Pharmacist Salary in Manchester, CT: $145,098 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time pharmacist in Manchester, CT earns a median $145,098/year (≈ $69.75/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1051). Once you factor in Manchester's price level (8% above national, BEA RPP 107.9), that paycheck buys what $134,475 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.8% above the Connecticut state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In 2026, the average pharmacist salary in Manchester, CT is projected to be $145,098, reflecting a competitive pay level that is slightly above the national median of $143,489. Salaries in this field can range from $100,709 at the lower end (P10) to $179,489 at the higher end (P90), showcasing a healthy distribution in earnings. These estimates, derived from 2025 BLS data and adjusted based on regional cost considerations, highlight the structural divide within pharmacy roles. Hospital clinical specialists typically command higher salaries compared to retail pharmacists, with the tiered pay structure influenced by factors such as experience and certification. This landscape indicates that those in advanced settings or specialized roles can significantly enhance their earning potential in Manchester.
About the Manchester Market
Salary estimated from Connecticut average ($138,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $100,709 | $48.42 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $131,435 | $63.19 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $145,098 | $69.75 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $167,339 | $80.46 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $179,489 | $86.29 |
Median Salary Position
1.12% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Manchester
In Manchester, CT, the pharmacist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $78,780 (2026 est.). At $145,098, the local median is 1.12% above the national median of $143,489.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Manchester: You'd be above the median
How Manchester Pharmacist Pay Compares
Manchester median: $145,098/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Manchester Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Connecticut Average | $143,946 | +0.80% more |
| National Average | $143,489 | +1.12% more |
Pharmacists in Manchester, CT earn a median of $145,098 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.12% higher than the national median of $143,489 and 0.80% above the Connecticut state average of $143,946.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Manchester has a cost of living 7.90% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Manchester, CT has a cost-of-living index of 107.9 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $145,098 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $134,475 — a 7.32% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$129,526
2025 BLS Actual
$142,490
2026 Current Est.
$145,098
2019–2027 Growth
+14.1%
Salary Trajectory for Pharmacists in Manchester (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 1.83% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $129,526 | Actual |
| 2020 | $130,153 | Actual |
| 2021 | $130,012 | Actual |
| 2022 | $134,239 | Actual |
| 2023 | $137,555 | Actual |
| 2024 | $150,167 | Actual |
| 2025 | $142,490 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $145,098 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $147,753 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Manchester metropolitan area, the median pharmacist salary grew 10.0% from $129,526 (2019) to $142,490 (2025). At a 1.83% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $147,753 by 2027 — a total increase of $18,227 (14.07%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Manchester 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $100,709 – $131,435 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $131,435 – $145,098 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $145,098 – $167,339 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $167,339 – $179,489 |
PharmD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual pharmacist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Pharmacist Job Market in Manchester
The pharmacist job market in Manchester currently employs 11 pharmacists, indicating a niche but stable presence in healthcare. The cost of living index sits at 107.9, meaning that while salaries may be favorable, the purchasing power for pharmacists can be impacted by local expenses. Retail chains such as CVS and Walgreens are among the larger employers, although roles in hospital inpatient pharmacies and specialty pharmacies may offer better compensation packages. Factors contributing to the variance in pay include board certification stipends, residency training premiums, and shift differentials for nights or weekends. As the retail pharmacy sector continues to consolidate, with chains reducing store counts, opportunities in clinical settings or specialty areas are likely to expand. For aspiring pharmacists in Manchester, seeking out hospital or specialty roles while considering board certifications like BPS could maximize salary potential amid this evolving landscape.
More salary data for Manchester, CT:
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
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $142,490 for pharmacistsin the Manchester metropolitan area. A 1.83% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Manchester 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