Pharmacist Hourly Pay in Lancaster, PA: $65.76 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a pharmacist working in Lancaster, PA runs $65.76 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $136,778 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1051). Weighted against Lancaster's regional price level (BEA RPP 98.3, 2% below national), each hour of work buys what $66.93 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $82,071 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Lancaster, Pennsylvania, the pharmacist hourly pay stands at $65.76, which is slightly below the national median of $68.99. This competitive rate reflects the area's economic landscape, allowing part-time pharmacists, who might work three days a week, to earn a decent income while gaining valuable experience in various settings. Whether providing services at retail pharmacy counters, inpatient pharmacies, or specialty facilities, the hourly pay varies significantly, ranging from $61.16 for entry-level positions to $77.88 for top earners. As outlined in official Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data, these figures will play a crucial role for those considering a career in pharmacy in 2026, providing insights into potential earnings and employment dynamics in Lancaster.
Pharmacist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $61.16 | $489.27 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $63.77 | $510.13 |
| Median (P50) | $65.76 | $526.09 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $75.53 | $604.22 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $77.88 | $623.04 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Lancaster
Based on $65.76/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $65.76/hr, a pharmacist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Lancaster, PA can expect to earn approximately $136,785 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $78,914. With a cost-of-living index of 98.26 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Lancaster.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Lancaster
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,630.47 | $11,399 | $136,785 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,578.28 | $6,839 | $82,071 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,052.19 | $4,559 | $54,714 |
Compare PharmD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Pharmacist (Lancaster) | $65.76 |
| 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 Lancaster, PA earn a median of $136,778 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.68% lower than the national median of $143,489 and 0.70% below the Pennsylvania state average of $137,742.
Pharmacist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $65.76/hr = $82,071/year (purchasing power: $83,527).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $136,785/year (purchasing power: $139,211).
CoL index: 98.257 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$57.41/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$64.58/hr
2026 Current Est.
$65.76/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+16.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Pharmacists in Lancaster (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 1.83% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $57.41/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $57.73/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $61.68/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $61.81/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $64.16/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $64.23/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $64.58/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $65.76/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $66.97/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for pharmacists in Lancaster grew 12.5% from $57.41/hr (2019) to $64.58/hr (2025). At a 1.83% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $66.97/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 Lancaster 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 Lancaster
The earning potential for part-time pharmacists working 24 hours a week can lead to an annual income significantly less than their full-time counterparts but can still be lucrative, especially for those seeking flexibility. Per diem pharmacist pay in Lancaster varies widely based on the setting; retail pharmacists typically earn between $55 and $75 per hour, while hospital clinical pharmacists can expect $60 to $85. Specialized roles, particularly in oncology or critical care, may command rates as high as $70 to $95 per hour. The choice in employer impacts hourly rates, with retail chains like CVS and Walgreens offering competitive, yet sometimes compressed, pay compared to specialized pharmacies and hospitals. For those negotiating hourly pay, understanding the benefits of higher hourly rates versus traditional employment perks can be a pivotal factor in decision-making. Practical negotiation strategies, such as researching local industry standards and articulating unique skill sets, will be essential for striking the right balance in compensation.
More salary data for Lancaster, PA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for pharmacists in Lancaster 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 Lancaster. 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