Pharmacist Salary in the United States – What to Expect in 2025

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Created On : Jul 07, 2025 Updated On : Jul 07, 2025 4 min read

Key Takeaways 

  1. Learn about the average salary pharmacists are getting in the U.S.
  2. Discover why the U.S. is at the top list for Indian pharmacists.
  3. Know how salaries vary based on area and location.
  4. Get to know the steps to become a registered pharmacist in the U.S.
  5. Find out which U.S. cities offer the highest pay to pharmacists.
  6. Explore the benefits of working in the U.S.
  7. Where to get expert guidance to start your pharmacy career in the U.S.

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 SettingAverage 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:

CityAverage 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.

FAQs

How much do pharmacists earn in the U.S. in 2025?

Registered pharmacists in the U.S. earn around $142,532 per year, which is approximately ₹1.18 crore.

Can an Indian pharmacy graduate work as pharmacists in the U.S.?

Yes, but you’ll need to follow the proper licensure process, which includes TOEFL, FPGEE, NAPLEX, and MPJE, plus completing internship hours.

Can I take the FPGEE exam in India?

No. The FPGEE exam is conducted only in the U.S. You’ll need to travel there for the exam after completing your paperwork and TOEFL.

Is the U.S. better than India for pharmacy jobs?

Yes, in terms of salary, clinical involvement, job respect, and work-life balance, the U.S. offers far more opportunities and growth than most pharmacy roles in India.

How can Academically help me?

Academically helps you with everything, from understanding the licensure steps and preparing for FPGEE/TOEFL to guiding your entire U.S. pharmacist journey, start to finish.
Mansi Bhatt
about the author

Mansi Bhatt is a PharmD graduate and a professional medical writer who brings together a wealth of scientific knowledge, accuracy, and clear communication. With a strong background in pharmacy, she offers clinical insights that allow her to craft well-researched, engaging, and reliable content. Her work spans educational articles, clinical blogs, and scientific explainers. She has a special interest in health education, drug information, and making evidence-based medicine more accessible through simple words.