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 $132,750 per year and about average projected job growth.

Median pay

$132,750/yr

Typical range

$79,000 to $163,540

Job growth

-2%

Openings / yr

11,400

Majors that lead here

Biology Chemistry Biochemistry

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

Dentist$170,910 median
Nurse Practitioner$126,260 median
Physician Assistant$126,010 median
Health Services Administrator$110,680 median
Physical Therapist$99,710 median
Occupational Therapist$93,180 median

Not sure this is right for you?

Take our free 2-minute quiz to match your interests to majors and careers.

Take the major quiz

Salary and job-growth figures: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook (wages May 2023, projections 2022-2032) and O*NET. National figures; actual pay varies by location, employer, and experience.