What does a pharmacist do? Duties, pay, education and outlook

A pharmacist fills prescriptions accurately, checks for drug interactions, counsels patients on how to use medicines and can give vaccinations. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports a median pay of $140,910 per year (May 2025). Most pharmacists need a Doctor of Pharmacy degree and a state license.

At a glance

Figures are from the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook as it read on 31 October 2026. Wage data are from May 2025 and projections cover 2025 to 2035.

What does a pharmacist do?

BLS says pharmacists dispense prescription medicines and make sure patients use them safely. The work includes:

• Filling prescriptions accurately.
• Checking a patient's allergies and other medications for possible interactions.
• Counseling patients on proper use and side effects.
• Giving vaccinations and advising on general health.
• Working with insurers on billing.
• Supervising pharmacy technicians and interns, and keeping records.

Some pharmacists compound customized medications. Specialties include community, clinical, consultant and pharmaceutical industry pharmacists.

Work environment

Pharmacists work mainly in pharmacies and drug stores, plus hospitals and other 24-hour facilities. Most work full time, and some work nights, weekends or holidays. The job involves a lot of standing and some exposure to harmful substances, which protective gear and safety protocols reduce.

Education, training and licensing

BLS says most pharmacists need a Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) degree from an accredited program, usually four years after prerequisite undergraduate coursework. Some programs offer three-year or six-year options, and dual-degree options exist. Those pursuing clinical or advanced roles may complete a 1 to 2 year residency or fellowship.

All states require a license, which generally involves passing two exams and completing a state-specified internship. Pharmacists must also complete continuing education, and most states require certification to give vaccinations. Check the board of pharmacy in the state where you want to work, since details differ.

Skills that matter

BLS lists analytical skills, communication, compassion, attention to detail, interpersonal skills and managerial skills, especially for retail pharmacy leadership, as the important qualities. O*NET highlights reading comprehension, speaking, critical thinking and monitoring among the skills. On a resume, name the settings you have worked in, any vaccination or clinical certifications, and any team you supervised.

How much does a pharmacist make?

BLS reports a median annual wage of $140,910 per year (May 2025), which is $67.75 per hour. Half of workers earned more and half earned less. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $99,290, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $174,230. BLS reports that median pay is highest in hospitals and lowest in pharmacies and drug retailers.

Read the full pay tab on the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook and look up your own state or metro area in the BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics. For how to read these numbers, see how to research pay.

Job outlook

BLS projects employment to grow about 5 percent from 2025 to 2035, faster than the average for all occupations, which is about 17,100 additional jobs. About 12,500 openings are projected each year on average over the decade, mostly from replacing workers who leave the occupation. BLS expects demand to rise in hospitals and clinics as pharmacists take on more patient care and medication management, and expects demand in retail pharmacies to be limited by industry consolidation and more prescriptions filled online or by mail.

How to get hired as a pharmacist

1. Complete a Pharm.D. program and the required internship hours.
2. Pass the licensing exams for your state and confirm any vaccination certification rule.
3. Choose a setting. Hospitals and clinics are where BLS expects demand to rise, while retail roles are expected to be more limited.
4. Consider a residency if you want a clinical role.
5. Write a resume that lists settings, credentials and responsibilities. See our ATS resume guide.
6. Compare offers using how to research pay and negotiate your salary, then search jobs on LiveRec.

Related occupations

Pharmacy Technicians; Registered Nurses; Medical Scientists; Physicians and Surgeons; Biochemists and Biophysicists.

Frequently asked questions

What degree do you need to be a pharmacist?

BLS says most pharmacists need a Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) degree from an accredited program, usually four years after prerequisite undergraduate coursework.

Is a pharmacist license required?

Yes. BLS says all states require a license, which generally involves passing two exams and completing a state-specified internship, plus continuing education.

How much do pharmacists make?

BLS reports a median annual wage of $140,910 per year (May 2025). The lowest 10 percent earned less than $99,290 and the highest 10 percent earned more than $174,230.

Is pharmacy a growing field?

BLS projects about 5 percent growth from 2025 to 2035, faster than average, with about 12,500 openings per year. Growth is expected in hospitals and clinics more than in retail pharmacies.

Can pharmacists give vaccinations?

BLS says pharmacists give vaccinations and that most states require certification to do so. Check your state board of pharmacy.

Sources

• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook: https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/pharmacists.htm (accessed 31 October 2026)
• BLS pay tab: https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/pharmacists.htm#tab-5 (accessed 31 October 2026)
• BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics: https://www.bls.gov/oes/ (accessed 31 October 2026)
• O*NET OnLine, 29-1051.00: https://www.onetonline.org/link/summary/29-1051.00 (accessed 31 October 2026)

This is general information, not legal, tax or immigration advice. Rules change and your situation may differ. Consult a licensed attorney or qualified adviser.