Pharmacist Salary in Newark, NJ: $144,119 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time pharmacist in Newark, NJ earns a median $144,119/year (≈ $69.29/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1051). Once you factor in Newark's price level (15% above national, BEA RPP 115.2), that paycheck buys what $125,103 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 12.8% below the New Jersey state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, pharmacists in Newark, NJ, earn a considerable median annual salary of $144,119, which slightly exceeds the national median of $143,489. The salary range for this profession in the city varies significantly, with the lower 10% earning approximately $92,051 and the top 90% making up to $191,599. These figures reflect local estimates based on 2025 BLS data, adjusted for regional price parities, indicating a robust demand for pharmacists in diverse settings. The pharmacy landscape in Newark is characterized by a division between hospital clinical specialists, retail Pharmacist in Charge (PIC) roles, and staff pharmacists, with compensation levels influenced by the specific nature of the practice environment.
About the Newark Market
Salary estimated from New Jersey average ($140,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $92,051 | $44.26 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $132,938 | $63.91 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $144,119 | $69.29 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $172,895 | $83.12 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $191,599 | $92.12 |
Median Salary Position
0.44% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Newark
In Newark, NJ, the pharmacist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $99,548 (2026 est.). At $144,119, the local median is 0.44% above the national median of $143,489.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Newark: You'd be above the median
How Newark Pharmacist Pay Compares
Newark median: $144,119/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Newark Pays |
|---|---|---|
| New Jersey Average | $165,274 | -12.80% less |
| National Average | $143,489 | +0.44% more |
Pharmacists in Newark, NJ earn a median of $144,119 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.44% higher than the national median of $143,489 and 12.80% below the New Jersey state average of $165,274.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Newark has a cost of living 15.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Newark, NJ has a cost-of-living index of 115.2 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $144,119 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $125,103 — a 13.19% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$128,653
2025 BLS Actual
$141,529
2026 Current Est.
$144,119
2019–2027 Growth
+14.1%
Salary Trajectory for Pharmacists in Newark (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 1.83% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $128,653 | Actual |
| 2020 | $129,275 | Actual |
| 2021 | $129,135 | Actual |
| 2022 | $133,333 | Actual |
| 2023 | $136,628 | Actual |
| 2024 | $169,595 | Actual |
| 2025 | $141,529 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $144,119 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $146,756 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Newark metropolitan area, the median pharmacist salary grew 10.0% from $128,653 (2019) to $141,529 (2025). At a 1.83% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $146,756 by 2027 — a total increase of $18,103 (14.07%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Newark 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) | $92,051 – $132,938 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $132,938 – $144,119 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $144,119 – $172,895 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $172,895 – $191,599 |
PharmD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual pharmacist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Pharmacist Job Market in Newark
As of now, Newark hosts around 61 pharmacists, which demonstrates a steady employment level for this profession. However, the increasing cost-of-living index of 115.2 suggests that the purchasing power for these salaries might not stretch as far when compared to national averages. In Newark, hospital inpatient pharmacies and specialty pharmacies typically offer higher salaries than retail chains like CVS and Walgreens. Factors such as board certification stipends, residency training premiums, and shift differentials drive salary variations. With the retail pharmacy market currently contracting amid layoffs and store closures, those aiming to maximize their pharmacist pay in Newark should consider opportunities in growing areas such as hospital settings or specialty pharmacy roles. Investing in additional certifications and pursuing competitive residency programs can also enhance earning potential in this evolving market.
More salary data for Newark, NJ:
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 $141,529 for pharmacistsin the Newark 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 Newark 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