Pharmacist Salary in Alexandria, VA: $152,001 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time pharmacist in Alexandria, VA earns a median $152,001/year (≈ $73.07/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1051). Once you factor in Alexandria's price level (3% above national, BEA RPP 103.2), that paycheck buys what $147,288 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 9.5% above the Virginia state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Alexandria, Virginia, pharmacist salaries reflect significant variation based on the specific work setting. The projected 2026 median annual salary stands at $152,001, which is notably higher than the national median of $143,489—indicative of the region's competitive market. Local salaries range from $109,344 at the 10th percentile to $192,830 at the 90th percentile. Pharmacists who work in hospital settings often command higher wages, including clinical specialists who may receive additional premiums for board certifications and advanced training, while retail pharmacists, particularly those in chain environments like CVS or Walgreens, generally earn less. The changing dynamics of the job market, including the recent consolidation of retail pharmacy locations, also influence pay scales in Alexandria, suggesting ongoing shifts in demand for specific pharmacist roles.
About the Alexandria Market
Salary estimated from Virginia average ($132,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $109,344 | $52.56 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $140,463 | $67.53 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $152,001 | $73.07 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $178,017 | $85.59 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $192,830 | $92.71 |
Median Salary Position
5.93% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Alexandria
In Alexandria, VA, the pharmacist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $83,486 (2026 est.). At $152,001, the local median is 5.93% above the national median of $143,489.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Alexandria: You'd be above the median
How Alexandria Pharmacist Pay Compares
Alexandria median: $152,001/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Alexandria Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Virginia Average | $138,813 | +9.50% more |
| National Average | $143,489 | +5.93% more |
Pharmacists in Alexandria, VA earn a median of $152,001 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.93% higher than the national median of $143,489 and 9.50% above the Virginia state average of $138,813.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Alexandria has a cost of living 3.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Alexandria, VA has a cost-of-living index of 103.2 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $152,001 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $147,288 — a 3.1% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$135,688
2025 BLS Actual
$149,269
2026 Current Est.
$152,001
2019–2027 Growth
+14.1%
Salary Trajectory for Pharmacists in Alexandria (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 1.83% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $135,688 | Actual |
| 2020 | $136,345 | Actual |
| 2021 | $136,197 | Actual |
| 2022 | $140,625 | Actual |
| 2023 | $144,100 | Actual |
| 2024 | $136,425 | Actual |
| 2025 | $149,269 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $152,001 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $154,782 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Alexandria metropolitan area, the median pharmacist salary grew 10.0% from $135,688 (2019) to $149,269 (2025). At a 1.83% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $154,782 by 2027 — a total increase of $19,094 (14.07%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Alexandria 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) | $109,344 – $140,463 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $140,463 – $152,001 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $152,001 – $178,017 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $178,017 – $192,830 |
PharmD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual pharmacist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Pharmacist Job Market in Alexandria
A closer examination of Alexandria's job market shows that only 26 pharmacists are employed locally, underscoring both the competitive nature of the field and the limited opportunities available. The cost-of-living index in Alexandria stands at 103.2, slightly above the national average, which can impact take-home purchasing power for pharmacists in the area. While retail pharmacy chains may offer salaries on the lower side, hospital and specialty pharmacies tend to provide more lucrative compensation packages, especially for those holding PGY-1 or PGY-2 residency training. Factors like shift differentials for overnight retail roles and stipends for board-certified specialists can widen the gap around pharmacist pay in Alexandria, VA. To maximize earning potential, pharmacists should consider pursuing advanced certifications, maintaining flexibility in work settings, and staying informed about employment trends as the retail pharmacy landscape continues to evolve.
More salary data for Alexandria, VA:
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 $149,269 for pharmacistsin the Alexandria 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 Alexandria 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