Pharmacist Hourly Pay in Tukwila, WA: $71.51 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a pharmacist working in Tukwila, WA runs $71.51 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $148,734 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1051). Weighted against Tukwila's regional price level (BEA RPP 107.4, 7% above national), each hour of work buys what $66.58 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $89,238 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Tukwila, Washington, the pharmacist hourly pay stands at a median rate of $71.51, surpassing the national median of $68.99. This competitive wage reflects the area’s cost of living index, which is above the national average. For pharmacists working three days a week, this means a substantial earnings potential, particularly in typical settings such as retail pharmacy counters, hospital inpatient pharmacies, and ambulatory clinics. The hourly pay can range from $54.90 for entry-level positions to $82.67 for those at the top of their field, providing a strong incentive for both full-time and per-diem workers in the region.
About the Tukwila 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) | $54.90 | $439.17 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $66.49 | $531.96 |
| Median (P50) | $71.51 | $572.04 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $79.65 | $637.21 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $82.67 | $661.32 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Tukwila
Based on $71.51/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $71.51/hr, a pharmacist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Tukwila, WA can expect to earn approximately $148,730 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $85,806. With a cost-of-living index of 107.40 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Tukwila.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Tukwila
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,860.20 | $12,394 | $148,730 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,716.12 | $7,437 | $89,238 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,144.08 | $4,958 | $59,492 |
Compare PharmD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Pharmacist (Tukwila) | $71.51 |
| 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 Tukwila, WA earn a median of $148,734 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.66% higher than the national median of $143,489 and 7.60% below the Washington state average of $160,967.
Pharmacist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $71.51/hr = $89,238/year (purchasing power: $83,090).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $148,730/year (purchasing power: $138,483).
CoL index: 107.4 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$63.83/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$70.22/hr
2026 Current Est.
$71.51/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+14.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Pharmacists in Tukwila (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 1.83% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $63.83/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $64.14/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $64.07/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $66.15/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $67.79/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $69.20/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $70.22/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $71.51/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $72.81/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for pharmacists in Tukwila grew 10.0% from $63.83/hr (2019) to $70.22/hr (2025). At a 1.83% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $72.81/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 Tukwila 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 Tukwila
Many pharmacists in Tukwila are increasingly considering part-time positions as a viable option. A pharmacist working a 24-hour week can still generate a significant income, but the trade-offs become evident when factoring in benefits associated with full-time employment versus the higher hourly pay in per-diem roles. Per diem pharmacists often see billing rates between $55 and $95, depending on the setting, with specialty roles commanding the higher end of the spectrum. With varying hourly rates across employer types, some may opt for more stability with retail pharmacy chains while others chase higher pay in hospitals or specialty pharmacies. As the retail pharmacy landscape changes, skilled negotiators can benefit from understanding the local job market, using their knowledge of different employer pay structures to advocate for competitive compensation strategies in this evolving field.
More salary data for Tukwila, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for pharmacists in Tukwila in 2026?
How much do part-time pharmacists make in Tukwila?
Are pharmacists in Tukwila paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time pharmacist make per year in Tukwila?
Do pharmacists earn more per hour working part-time in Tukwila?
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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 Tukwila. 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 Tukwila 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