Pharmacist Hourly Pay in Elk River, MN: $75.31 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a pharmacist working in Elk River, MN runs $75.31 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $156,644 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1051). Weighted against Elk River's regional price level (BEA RPP 98.5, 1% below national), each hour of work buys what $76.46 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $93,991 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Elk River, Minnesota, the pharmacist hourly pay is projected to reach a median of $75.31 in 2026, which is notably higher than the national median of $68.99. This competitive hourly rate allows for attractive compensation for both full-time and part-time pharmacists. For those working three days a week on a typical 24-hour schedule, this translates to substantial take-home income, especially considering the diverse settings in which pharmacists operate, including retail pharmacy counters, hospital pharmacies, and specialty pharmacy clean rooms. Entry-level pharmacists can expect to earn around $57.08 per hour, while top earners in the field can command rates up to $93.74, reflecting the variations in experience and job responsibility. These estimates, derived from annual salary data, highlight the potential for both new graduates and seasoned professionals looking for opportunities in Elk River.
About the Elk River Market
Salary estimated from Minnesota average ($138,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Pharmacist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $57.08 | $456.61 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $71.38 | $571.06 |
| Median (P50) | $75.31 | $602.51 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $83.14 | $665.15 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $93.74 | $749.96 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Elk River
Based on $75.31/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $75.31/hr, a pharmacist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Elk River, MN can expect to earn approximately $156,652 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $90,376. With a cost-of-living index of 98.50 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Elk River.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Elk River
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $3,012.54 | $13,054 | $156,652 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,807.52 | $7,833 | $93,991 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,205.02 | $5,222 | $62,661 |
Compare PharmD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Pharmacist (Elk River) | $75.31 |
| 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 Elk River, MN earn a median of $156,644 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.17% higher than the national median of $143,489 and 2.00% below the Minnesota state average of $159,841.
Pharmacist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $75.31/hr = $93,991/year (purchasing power: $95,423).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $156,652/year (purchasing power: $159,038).
CoL index: 98.5 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$67.23/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$73.96/hr
2026 Current Est.
$75.31/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+14.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Pharmacists in Elk River (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 1.83% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $67.23/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $67.56/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $67.48/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $69.68/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $71.40/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $64.03/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $73.96/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $75.31/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $76.69/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for pharmacists in Elk River grew 10.0% from $67.23/hr (2019) to $73.96/hr (2025). At a 1.83% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $76.69/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 Elk River 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 Elk River
Several factors affect the earning potential for pharmacists in Elk River, particularly for those considering part-time positions or per-diem work. A pharmacist working three days a week at this hourly rate could bring home approximately $94,331 annually, compared to full-time colleagues who may earn up to $156,644. For those in per diem roles, the variability is considerable; while retail pharmacists often see rates of $55-$75 per hour, hospital and specialty pharmacists may earn between $60-$95 depending on demand. As pharmacy benefits vary widely across different employer types—ranging from retail chains like CVS and Walgreens to hospital pharmacies and mail-order services—so does the hourly compensation. Pharmacists must often weigh higher pay against the availability of benefits, leading some to take positions that offer stability and health insurance despite lower hourly rates. For those negotiating pay rates in Elk River, a strong understanding of local pay standards and expectations can empower them to secure appropriate compensation.
More salary data for Elk River, MN:
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
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 Elk River. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Elk River 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