Pharmacist Hourly Pay in Worcester, MA: $65.08 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a pharmacist working in Worcester, MA runs $65.08 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $135,363 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1051). Weighted against Worcester's regional price level (BEA RPP 102.5, 3% above national), each hour of work buys what $63.48 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $81,219 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Worcester, Massachusetts, the pharmacist hourly pay is projected to be $65.08 by 2026, slightly below the national median of $68.99. This competitive rate allows for various employment opportunities within both full-time and part-time roles. For part-time pharmacists working three days a week, which typically amounts to about 24 hours, the hourly wage translates into a solid income. Moreover, per-diem positions—often found in retail pharmacy counters, hospital settings, and specialty pharmacies—offer flexibility and are compensated within a wide range. Entry-level pharmacists in Worcester can expect to earn around $39.87 per hour, scaling up to approximately $75.86 for those at the top of their earning potential, showcasing an array of financial opportunities depending on experience and work setting.
Pharmacist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $39.87 | $318.93 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $63.39 | $507.11 |
| Median (P50) | $65.08 | $520.64 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $74.80 | $598.43 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $75.86 | $606.91 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Worcester
Based on $65.08/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $65.08/hr, a pharmacist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Worcester, MA can expect to earn approximately $135,365 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $78,095. With a cost-of-living index of 102.52 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Worcester.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Worcester
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,603.18 | $11,280 | $135,365 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,561.91 | $6,768 | $81,219 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,041.27 | $4,512 | $54,146 |
Compare PharmD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Pharmacist (Worcester) | $65.08 |
| Pharmacy Technician (National Avg) | $19.27 |
| Registered Nurse (National Avg) | $42.80 |
| Physician Assistant (National Avg) | $63.17 |
| Nurse Practitioner (National Avg) | $60.81 |
Pharmacists in Worcester, MA earn a median of $135,363 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.66% lower than the national median of $143,489 and 4.30% below the Massachusetts state average of $141,445.
Pharmacist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $65.08/hr = $81,219/year (purchasing power: $79,221).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $135,365/year (purchasing power: $132,034).
CoL index: 102.523 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$59.75/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$63.91/hr
2026 Current Est.
$65.08/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+10.9%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Pharmacists in Worcester (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 1.83% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $59.75/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $61.42/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $61.14/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $61.02/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $63.33/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $64.01/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $63.91/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $65.08/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $66.27/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for pharmacists in Worcester grew 7.0% from $59.75/hr (2019) to $63.91/hr (2025). At a 1.83% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $66.27/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem pharmacists can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Worcester 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.
Working as an Hourly Pharmacist in Worcester
When examining the earning potential for part-time versus full-time pharmacists, the numbers reveal interesting dynamics. For a part-time pharmacist working 24 hours a week, the annual take-home can significantly differ from full-time colleagues due to the lack of benefits that often accompany full-time positions. Per-diem pharmacists in Worcester can earn between $55 to $95 per hour, depending on their specialty and the institution they serve, with retail shifts typically paying less than specialized hospital or critical care settings. Additionally, hourly rates can fluctuate based on the type of employer; retail giants, hospitals, and specialty pharmacies each have different compensation structures. Many pharmacists may choose lower hourly rates in exchange for robust benefits, particularly in times of economic uncertainty. For those negotiating hourly pay in Worcester, emphasizing their clinical skills and flexibility can lead to better compensation, reflecting the ongoing changes and demands in the pharmacy profession.
More salary data for Worcester, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for pharmacists in Worcester in 2026?
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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
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 1.83% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for pharmacists in Worcester. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
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