Pharmacist Salary in Lawrence, MA: $137,983 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time pharmacist in Lawrence, MA earns a median $137,983/year (≈ $66.34/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1051). Once you factor in Lawrence's price level (9% above national, BEA RPP 108.5), that paycheck buys what $127,173 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.5% below the Massachusetts state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
With a projected median annual pharmacist salary in Lawrence, Massachusetts, of $137,983 for 2026, local compensation reflects the evolving dynamics of the pharmacy profession, particularly following the recent retail chain consolidations that have shifted employer strategies. The salary range shows considerable variability, with entry-level positions around $99,956 and top earners reaching up to $170,180. These estimates, based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, account for regional adjustments that take into consideration Lawrence's higher-than-average cost of living index of 108.5. As the market stabilizes post-2023, the demand for pharmacists, particularly in critical care and specialty roles, indicates a competitive job environment, impacting overall pay in Lawrence.
About the Lawrence Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($148,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $99,956 | $48.05 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $127,706 | $61.39 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $137,983 | $66.34 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $161,849 | $77.81 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $170,180 | $81.82 |
Median Salary Position
3.84% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Lawrence
In Lawrence, MA, the pharmacist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $70,224 (2026 est.). At $137,983, the local median is 3.84% below the national median of $143,489.
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At 40 hours/week in Lawrence: You'd be above the median
How Lawrence Pharmacist Pay Compares
Lawrence median: $137,983/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Lawrence Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts Average | $141,521 | -2.50% less |
| National Average | $143,489 | -3.84% less |
Pharmacists in Lawrence, MA earn a median of $137,983 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.84% lower than the national median of $143,489 and 2.50% below the Massachusetts state average of $141,521.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Lawrence has a cost of living 8.50% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Lawrence, MA has a cost-of-living index of 108.5 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $137,983 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $127,173 — a 7.83% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$123,175
2025 BLS Actual
$135,503
2026 Current Est.
$137,983
2019–2027 Growth
+14.1%
Salary Trajectory for Pharmacists in Lawrence (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 1.83% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $123,175 | Actual |
| 2020 | $123,771 | Actual |
| 2021 | $123,637 | Actual |
| 2022 | $127,656 | Actual |
| 2023 | $130,810 | Actual |
| 2024 | $156,602 | Actual |
| 2025 | $135,503 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $137,983 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $140,508 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Lawrence metropolitan area, the median pharmacist salary grew 10.0% from $123,175 (2019) to $135,503 (2025). At a 1.83% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $140,508 by 2027 — a total increase of $17,333 (14.07%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Lawrence 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) | $99,956 – $127,706 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $127,706 – $137,983 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $137,983 – $161,849 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $161,849 – $170,180 |
PharmD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual pharmacist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Pharmacist Job Market in Lawrence
In Lawrence, 16 pharmacists are currently employed, suggesting a tight-knit job market where local salaries must adequately reflect living costs. The pharmacist pay in Lawrence MA remains slightly below the national median of $143,489, contributing to potential concerns regarding take-home purchasing power amidst rising living expenses. Top employers, including CVS and Walgreens, typically provide the bulk of retail pharmacist roles, while hospitals and specialty pharmacies may offer more lucrative positions. Factors influencing the pay spectrum include various employment settings—hospital clinical specialists tend to earn more than their retail counterparts due to their specialized responsibilities. Additionally, board certification stipends, shift differentials, and relevant postgraduate training can further enhance earning potential. For those aiming to maximize their pharmacist salary in Lawrence, pursuing board certification and seeking roles in high-demand areas like outpatient clinic settings may offer increased financial rewards, especially in the context of ongoing market shifts.
More salary data for Lawrence, 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 $135,503 for pharmacistsin the Lawrence 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 Lawrence 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