Pharmacist Salary in Richmond, KY: $136,114 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time pharmacist in Richmond, KY earns a median $136,114/year (≈ $65.44/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1051). Once you factor in Richmond's price level (11% below national, BEA RPP 89.3), that paycheck buys what $152,423 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.5% below the Kentucky state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, pharmacists in Richmond, Kentucky, can expect a median annual salary of $136,114, reflecting the competitive nature of the profession within the state. This figure positions Richmond’s pharmacist salaries about 5.14% lower than the national median of $143,489. The salary range starts at $96,587 for the lower ten percent and can go as high as $157,557 for the top ten percent, indicating a robust potential for income variation primarily driven by experience and specialty training. These estimates are based on 2025 BLS data projected to 2026, incorporating regional cost adjustments that influence local compensation. The pharmacist job market in Richmond is ripe for those with residency training, especially in hospital and specialty settings, as they often command the highest salaries due to the increasing complexity and responsibilities of these roles.
About the Richmond Market
Salary estimated from Kentucky average ($125,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $96,587 | $46.43 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $124,592 | $59.90 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $136,114 | $65.44 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $154,027 | $74.05 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $157,557 | $75.75 |
Median Salary Position
5.14% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Richmond
In Richmond, KY, the pharmacist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $60,970 (2026 est.). At $136,114, the local median is 5.14% below the national median of $143,489.
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At 40 hours/week in Richmond: You'd be above the median
How Richmond Pharmacist Pay Compares
Richmond median: $136,114/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Richmond Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Kentucky Average | $138,187 | -1.50% less |
| National Average | $143,489 | -5.14% less |
Pharmacists in Richmond, KY earn a median of $136,114 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.14% lower than the national median of $143,489 and 1.50% below the Kentucky state average of $138,187.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Richmond has a cost of living 10.70% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Richmond, KY has a cost-of-living index of 89.3 (below the national average of 100). A pharmacist earning $136,114 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $152,423 in an average-cost city — an effective 11.98% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$121,507
2025 BLS Actual
$133,668
2026 Current Est.
$136,114
2019–2027 Growth
+14.1%
Salary Trajectory for Pharmacists in Richmond (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 1.83% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $121,507 | Actual |
| 2020 | $122,095 | Actual |
| 2021 | $121,962 | Actual |
| 2022 | $125,927 | Actual |
| 2023 | $129,039 | Actual |
| 2024 | $109,909 | Actual |
| 2025 | $133,668 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $136,114 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $138,605 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Richmond metropolitan area, the median pharmacist salary grew 10.0% from $121,507 (2019) to $133,668 (2025). At a 1.83% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $138,605 by 2027 — a total increase of $17,098 (14.07%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Richmond 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) | $96,587 – $124,592 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $124,592 – $136,114 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $136,114 – $154,027 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $154,027 – $157,557 |
PharmD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual pharmacist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Pharmacist Job Market in Richmond
Examining the local job market, there are currently only five pharmacists employed in Richmond, suggesting a limited workforce in a region where competition for staff may benefit those seeking well-compensated positions. The cost of living index in Richmond is notably lower at 89.3, making it essential for pharmacists to assess their take-home pay against purchasing power in this area. Employers such as hospital inpatient pharmacies and specialty pharmacies typically offer the most competitive salaries, as opposed to retail chains like CVS and Walgreens, which are currently facing contraction and consolidation. The variation in pay scales is influenced by factors such as board certification stipends, shift differentials, and the premium associated with residency training. For those looking to maximize their pharmacist pay in Richmond, pursuing board certification and seeking roles in clinical or specialty settings can ensure a greater financial reward, especially as the need for specialized pharmacy services expands.
More salary data for Richmond, KY:
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 $133,668 for pharmacistsin the Richmond 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 Richmond 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