Pharmacist Hourly Pay in Paterson, NJ: $79.42 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a pharmacist working in Paterson, NJ runs $79.42 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $165,181 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1051). Weighted against Paterson's regional price level (BEA RPP 115.2, 15% above national), each hour of work buys what $68.94 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $99,113 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the pharmacist hourly pay in Paterson, New Jersey, is projected to reach a median of $79.42, which significantly outpaces the national hourly median of $68.99. This strong figure means that pharmacists can earn substantial hourly wages, beneficial for both full-time positions and those who prefer part-time schedules or per-diem roles. For instance, a pharmacist working three days a week at 24 hours could expect to earn around $1,907 weekly, leading to a respectable annual total, even for part-time arrangements. The hourly rate range for pharmacists in Paterson will likely see entry-level positions starting at approximately $56.94, while top earners may command as much as $100.61 per hour, indicating robust earning potential across varying experience levels in several practice settings, including retail pharmacies, hospital pharmacies, and specialty practices.
About the Paterson Market
Salary estimated from New Jersey average ($140,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Pharmacist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $56.94 | $455.55 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $73.19 | $585.48 |
| Median (P50) | $79.42 | $635.34 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $94.49 | $755.90 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $100.61 | $804.86 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Paterson
Based on $79.42/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $79.42/hr, a pharmacist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Paterson, NJ can expect to earn approximately $165,188 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $95,301. With a cost-of-living index of 115.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Paterson.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Paterson
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $3,176.69 | $13,766 | $165,188 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,906.01 | $8,259 | $99,113 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,270.68 | $5,506 | $66,075 |
Compare PharmD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Pharmacist (Paterson) | $79.42 |
| 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 Paterson, NJ earn a median of $165,181 per year (2026 est.), which is 15.12% higher than the national median of $143,489 and 0.10% below the New Jersey state average of $165,347.
Pharmacist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $79.42/hr = $99,113/year (purchasing power: $86,035).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $165,188/year (purchasing power: $143,392).
CoL index: 115.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$70.89/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$77.99/hr
2026 Current Est.
$79.42/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+14.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Pharmacists in Paterson (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 1.83% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $70.89/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $71.24/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $71.16/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $73.47/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $75.29/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $77.48/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $77.99/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $79.42/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $80.87/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for pharmacists in Paterson grew 10.0% from $70.89/hr (2019) to $77.99/hr (2025). At a 1.83% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $80.87/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 Paterson 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 Paterson
Considering part-time opportunities in Paterson, a pharmacist working just three days a week, or 24 hours, could net an annual income of around $99,000, a substantial figure compared to the income from full-time positions. Per diem pharmacists in this area may expect varying rates; for instance, retail pharmacists generally earn between $55-$75 per hour, while clinical per-diem roles in hospitals can command $60-$85 per hour. Specialty areas like oncology or critical care go even higher, with per diem pay reaching up to $95 per hour. In Paterson, compensation structures differ significantly across employer types, with retail chains like CVS and Walgreens offering competitive but generally lower rates compared to hospital settings or specialty pharmacies. Some pharmacists may choose positions with lower pay for the added benefits, such as health insurance and retirement plans, which might not be present in higher-paying contract roles. For those negotiating hourly pay in 2026, understanding the local market and being clear about both compensation and benefits can significantly impact career satisfaction and financial security.
More salary data for Paterson, NJ:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for pharmacists in Paterson 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 Paterson. 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 Paterson 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