Pharmacist Salary in Waterbury, CT: $140,637 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time pharmacist in Waterbury, CT earns a median $140,637/year (≈ $67.62/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1051). Once you factor in Waterbury's price level (0% above national, BEA RPP 99.8), that paycheck buys what $140,950 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.3% below the Connecticut state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, pharmacists in Waterbury, Connecticut, can expect a median annual salary of $140,637, a figure that reflects the impact of retail chain consolidation on local pay structures. The salary range spans from a lower threshold of $100,852 at the 10th percentile to an upper limit of $160,331 at the 90th percentile, providing a glimpse into the compensation variability within the profession. These estimates are derived from official Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS surveys, which indicate that despite the shifting dynamics in retail pharmacy, Waterbury remains an appealing location for employment. As the market evolves, opportunities continue to exist, particularly as demand grows for specialty and ambulatory care roles that can offer competitive pay and stabilize career prospects in a transforming industry.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $100,852 | $48.48 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $133,917 | $64.39 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $140,637 | $67.62 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $157,786 | $75.86 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $160,331 | $77.09 |
Median Salary Position
1.99% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Waterbury
In Waterbury, CT, the pharmacist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $59,479 (2026 est.). At $140,637, the local median is 1.99% below the national median of $143,489.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Waterbury: You'd be above the median
How Waterbury Pharmacist Pay Compares
Waterbury median: $140,637/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Waterbury Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Connecticut Average | $143,948 | -2.30% less |
| National Average | $143,489 | -1.99% less |
Pharmacists in Waterbury, CT earn a median of $140,637 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.99% lower than the national median of $143,489 and 2.30% below the Connecticut state average of $143,948.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Waterbury has a cost of living 0.22% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Waterbury, CT has a cost-of-living index of 99.778 (below the national average of 100). A pharmacist earning $140,637 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $140,950 in an average-cost city — an effective 0.22% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$120,380
2025 BLS Actual
$138,110
2026 Current Est.
$140,637
2019–2027 Growth
+19.0%
Salary Trajectory for Pharmacists in Waterbury (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 1.83% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $120,380 | Actual |
| 2020 | $124,710 | Actual |
| 2021 | $125,170 | Actual |
| 2022 | $129,730 | Actual |
| 2023 | $131,880 | Actual |
| 2024 | $134,710 | Actual |
| 2025 | $138,110 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $140,637 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $143,211 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Waterbury metropolitan area, the median pharmacist salary grew 14.7% from $120,380 (2019) to $138,110 (2025). At a 1.83% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $143,211 by 2027 — a total increase of $22,831 (18.97%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Waterbury 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) | $100,852 – $133,917 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $133,917 – $140,637 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $140,637 – $157,786 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $157,786 – $160,331 |
PharmD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual pharmacist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Pharmacist Job Market in Waterbury
Examining the local job market, Waterbury currently employs 370 pharmacists, pointing to a robust professional network. While the cost of living index stands at 99.778, slightly below the national average, it suggests that disposable incomes may be impacted, making effective salary negotiations even more critical. CVS and Walgreens dominate retail pharmacy employment, but hospital inpatient pharmacies and specialty organizations like Accredo are increasingly offering higher salaries. Factors influencing earnings include work setting—hospital clinical specialists typically earn more than retail pharmacists—as well as additional qualifications such as board certification stipends and shift differentials. With the ongoing transitions in pharmacy practice, such as those arising from the post-2024 retail consolidation, pharmacists looking to maximize their pay in Waterbury should prioritize advanced credentials, consider working in specialized settings, and stay informed about emerging opportunities in oversight roles and clinical practice.
More salary data for Waterbury, CT:
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 $138,110 for pharmacistsin the Waterbury 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
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