Pharmacist Salary in District of Columbia: $153,295 (2026)
Quick Answer:Across District of Columbia's 1 metropolitan areas, the average median pharmacist pay sits at $153,295/year heading into 2026 — a figure projected from 2025 BLS OEWS wage data for SOC 29-1051. Because District of Columbia sits at BEA RPP 117.0 (17% above the U.S. baseline), that statewide median translates to roughly $131,021 in nationally-comparable purchasing power. Highest-paying metros: Washington ($150,540).
In the District of Columbia, the average median salary for pharmacists is projected to be $153,295 in 2026, which is approximately 6.8% higher than the national median of $143,489. Interestingly, the only city in the district—Washington—lists both its highest and lowest salaries at $153,295, indicating a uniform pay scale across the area. This consistency can result from the unique regulatory environment and the concentration of healthcare facilities that influence demand and salaries. Pharmacy professionals in D.C. must meet specific state licensing requirements and adhere to scope of practice laws that allow for a broader role in patient care. These regulations can contribute to a higher salary as pharmacists take on more responsibilities in healthcare settings. Additionally, the projected annual growth rate of 1.83% in employment suggests a stable job market for pharmacists in the district, driven by an increasing demand for healthcare services and the evolving role of pharmacists. With 5,260 pharmacists employed in D.C., the district presents a reliable opportunity for those entering the profession. As the field continues to grow, pharmacists can expect job security and a favorable salary outlook compared to national averages.
District of Columbia Pharmacist Salary Range
Overall salary range in District of Columbia: $123,642 (lowest entry-level) to $182,510 (highest top earner)
District of Columbia vs National Average
District of Columbia pharmacists earn 6.83% more than the national median (+$9,806/year difference).
District of Columbia Pharmacist Salary Distribution (2026)
Pharmacist salaries in District of Columbia range from $123,642 (entry-level, 10th percentile) to $182,510 (top earners, 90th percentile), with a median of $153,295. The District of Columbia median is $9,806 above the US national median of $143,489. The average hourly rate is $73.70/hr. Approximately 5,260 pharmacists are employed across 1 cities.
2019 BLS Actual
$127,230
2025 BLS Actual
$150,540
2026 Current Est.
$153,295
2019–2027 Growth
+22.7%
Salary Trajectory for Pharmacists in District of Columbia (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 1.83% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $127,230 | Actual |
| 2020 | $127,430 | Actual |
| 2021 | $128,790 | Actual |
| 2022 | $137,900 | Actual |
| 2023 | $144,680 | Actual |
| 2024 | $143,890 | Actual |
| 2025 | $150,540 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $153,295 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $156,100 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the District of Columbia metropolitan area, the median pharmacist salary grew 18.3% from $127,230 (2019) to $150,540 (2025). At a 1.83% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $156,100 by 2027 — a total increase of $28,870 (22.69%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the District of Columbia 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 1 Highest Paying Cities in District of Columbia
Salary by Experience Level in District of Columbia
| Experience Level | Estimated Annual |
|---|---|
| Entry Level (0-2 years) | $123,642 |
| Mid Career (3-7 years) | $153,295 |
| Experienced (7+ years) | $182,510 |
Estimates based on BLS percentile data averaged across District of Columbia metro areas. Individual pay varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
All 1 Cities in District of Columbia
| # | City | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Washington | $153,295 |
More District of Columbia Salary Data
Explore More Pharmacist Salary Data
Frequently Asked Questions
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How does District of Columbia pharmacist pay compare to the national average?
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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
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 District of Columbia. State averages are employment-weighted across 1 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