Pharmacist Salary in Olympia, WA: $157,694 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time pharmacist in Olympia, WA earns a median $157,694/year (≈ $75.81/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1051). Once you factor in Olympia's price level (4% above national, BEA RPP 103.7), that paycheck buys what $152,112 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.0% below the Washington state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In Olympia, Washington, the pharmacist salary landscape shows a robust median annual pay of $157,694, reflecting a noteworthy increase following the post-2023 retail chain consolidation. This shifting dynamic saw traditional retail pharmacy roles being redefined, which led to a diverse salary range from $128,357 at the lower end to $192,021 at the top percentile. The data is derived from 2025 BLS OEWS surveys and predicts a positive trend for pharmacists in the area, with compensation notably exceeding the national median of $143,489 by approximately 9.90%. As pharmacy roles continue to adapt and evolve in the wake of these changes, job seekers in Olympia can expect a vibrant and competitive market that values their skills.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $128,357 | $61.71 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $137,532 | $66.12 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $157,694 | $75.81 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $172,561 | $82.96 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $192,021 | $92.32 |
Median Salary Position
9.90% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Olympia
In Olympia, WA, the pharmacist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $63,664 (2026 est.). At $157,694, the local median is 9.9% above the national median of $143,489.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Olympia: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Olympia Pharmacist Pay Compares
Olympia median: $157,694/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Olympia Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Washington Average | $160,912 | -2.00% less |
| National Average | $143,489 | +9.90% more |
Pharmacists in Olympia, WA earn a median of $157,694 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.90% higher than the national median of $143,489 and 2.00% below the Washington state average of $160,912.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Olympia has a cost of living 3.67% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Olympia, WA has a cost-of-living index of 103.67 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $157,694 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $152,112 — a 3.54% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$127,610
2025 BLS Actual
$154,860
2026 Current Est.
$157,694
2019–2027 Growth
+25.8%
Salary Trajectory for Pharmacists in Olympia (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 1.83% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $127,610 | Actual |
| 2020 | $129,850 | Actual |
| 2021 | $130,070 | Actual |
| 2022 | $135,530 | Actual |
| 2023 | $144,100 | Actual |
| 2024 | $150,750 | Actual |
| 2025 | $154,860 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $157,694 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $160,580 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Olympia metropolitan area, the median pharmacist salary grew 21.4% from $127,610 (2019) to $154,860 (2025). At a 1.83% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $160,580 by 2027 — a total increase of $32,970 (25.84%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Olympia 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) | $128,357 – $137,532 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $137,532 – $157,694 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $157,694 – $172,561 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $172,561 – $192,021 |
PharmD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual pharmacist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Pharmacist Job Market in Olympia
The local job market for pharmacists in Olympia employs about 220 individuals, but the cost of living index of 103.67 suggests that earning potential must be carefully balanced against expenses. While retail pharmacy chains like CVS and Walgreens may have historically dominated, specialty pharmacies and hospital roles are on the rise, often providing more competitive salaries. Factors such as board certification stipends, shift differentials for overnight work, and the high demand for residency-trained pharmacists can considerably influence pay scales. To maximize earnings in Olympia, pharmacists should consider pursuing advanced certifications, actively seek roles in expanding sectors like specialty and inpatient pharmacy, and remain adaptable as the market continues to transform post-2024. Emphasizing skills in evolving practice areas, including point-of-care services, will be crucial for taking full advantage of emerging opportunities.
More salary data for Olympia, 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 $154,860 for pharmacistsin the Olympia 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
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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