Did you know…Pharmacy graduates can secure ₹1 crore salary packages in the U.S.
This may sound surprising, but it’s the reality lived by thousands of registered pharmacists in the United States today. It continues to be the highest-paying country for pharmacists, with an average annual salary of $142,532 (approximately ₹1.21 crore).
It’s not only the paycheck; pharmacists are considered decision-makers and an essential part of the healthcare system, unlike in India, where roles are limited to dispensing medication.
In this blog, we’ll walk you through pharmacist salaries in the U.S., about various job roles, and which cities offer the highest pay.
Process to Become a Registered Pharmacist in the U.S.
Step 1: Apply and get your FPGEC Certification
- It is conducted by NABP (National Association of Boards of Pharmacy)
- Submit the required documents
- You also have to submit proof of your English Proficiency.
Step 2: Qualify the FPGEE Exam
- Conducted once a year
- Fee: $750 USD ( ₹62,250)
- There will be 240 MCQs.
- Time limit is 5.5 hrs
Step 3: Complete Internship Hours
- Complete 1,500 hours under a licensed pharmacist in a U.S. pharmacy
- Mandatory to apply for registration as a pharmacist in the U.S.
Step 4: Qualify the NAPLEX
- National licensure exam (225 questions)
- Tests clinical knowledge, drug therapy, and decision-making
Step 5: Qualify the MPJE (if required)
- U.S. pharmacy law exam (varies by state)
- Some states require MPJE; others have state-specific law exams
Step 6: Get Licensed
- Apply for a pharmacist license in your desired state
Salary Breakdown based on Work Setting for Pharmacists in the U.S.
Pharmacists are not limited to retail in the U.S.; they are welcome to work in different healthcare settings and are respected and valued at the same time. Here are some varying job roles you can work as a registered pharmacist in the U.S.
Here’s a breakdown based on 2025 data:
| Work Setting | Average Salary (USD) | Approx. in INR (₹) |
| Ambulatory Health Care Services | $150,110 | ₹1.28 crore |
| Hospitals (State, Local, Private) | $144,460 | ₹1.23 crore |
| General Merchandise Retailers | $141,880 | ₹1.21 crore |
| Pharmacies and Drug Stores | $131,290 | ₹1.12 crore |
So, you might be thinking about which role you should go for. What we suggest is to choose the job role that is in your best interest and aligns with your long-term goal.
Top-Paying U.S. Cities for Pharmacists in 2025
Your pay also depends on which state of the U.S. you’ll be settling in. Here are the cities offering the highest average annual pay:
| City | Average Salary (USD) | Approx. in INR (₹) |
| New York, NY | $161,066 | ₹1.37 crore |
| Syracuse, NY | $142,438 | ₹1.21 crore |
| Los Angeles, CA | $136,771 | ₹1.16 crore |
| Phoenix, AZ | $135,976 | ₹1.16 crore |
| Memphis, TN | $135,586 | ₹1.15 crore |
| Philadelphia, PA | $134,635 | ₹1.15 crore |
| Denver, CO | $134,578 | ₹1.15 crore |
| Austin, TX | $132,620 | ₹1.13 crore |
| Chicago, IL | $127,355 | ₹1.08 crore |
| Houston, TX | $125,897 | ₹1.07 crore |
Benefits of Being a Pharmacist in the U.S.
Though a big paycheck matters, quality of life is equally important. Here are some of the benefits you’ll be enjoying if you settle as a registered pharmacist in the U.S.
1. Clear Career Growth and Specialization
Starting a career as a registered pharmacist in the U.S. gives you a clear and structured path, you aren’t stuck dispensing drugs, you can go into various specialties like oncology, cardiology, infectious diseases, clinical research, and so much more, and the scope for growth is immense.
2. Clinical Role and Autonomy
In the U.S., pharmacists actively and independently make clinical decisions. Unlike in India, where they depend on the doctor.
Moreover, registered pharmacists in the U.S. are an important part of the healthcare system, making decisions alongside the doctors about drug therapy and optimization, and counseling patients.
3. Better Work-Life Balance
A healthy work-life balance, 5-day work weeks, paid leaves, and compensatory overtime are major features compared to the Indian setting, where long hours and non-payable overtime are common.
4. Advanced Infrastructure and Work Environment
From high-tech pharmacies to digitized workflows and modern hospitals, U.S. pharmacists work in one of the most advanced healthcare systems in the world.
5. High Demand and Job Security
With the elderly population growing and reliance on medications increasing, the need for pharmacists continues to rise. This means job security and high pay.
Whether you are just getting started or currently preparing for FPGEE and NAPLEX or English proficiency tests, you can trust Academically be there to help ease your journey. We assist with the process, paperwork, and exam preparation.
United States is the ultimate destination for pharmacists to settle in because it has it all: the most well-paid salary, a healthy work-life balance, recognition, growth, and a sense of purpose that you are helping the healthcare industry and making a positive impact in patient care.
