Pharmacist Salary in Spearfish, SD: $127,675 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time pharmacist in Spearfish, SD earns a median $127,675/year (≈ $61.38/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1051). Once you factor in Spearfish's price level (7% below national, BEA RPP 92.8), that paycheck buys what $137,581 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.1% below the South Dakota state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In 2026, pharmacists in Spearfish, South Dakota can expect a median annual salary of $127,675, reflecting the local market's adjustments following recent retail chain consolidations. This salary range spans from $91,160 at the 10th percentile to $144,409 at the 90th percentile, illustrating a varied landscape in pay according to expertise and role. These figures are derived from estimates based on 2025 BLS data and account for regional cost adjustments, which are particularly relevant given that the area's cost of living index sits at 92.8, indicating affordability below the national average. While Spearfish's job market employs a handful of pharmacists, understanding the nuances in compensation is vital for those seeking roles in this evolving sector.
About the Spearfish Market
Salary estimated from South Dakota average ($128,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $91,160 | $43.83 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $124,521 | $59.87 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $127,675 | $61.38 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $140,254 | $67.43 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $144,409 | $69.43 |
Median Salary Position
11.02% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Spearfish
In Spearfish, SD, the pharmacist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $53,249 (2026 est.). At $127,675, the local median is 11.02% below the national median of $143,489.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Spearfish: You'd be above the median
How Spearfish Pharmacist Pay Compares
Spearfish median: $127,675/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Spearfish Pays |
|---|---|---|
| South Dakota Average | $133,134 | -4.10% less |
| National Average | $143,489 | -11.02% less |
Pharmacists in Spearfish, SD earn a median of $127,675 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.02% lower than the national median of $143,489 and 4.10% below the South Dakota state average of $133,134.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Spearfish has a cost of living 7.20% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Spearfish, SD has a cost-of-living index of 92.8 (below the national average of 100). A pharmacist earning $127,675 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $137,581 in an average-cost city — an effective 7.76% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$113,974
2025 BLS Actual
$125,381
2026 Current Est.
$127,675
2019–2027 Growth
+14.1%
Salary Trajectory for Pharmacists in Spearfish (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 1.83% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $113,974 | Actual |
| 2020 | $114,526 | Actual |
| 2021 | $114,401 | Actual |
| 2022 | $118,120 | Actual |
| 2023 | $121,039 | Actual |
| 2024 | $113,895 | Actual |
| 2025 | $125,381 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $127,675 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $130,012 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Spearfish metropolitan area, the median pharmacist salary grew 10.0% from $113,974 (2019) to $125,381 (2025). At a 1.83% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $130,012 by 2027 — a total increase of $16,038 (14.07%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Spearfish 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) | $91,160 – $124,521 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $124,521 – $127,675 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $127,675 – $140,254 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $140,254 – $144,409 |
PharmD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual pharmacist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Pharmacist Job Market in Spearfish
Job opportunities for pharmacists in Spearfish hinge on a competitive local environment with only five professionals currently employed. The cost of living index shows that while salaries might be lower than the national average, they remain reasonable when considering housing and daily living expenses. In this area, retail pharmacy chains like CVS and Walgreens typically offer competitive pay, with those in hospital settings or specialty pharmacies potentially earning even more due to the complexity of their roles. Factors such as board certification, shift differentials, and the impact of recent layoffs in retail pharmacy chains can create a notable salary variance. To optimize earnings, pharmacists in Spearfish should seek board certifications and consider additional training or residency programs, as these credentials enhance marketability and potential compensation in an increasingly challenging job landscape.
More salary data for Spearfish, SD:
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 $125,381 for pharmacistsin the Spearfish 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 Spearfish 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