Pharmacist Hourly Pay in Kalispell, MT: $66.41 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a pharmacist working in Kalispell, MT runs $66.41 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $138,148 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1051). Weighted against Kalispell's regional price level (BEA RPP 96.2, 4% below national), each hour of work buys what $69.04 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $82,884 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For pharmacists in Kalispell, Montana, the 2026 median hourly rate is projected at $66.41, which is slightly below the national median of $68.99. This rate offers an intriguing opportunity for part-time and per-diem workers in various pharmacy settings, such as retail counters, hospital inpatient pharmacies, or specialty clinics. Working three days a week at this rate results in a pay structure that can be advantageous for those balancing other commitments, bringing in substantial income without full-time hours. Entry-level pharmacists can expect to earn around $48.72 per hour, moving up to approximately $74.59 for experienced professionals. These figures, based on estimates derived from 2025 BLS data projected to 2026, reflect the evolving dynamics of pharmacist hourly pay in Kalispell.
About the Kalispell Market
Salary estimated from Montana average ($128,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Pharmacist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $48.72 | $389.72 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $61.82 | $494.57 |
| Median (P50) | $66.41 | $531.31 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $72.64 | $581.08 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $74.59 | $596.72 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Kalispell
Based on $66.41/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $66.41/hr, a pharmacist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Kalispell, MT can expect to earn approximately $138,140 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $79,696. With a cost-of-living index of 96.20 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Kalispell.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Kalispell
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,656.54 | $11,512 | $138,140 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,593.92 | $6,907 | $82,884 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,062.62 | $4,605 | $55,256 |
Compare PharmD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Pharmacist (Kalispell) | $66.41 |
| 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 Kalispell, MT earn a median of $138,148 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.72% lower than the national median of $143,489 and 4.50% below the Montana state average of $144,657.
Pharmacist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $66.41/hr = $82,884/year (purchasing power: $86,158).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $138,140/year (purchasing power: $143,597).
CoL index: 96.2 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$59.29/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$65.22/hr
2026 Current Est.
$66.41/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+14.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Pharmacists in Kalispell (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 1.83% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $59.29/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $59.57/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $59.51/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $61.44/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $62.96/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $56.53/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $65.22/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $66.41/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $67.63/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for pharmacists in Kalispell grew 10.0% from $59.29/hr (2019) to $65.22/hr (2025). At a 1.83% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $67.63/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 Kalispell 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 Kalispell
Analyzing the pay structure, part-time pharmacists working 24 hours a week might take home about $83,609 annually, which can bridge the gap for those not seeking full-time roles. Per diem pharmacist pay in Kalispell varies widely, with retail pharmacists typically billing between $55-$75 per hour and hospital pharmacists ranging from $60-$85 for clinical positions. Specialty roles can see rates as high as $70-$95 per hour, particularly in oncology or critical care. Many employers in Kalispell, from large retail chains like CVS and Walgreens to specialty pharmacies like Accredo, influence these rates. While some pharmacists may opt for positions with lower hourly pay in exchange for benefits, others might prioritize higher hourly rates without health insurance. For those negotiating their pay in Kalispell, understanding the regional dynamics and being persistent about rates can be beneficial, especially as opportunities evolve within the state and national pharmacy landscape.
More salary data for Kalispell, 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
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 Kalispell. 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 Kalispell 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