Entry-Level Pharmacist Salary in Cody, WY: $99,048 (2026)
Quick Answer:New pharmacists entering the Cody, WY job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $99,048 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1051, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Cody's local price level (BEA RPP 95.8 — 4% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $103,390 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($132,145) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For new pharmacists in Cody, Wyoming, the 2026 starting pharmacist salary is forecasted at around $99,048, creating a notable gap when compared to the city median salary of $132,145. With steady salary growth anticipated, early-career professionals can expect to move from the entry-level bracket through to the 25th percentile, where salaries reach approximately $124,118, within the first few years of practice. For recent graduates seeking opportunities, Cody presents a favorable market, especially considering its cost of living index of 95.8, which is lower than the national average. This economic aspect allows entry-level pharmacists to make the most of their initial earnings, making the location an appealing choice for those just starting their careers.
About the Cody Market
Salary estimated from Wyoming average ($128,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Cody
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 Cody
Entry-level pharmacists in Cody, WY typically start between $99,048 and $124,118 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $50,754 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $132,145 — 7.91% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average pharmacy program cost in Wyoming of $120,000 represents just 121.15% of the starting pharmacist pay ($99,048/year) in Cody. 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 Cody
- 1Research the Cody market: entry-level pharmacist pay ranges from $99,048 to $124,118, 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 WY often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Cody, 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 Cody for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Cody's moderate cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Pharmacist Compensation Range
The pharmacist wage spread in Cody is $50,754 ( 51.24%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $99,048, experienced hygienists can earn up to $149,802.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$86,600
2025 BLS Actual
$97,268
2026 Current Est.
$99,048
2019–2027 Growth
+16.5%
Salary Trajectory for Pharmacists in Cody (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 1.83% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $86,600 | Actual |
| 2020 | $83,475 | Actual |
| 2021 | $75,275 | Actual |
| 2022 | $78,322 | Actual |
| 2023 | $88,148 | Actual |
| 2024 | $79,287 | Actual |
| 2025 | $97,268 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $99,048 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $100,861 | Projected |
Entry-level pharmacist compensation (10th percentile) in Cody, WY grew 12.3% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $86,600 in 2019 to $97,268 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $100,861. New graduates entering the Cody job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Cody 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 Cody
In the current hiring landscape of Cody, potential employers for new graduates include local hospital systems that offer PGY-1 residency programs, which provide critical clinical training and a pathway to higher-paying roles in hospital settings. Retail chain pharmacies, though currently reducing their workforce, often still provide the most accessible positions for new grads, sometimes offering sign-on bonuses as an incentive. Credentials significantly impact starting pay in Wyoming, with a PharmD degree from an ACPE-accredited institution, passing the NAPLEX and MPJE exams, and obtaining a state pharmacist license forming the essential foundation for any new pharmacist. For those considering a career strategy in their first few years, joining professional organizations like ASHP and APhA can provide valuable networking and continuing education opportunities, especially as the industry shifts toward more clinical roles. Ultimately, new pharmacists can anticipate gradual salary progression within this changing job market, adjusting their expectations according to the evolving landscape influenced by the consolidation of retail pharmacy chains.
More salary data for Cody, WY:
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 Cody. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Cody is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
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