How to Become a Pharmacist
Dispense prescription medications, counsel patients on drug interactions, and collaborate with physicians on optimal therapeutic plans. It typically requires a doctoral degree (pharmd, doctor of pharmacy), with a median salary of $140,910 per year and faster than average projected job growth.
Median pay
$140,910/yr
Job growth
5%
Openings / yr
14,200
Majors that lead here
Key skills
- Pharmacology
- Drug Interaction Analysis
- Patient Counseling
- Medication Management
- Clinical Assessment
Helpful certifications
- NAPLEX (North American Pharmacist Licensure Exam)
- MPJE (Multistate Pharmacy Jurisprudence Exam)
- State Licensure
Is this career a fit?
Remote-friendly
10/100
Work-life balance
55/100
Stress level
55/100
Satisfaction
68/100
Related careers
- Psychiatrist$281,870 median
- Physician (Family Medicine)$244,180 median
- Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA)$236,590 median
- Dentist$170,950 median
- Optometrist$136,570 median
- Physician Assistant$135,880 median
Frequently asked questions
How much does a Pharmacist make?
The median pay for a Pharmacist is $140,910 a year (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2025). Actual pay varies with experience, location, and employer.
What degree do you need to become a Pharmacist?
The usual entry point is a doctoral degree (pharmd, doctor of pharmacy). Common majors are Pre-Pharmacy, Chemistry, Biology, and Biochemistry.
Is Pharmacist a growing field?
The BLS projects faster than average demand for this role, about 5% over the decade, with roughly 14,200 U.S. openings a year.
What skills does a Pharmacist use most?
Common skills for this role are Pharmacology, Drug Interaction Analysis, Patient Counseling, Medication Management, and Clinical Assessment.
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Take the major quizSalary and job-growth figures: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and O*NET OnLine (median annual wages May 2025; employment projections 2024-2034). National figures; actual pay varies by location, employer, and experience.