Pharmacist Salary in Kansas: $141,143 (2026)
Quick Answer:Across Kansas's 22 metropolitan areas, the average median pharmacist pay sits at $141,143/year heading into 2026 — a figure projected from 2025 BLS OEWS wage data for SOC 29-1051. Because Kansas sits at BEA RPP 90.9 (9% below the U.S. baseline), that statewide median translates to roughly $155,273 in nationally-comparable purchasing power. Highest-paying metros: Wichita ($142,400), Topeka ($140,820), Kansas City ($140,347).
In 2026, the average median salary for pharmacists in Kansas is projected to be $141,144, slightly lower than the national median of $143,489, resulting in a 1.6% difference. The salary range across the state highlights significant disparities; Wichita offers the highest salary at $145,006, while Emporia has the lowest at $120,413, creating a gap of $24,593. Factors contributing to this variation include the local cost of living, demand for healthcare services, and the presence of larger healthcare systems in metropolitan areas. Kansas has specific licensing requirements and scope of practice regulations that pharmacists must navigate, which include completing an accredited pharmacy program and passing relevant exams. These aspects can influence job opportunities within different cities. The overall job market for pharmacists is projected to grow at an annual rate of 1.83%, indicating a steady demand for professionals in the healthcare field. Key cities to consider for employment include Topeka at $143,397, Kansas City at $142,915, Manhattan at $141,625, and Lawrence at $136,330. The overall employment for pharmacists in Kansas is estimated at 1,291, which suggests a stable market for job seekers in the coming years. Understanding the nuances of salary distribution and local regulations can facilitate a more strategic job search in the state.
Kansas Pharmacist Salary Range
Overall salary range in Kansas: $41,200 (lowest entry-level) to $176,733 (highest top earner)
Kansas vs National Average
Kansas pharmacists earn 1.63% less than the national median ($-2,346/year difference).
Kansas Pharmacist Salary Distribution (2026)
Pharmacist salaries in Kansas range from $91,258 (entry-level, 10th percentile) to $169,059 (top earners, 90th percentile), with a median of $141,143. The Kansas median is $2,346 below the US national median of $143,489. The average hourly rate is $67.86/hr. Approximately 1,291 pharmacists are employed across 22 cities.
2019 BLS Actual
$114,158
2025 BLS Actual
$138,607
2026 Current Est.
$141,143
2019–2027 Growth
+25.9%
Salary Trajectory for Pharmacists in Kansas (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 1.83% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $114,158 | Actual |
| 2020 | $119,863 | Actual |
| 2021 | $126,813 | Actual |
| 2022 | $130,610 | Actual |
| 2023 | $133,107 | Actual |
| 2024 | $130,853 | Actual |
| 2025 | $138,607 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $141,143 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $143,726 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Kansas metropolitan area, the median pharmacist salary grew 21.4% from $114,158 (2019) to $138,607 (2025). At a 1.83% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $143,726 by 2027 — a total increase of $29,568 (25.90%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Kansas 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 Kansas
Lowest Paying Cities in Kansas
| City | Median Salary |
|---|---|
| Emporia | $120,413 |
| Gardner | $120,953 |
| Liberal | $121,649 |
| Hays | $122,120 |
| Prairie Village | $122,482 |
Best Value Cities for Pharmacists in Kansas
When adjusted for local cost of living, these Kansas cities offer the most purchasing power for pharmacists.
| City | Nominal Salary | CoL Index | Adjusted Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wichita | $145,006 | 88.946 | $163,027 |
| Topeka | $143,397 | 88.82 | $161,447 |
| Kansas City | $142,915 | 90.9 | $157,222 |
| Manhattan | $141,625 | 90.162 | $157,078 |
| Lawrence | $136,330 | 90.243 | $151,070 |
Adjusted salary = nominal salary × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average. Lower index = lower cost of living.
Salary by Experience Level in Kansas
| Experience Level | Estimated Annual |
|---|---|
| Entry Level (0-2 years) | $91,258 |
| Mid Career (3-7 years) | $141,143 |
| Experienced (7+ years) | $169,059 |
Estimates based on BLS percentile data averaged across Kansas metro areas. Individual pay varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
All 22 Cities in Kansas
| # | City | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Wichita | $145,006 |
| 2 | Topeka | $143,397 |
| 3 | Kansas City | $142,915 |
| 4 | Manhattan | $141,625 |
| 5 | Lawrence | $136,330 |
| 6 | Overland Park | $132,562 |
| 7 | Olathe | $130,876 |
| 8 | Lenexa | $130,557 |
| 9 | Garden City | $129,265 |
| 10 | Derby | $128,618 |
| 11 | Hutchinson | $127,596 |
| 12 | Leavenworth | $127,555 |
| 13 | Shawnee | $127,148 |
| 14 | Salina | $126,209 |
| 15 | Leawood | $125,511 |
| 16 | Dodge City | $123,396 |
| 17 | Junction City | $123,002 |
| 18 | Prairie Village | $122,482 |
| 19 | Hays | $122,120 |
| 20 | Liberal | $121,649 |
| 21 | Gardner | $120,953 |
| 22 | Emporia | $120,413 |
More Kansas Salary Data
Explore More Pharmacist Salary Data
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do pharmacists make in Kansas in 2026?
What is the highest paying city for pharmacists in Kansas?
How does Kansas pharmacist pay compare to the national average?
What is the entry-level pharmacist salary in Kansas?
How many pharmacists are employed in Kansas?
Which Kansas 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 Kansas. State averages are employment-weighted across 22 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