Senior Pharmacist Salary in Scarborough, ME: $152,934 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of pharmacists working in Scarborough, ME — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $152,934/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-1051. Strip back Scarborough's price premium (BEA RPP 99.6, 0% above national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $153,548 in average-cost America. The 12% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Exceptional opportunities await senior pharmacists in Scarborough, ME, where the median annual salary is projected to reach $136,354 in 2026. Highly experienced professionals can find themselves on the higher end of the salary spectrum, with top earners (P90) potentially earning $152,934. This places Scarborough's top tier earnings relatively close to the national peak, which is projected at $143,489 nationally. The substantial gap between the median salary and the earnings of top professionals signals a rewarding career trajectory for those willing to specialize and navigate the intricacies of the pharmacy domain. Achieving such robust compensation often necessitates advanced qualifications, including board certifications and substantial experience in specialized roles.
About the Scarborough Market
Salary estimated from Maine average ($130,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Scarborough
Experienced pharmacists at the top of the pay scale in Scarborough earn between $148,987 and $152,934 per year (2026 est.). This $52,513 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Scarborough median of $136,354 sits 4.97% below the US median.
Top PharmD Salary Comparison
| Level | Scarborough | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $136,354 | $143,489 |
| 75th Percentile | $148,987 | $164,802 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $152,934 | $177,418 |
In Scarborough, experienced pharmacists (P90) earn 12.16% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Pharmacist Pay in Scarborough
Advanced Certifications in Maine
ME pharmacists with additional specialty certifications within the pharmacy field earn significantly above the $136,354 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Scarborough employers.
Specialty Focus
Pharmacists focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the pharmacy field in Scarborough command premium compensation, often reaching the $148,987–$152,934 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Scarborough metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced pharmacists who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured pharmacists in Scarborough with established relationships have strong negotiating leverage. In this developing market, retention bonuses and annual raises are common for top performers.
Continuing Education & Leadership
Pharmacists in Maine who pursue advanced degrees, mentor junior staff, or lead clinical education programs position themselves for the highest compensation tiers and management roles.
Pharmacist Career & Wage Growth Path in Scarborough
Clinical Pharmacist
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Pharmacist
5-10 yearsPharmacist Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedScarborough ranks #9 of 10 Maine cities for top earner pharmacist salary (90th percentile: $152,934).
Top 10% pharmacist compensation in Scarborough ($152,934) is 9.55% below the Maine average P90 ($169,078).
2019 BLS Actual
$140,420
2025 BLS Actual
$150,186
2026 Current Est.
$152,934
2019–2027 Growth
+10.9%
Salary Trajectory for Pharmacists in Scarborough (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 1.83% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $140,420 | Actual |
| 2020 | $142,213 | Actual |
| 2021 | $141,876 | Actual |
| 2022 | $141,566 | Actual |
| 2023 | $145,376 | Actual |
| 2024 | $140,291 | Actual |
| 2025 | $150,186 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $152,934 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $155,733 | Projected |
Top-earning pharmacists (90th percentile) in Scarborough saw their compensation grow 7.0% from $140,420 in 2019 to $150,186 in 2025, based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for this metropolitan area. At a 1.83% annual growth rate, senior-level pay is projected to reach $155,733 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Scarborough 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.
Maximizing Your Pharmacist Earnings in Scarborough
Compensation for senior pharmacists varies significantly depending on career focus and employer type. Specializations such as ambulatory care (BCACP), oncology (BCOP), and critical care (BCCCP) command premium rates, elevating experienced pharmacist salary levels in Scarborough. Hospital settings typically offer higher pay compared to retail chains like CVS or Walgreens, which are experiencing considerable consolidation. Those in advanced roles, such as clinical pharmacy specialists or pharmacy operations managers, may also see enhanced compensation packages, often augmented by board certification stipends and other non-salary benefits. Advanced credentials like a PharmD from an ACPE-accredited program combined with experience in residency programs can further elevate earning potential. With the evolving pharmacy market shifting towards specialized roles, savvy pharmacists in Scarborough can strategically position themselves for premium opportunities in an environment of growing complexity.
More salary data for Scarborough, ME:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced pharmacists make in Scarborough in 2026?
What drives higher pharmacist pay in Scarborough?
What certifications boost pharmacist salary in Scarborough?
Can experienced pharmacists make six figures in Scarborough?
How much does pharmacist salary increase over time in Scarborough?
Related Pages
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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
Top-earner salary figures on this page are 2026 projections derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. BLS reported a 90th percentile salary of $150,186 for pharmacists in the Scarborough metro area. A 1.83% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 senior-level compensation. Individual earnings depend on certifications, specialization, practice type, and years of clinical experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Scarborough 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