Pharmacist Salary in Chelmsford, MA: $134,493 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time pharmacist in Chelmsford, MA earns a median $134,493/year (≈ $64.66/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1051). Once you factor in Chelmsford's price level (9% above national, BEA RPP 108.5), that paycheck buys what $123,957 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.9% below the Massachusetts state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Pharmacists in Chelmsford, Massachusetts, are projected to earn a median annual salary of $134,493 in 2026, a figure that falls slightly below the national median of $143,489. The salary range for pharmacists in the area extends from $98,737 at the 10th percentile to $164,323 at the 90th percentile, highlighting the wage disparity commonly seen in different pharmacy roles. Local estimates from BLS state-level data, adjusted for regional cost factors, indicate that the market differentiates between various practice settings, such as hospital clinical specialists, retail pharmacy managers, and staff pharmacists, each commanding different salary scales. Given the current trends in the pharmacy industry, including the contraction of retail chains, many professionals are considering alternatives in hospital or specialty pharmacy settings, which may offer better growth potential and compensation prospects.
About the Chelmsford Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($148,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $98,737 | $47.47 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $125,547 | $60.35 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $134,493 | $64.66 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $154,558 | $74.31 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $164,323 | $79.00 |
Median Salary Position
6.27% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Chelmsford
In Chelmsford, MA, the pharmacist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $65,586 (2026 est.). At $134,493, the local median is 6.27% below the national median of $143,489.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Chelmsford: You'd be above the median
How Chelmsford Pharmacist Pay Compares
Chelmsford median: $134,493/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Chelmsford Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts Average | $141,423 | -4.90% less |
| National Average | $143,489 | -6.27% less |
Pharmacists in Chelmsford, MA earn a median of $134,493 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.27% lower than the national median of $143,489 and 4.90% below the Massachusetts state average of $141,423.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Chelmsford has a cost of living 8.50% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Chelmsford, MA has a cost-of-living index of 108.5 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $134,493 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $123,957 — a 7.83% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$120,060
2025 BLS Actual
$132,076
2026 Current Est.
$134,493
2019–2027 Growth
+14.1%
Salary Trajectory for Pharmacists in Chelmsford (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 1.83% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $120,060 | Actual |
| 2020 | $120,641 | Actual |
| 2021 | $120,510 | Actual |
| 2022 | $124,428 | Actual |
| 2023 | $127,502 | Actual |
| 2024 | $152,641 | Actual |
| 2025 | $132,076 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $134,493 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $136,954 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Chelmsford metropolitan area, the median pharmacist salary grew 10.0% from $120,060 (2019) to $132,076 (2025). At a 1.83% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $136,954 by 2027 — a total increase of $16,894 (14.07%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Chelmsford 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) | $98,737 – $125,547 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $125,547 – $134,493 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $134,493 – $154,558 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $154,558 – $164,323 |
PharmD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual pharmacist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Pharmacist Job Market in Chelmsford
The job market for pharmacists in Chelmsford consists of approximately eight local professionals, indicating a niche yet stable workforce amid a broader healthcare landscape. The cost of living index for Chelmsford stands at 108.5, suggesting that residents experience a higher-than-average expense for everyday living, which can impact overall purchasing power despite a seemingly competitive salary. Retail pharmacy chains like CVS and Walgreens are among the major employers, but those working in specialized roles—such as inpatient hospital pharmacies or home infusion clinics—often receive higher compensation due to the complexity and expertise required. Factors such as board certifications, shift differentials, and residency training further contribute to the salary variations. To maximize earning potential in Chelmsford, pharmacists should pursue advanced credentials and consider positions that leverage emerging practices, thereby aligning their skills with the evolving demands of the profession.
More salary data for Chelmsford, MA:
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 $132,076 for pharmacistsin the Chelmsford 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 Chelmsford 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