Entry-Level Pharmacist Salary in Billings, MT: $126,381 (2026)
Quick Answer:New pharmacists entering the Billings, MT job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $126,381 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1051, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Billings's local price level (BEA RPP 93.5 — 6% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $135,129 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($144,680) within a few years of clinical practice.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, new graduates entering the pharmacy field in Billings, Montana, can anticipate a starting salary of approximately $126,381. This figure represents a significant initial benchmark when compared to the median annual salary of $144,680 for pharmacists in the city, indicating a gap that reflects the experience level of entry-level professionals versus their more established counterparts. Over the first three to five years, early career pharmacists can realistically expect salaries to rise, potentially reaching $135,719 at the 25th percentile, moving toward the median as they gain experience and additional credentials. Given Billings’ projected growth rate of 1.83%, this market appears to provide ample opportunities for new pharmacists, making it an attractive choice for recent graduates looking to launch their careers in a supportive environment.
Career Earnings Timeline in Billings
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Billings
Entry-level pharmacists in Billings, MT typically start between $126,381 and $135,719 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $40,406 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $144,680 — 0.83% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average pharmacy program cost in Montana of $125,000 represents just 98.91% of the starting pharmacist pay ($126,381/year) in Billings. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Program cost estimates based on ACPE-accredited PharmD program data and AACP tuition survey reports. Tuition-only averages; actual costs vary significantly by institution type (public in-state vs. private).
PharmD Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Billings
- 1Research the Billings market: entry-level pharmacist pay ranges from $126,381 to $135,719, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the pharmacy field — employers in MT often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Billings, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Billings for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Billings's below-average cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Pharmacist Compensation Range
The pharmacist wage spread in Billings is $40,406 ( 31.97%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $126,381, experienced hygienists can earn up to $166,787.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$86,150
2025 BLS Actual
$124,110
2026 Current Est.
$126,381
2019–2027 Growth
+49.4%
Salary Trajectory for Pharmacists in Billings (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 1.83% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $86,150 | Actual |
| 2020 | $89,470 | Actual |
| 2021 | $100,080 | Actual |
| 2022 | $110,530 | Actual |
| 2023 | $112,320 | Actual |
| 2024 | $120,700 | Actual |
| 2025 | $124,110 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $126,381 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $128,694 | Projected |
Entry-level pharmacist compensation (10th percentile) in Billings, MT grew 44.1% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $86,150 in 2019 to $124,110 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $128,694. New graduates entering the Billings job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Billings metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 1.83% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Starting Your pharmacy Career in Billings
Several healthcare employers in Billings actively recruit entry-level pharmacists, particularly those seeking clinical experience through PGY-1 residency programs that focus on hospital roles. Retail chains, while historically a primary source of new grad pharmacist positions, have recently adjusted their hiring strategies and reduced sign-on bonuses compared to the heightened interest seen in 2021-2022. The credentials that can enhance starting pay in Montana include a PharmD from an ACPE-accredited program, completion of the NAPLEX, the MPJE for state licensure, and optional residency training or board certification in pharmacy specialties. In light of the contracting retail pharmacy market, where chains such as CVS and Walgreens are closing locations, new pharmacists should consider the expanding roles in hospitals and specialty pharmacies. They may face a realistic salary growth trajectory of about 2-5% annually in their first years, particularly if they pursue additional training and certifications that align with evolving market demands.
More salary data for Billings, MT:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Written by Sofia Chen, PharmD
Career Analyst
Sofia Chen has 10 years of experience in community pharmacy. She specializes in medication therapy management.
Methodology & Data Source
Entry-level salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new pharmacy graduates. A 1.83% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Billings. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 1.83%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for pharmacists (SOC 29-1051).
Compiled and verified by Sofia Chen, PharmD, a licensed pharmacist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov