Pharmacist Hourly Pay in Columbia, MO: $68.26 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a pharmacist working in Columbia, MO runs $68.26 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $141,982 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1051). Weighted against Columbia's regional price level (BEA RPP 89.4, 11% below national), each hour of work buys what $76.32 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $85,184 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
Columbia, Missouri, offers an attractive pharmacist hourly pay of $68.26, slightly below the national median of $68.99. This rate not only reflects the demand for pharmacists in the area but also provides solid compensation for part-time professionals working in various settings such as retail pharmacies, hospitals, and specialty pharmacies. For those committing to three days a week, or around 24 hours, the potential earnings are substantial, allowing for flexibility while still providing a livable wage. Entry-level pharmacists in Columbia can expect to start around $56.62 per hour, while experienced professionals can earn as much as $84.84 per hour, enhancing the appeal of this career in both full-time and per-diem statuses.
Pharmacist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $56.62 | $452.94 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $64.89 | $519.09 |
| Median (P50) | $68.26 | $546.05 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $75.46 | $603.65 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $84.84 | $678.76 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Columbia
Based on $68.26/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $68.26/hr, a pharmacist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Columbia, MO can expect to earn approximately $141,974 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $81,908. With a cost-of-living index of 89.44 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Columbia.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Columbia
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,730.27 | $11,831 | $141,974 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,638.16 | $7,099 | $85,184 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,092.11 | $4,732 | $56,790 |
Compare PharmD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Pharmacist (Columbia) | $68.26 |
| 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 Columbia, MO earn a median of $141,982 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.05% lower than the national median of $143,489 and 2.00% above the Missouri state average of $139,198.
Pharmacist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $68.26/hr = $85,184/year (purchasing power: $95,244).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $141,974/year (purchasing power: $158,740).
CoL index: 89.438 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$63.35/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$67.03/hr
2026 Current Est.
$68.26/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+9.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Pharmacists in Columbia (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 1.83% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $63.35/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $64.48/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $62.19/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $65.29/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $63.13/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $64.68/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $67.03/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $68.26/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $69.51/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for pharmacists in Columbia grew 5.8% from $63.35/hr (2019) to $67.03/hr (2025). At a 1.83% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $69.51/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 Columbia 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 Columbia
For pharmacists considering part-time roles, a typical weekly schedule of 24 hours translates to an approximate annual take-home that significantly benefits work-life balance when compared to full-time positions. Many per-diem pharmacists in Columbia may earn between $55 and $95 per hour, depending on their specialization and the type of facility. For instance, retail pharmacists might earn on the lower end, while those in critical care—especially in hospitals—can reach higher rates due to increased responsibilities. The variation in hourly pay is also influenced by the employer type, with retail pharmacy chains, specialty providers, and mail-order companies offering different compensation packages. It's crucial for pharmacists to weigh the benefits of lower hourly wages that may include health insurance against the higher pay without benefits. Those looking for hourly work can strengthen their negotiating position by emphasizing their clinical experience, particularly if they have completed a PGY-1 residency, and staying informed about the evolving landscape of the profession in Columbia, MO.
More salary data for Columbia, MO:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for pharmacists in Columbia in 2026?
How much do part-time pharmacists make in Columbia?
Are pharmacists in Columbia paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time pharmacist make per year in Columbia?
Do pharmacists earn more per hour working part-time in Columbia?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Missouri
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 Columbia. 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