hospitals and specialty pharmacies like Accredo. The disparity in pay can be attributed to various factors including clinical experience, board certifications (like BCPS), and specific roles—hospital pharmacists often earn more than retail staff. To maximize earning potential, pharmacists in Golden should consider further education, such as a PGY-1 residency, and seek roles in expanding sectors like inpatient pharmacy or managed care, which can buffer against the fluctuations in traditional retail positions.
More salary data for Golden, CO:
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
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. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $138,209 for pharmacistsin the Golden metropolitan area. A 1.83% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Golden 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