Pharmacist Salary in Lakewood, WA: $158,990 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time pharmacist in Lakewood, WA earns a median $158,990/year (≈ $76.43/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1051). Once you factor in Lakewood's price level (7% above national, BEA RPP 107.4), that paycheck buys what $148,035 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.2% below the Washington state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the salary landscape for pharmacists in Lakewood, Washington, reflects a competitive environment, with a median annual salary projected at $158,990. This figure is notably higher when compared to the national median of $143,489, indicating a positive trend for local pharmacists. The salary range varies significantly, with the bottom 10% earning around $105,751, while the top 10% can make as much as $200,211. Local estimates are derived from BLS state-level data and adjusted for regional cost of living, which can impact earning potential. As the market evolves, Lakewood's job opportunities are likely to expand, particularly for those with residency training, aligning with the increasing demand for clinical specialists in hospital and specialty settings.
About the Lakewood Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($145,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $105,751 | $50.84 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $149,621 | $71.93 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $158,990 | $76.43 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $185,483 | $89.17 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $200,211 | $96.26 |
Median Salary Position
10.80% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Lakewood
In Lakewood, WA, the pharmacist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $94,460 (2026 est.). At $158,990, the local median is 10.8% above the national median of $143,489.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Lakewood: You'd be above the median
How Lakewood Pharmacist Pay Compares
Lakewood median: $158,990/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Lakewood Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Washington Average | $160,921 | -1.20% less |
| National Average | $143,489 | +10.80% more |
Pharmacists in Lakewood, WA earn a median of $158,990 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.80% higher than the national median of $143,489 and 1.20% below the Washington state average of $160,921.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Lakewood has a cost of living 7.40% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Lakewood, WA has a cost-of-living index of 107.4 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $158,990 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $148,035 — a 6.89% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$141,928
2025 BLS Actual
$156,133
2026 Current Est.
$158,990
2019–2027 Growth
+14.1%
Salary Trajectory for Pharmacists in Lakewood (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 1.83% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $141,928 | Actual |
| 2020 | $142,615 | Actual |
| 2021 | $142,460 | Actual |
| 2022 | $147,091 | Actual |
| 2023 | $150,726 | Actual |
| 2024 | $153,871 | Actual |
| 2025 | $156,133 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $158,990 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $161,900 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Lakewood metropolitan area, the median pharmacist salary grew 10.0% from $141,928 (2019) to $156,133 (2025). At a 1.83% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $161,900 by 2027 — a total increase of $19,972 (14.07%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Lakewood 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) | $105,751 – $149,621 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $149,621 – $158,990 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $158,990 – $185,483 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $185,483 – $200,211 |
PharmD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual pharmacist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Pharmacist Job Market in Lakewood
Focusing on the local job market, Lakewood currently employs 14 pharmacists, highlighting a close-knit community of professionals. The cost-of-living index stands at 107.4, suggesting higher living expenses in comparison to the national average, which could affect take-home purchasing power. Among local employers, retail pharmacy chains like CVS and Walgreens may provide competitive salaries, but positions in hospital inpatient pharmacies and specialty mail-order operations, such as Accredo and OptumRx, often lead to higher compensation. Factors such as residency training, board certifications from BPS, and the stability of one's career path significantly contribute to salary variability. For pharmacists looking to maximize pay in Lakewood, pursuing additional certifications and considering shifts in specialties or settings will likely enhance earning potential as the retail landscape consolidates and diversifies.
More salary data for Lakewood, WA:
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 $156,133 for pharmacistsin the Lakewood 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 Lakewood 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