Pharmacist salary in Washington, DC
Median pay, Washington DC metro
$150,540/year
about $72.38 an hour full-time
Middle half earns $135,310 – $164,720
Half of pharmacists in the Washington DC metro area earn more than $150,540 a year and half earn less. That's 7% higher than the national median of $140,910, and ranks #12 of the 30 big metro areas we track for this job.
Pay range
| Percentile | Yearly | Hourly* |
|---|---|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $121,420 | $58.38 |
| 25th | $135,310 | $65.05 |
| Median (50th) | $150,540 | $72.38 |
| 75th | $164,720 | $79.19 |
| 90th (top earners) | $179,230 | $86.17 |
*Yearly pay divided by 2,080 hours (40 hours × 52 weeks), the full-time basis BLS uses.
Is your offer fair?
For a pharmacist job in the Washington DC metro area, here's how an offer compares:
- Below market under $135,310 ($65.05/hr). Fine for a first job in the field, otherwise worth negotiating.
- Typical $135,310 to $164,720 ($65.05 to $79.19/hr). The middle half of what people in this job earn.
- Strong offer over $164,720 ($79.19/hr). Higher than three quarters of workers here.
Before you accept
- Retail and hospital pharmacist roles differ a lot in hours and workload. Ask about staffing and scripts per day.
- Ask whether you'd float between locations and whether travel time is paid.
- Some roles pay more for evening, overnight or weekend shifts.
Also watch for the common warning signs in the posting itself: 15 job posting red flags.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, 2025, Washington DC metro. Occupation: Pharmacists (SOC 29-1051). Figures cover wage and salary workers and don't include bonuses, benefits or overtime.