Pharmacist Hourly Pay in Lakewood, WA: $76.43 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a pharmacist working in Lakewood, WA runs $76.43 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $158,990 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1051). Weighted against Lakewood's regional price level (BEA RPP 107.4, 7% above national), each hour of work buys what $71.17 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $95,389 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Lakewood, WA, pharmacists can expect a median hourly pay of $76.43, significantly higher than the national median of $68.99. This advantageous pay rate not only benefits those employed full-time but also enhances the earning potential for part-time pharmacists who work three days a week. With typical shifts often occurring in settings such as retail pharmacy counters or hospital inpatient pharmacies, those on a part-time schedule will find this hourly rate promising. The range for pharmacists in Lakewood spans from $50.84 at the entry-level to $96.26 for experienced professionals, indicating a solid career pathway for aspiring pharmacists. It's important to note that these hourly rates are derived from projected annual salary data for 2026, positioning Lakewood as an attractive option for pharmacists in Washington.
About the Lakewood Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($145,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Pharmacist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $50.84 | $406.75 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $71.93 | $575.46 |
| Median (P50) | $76.43 | $611.47 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $89.17 | $713.38 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $96.26 | $770.08 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Lakewood
Based on $76.43/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $76.43/hr, a pharmacist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Lakewood, WA can expect to earn approximately $158,982 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $91,720. With a cost-of-living index of 107.40 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Lakewood.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Lakewood
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $3,057.34 | $13,248 | $158,982 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,834.41 | $7,949 | $95,389 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,222.94 | $5,299 | $63,593 |
Compare PharmD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Pharmacist (Lakewood) | $76.43 |
| 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 Lakewood, WA earn a median of $158,990 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.80% higher than the national median of $143,489 and 1.20% below the Washington state average of $160,921.
Pharmacist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $76.43/hr = $95,389/year (purchasing power: $88,817).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $158,982/year (purchasing power: $148,028).
CoL index: 107.4 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$68.23/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$75.06/hr
2026 Current Est.
$76.43/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+14.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Pharmacists in Lakewood (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 1.83% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $68.23/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $68.56/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $68.49/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $70.71/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $72.46/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $73.98/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $75.06/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $76.43/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $77.83/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for pharmacists in Lakewood grew 10.0% from $68.23/hr (2019) to $75.06/hr (2025). At a 1.83% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $77.83/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 Lakewood 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 Lakewood
The financial scenario for part-time pharmacists is particularly interesting, as those working 24 hours a week would bring home around $47,557 annually, compared to a full-time pharmacist's higher income. Per-diem pharmacist pay in Lakewood varies widely based on the specific role and location, with retail positions ranging from $55-$75 per hour, while clinical pharmacy per-diem rates sit between $60-$85 per hour. Specialized fields, such as oncology or critical care, can see compensation as high as $70-$95 per hour. Hourly rates also differ across employer types in Lakewood, with retail chains, hospitals, and specialty pharmacies offering distinct salaries. Moreover, pharmacists may opt for lower hourly rates in exchange for benefits like health insurance, which impacts their overall strategy in negotiating pay. For those considering shifts in pharmacy roles, understanding the nuances of hourly compensation can provide valuable leverage in salary discussions tailored to the Lakewood market.
More salary data for Lakewood, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for pharmacists in Lakewood in 2026?
How much do part-time pharmacists make in Lakewood?
Are pharmacists in Lakewood paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time pharmacist make per year in Lakewood?
Do pharmacists earn more per hour working part-time in Lakewood?
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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 Lakewood. 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 Lakewood 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