Pharmacist Salary in Independence, MO: $142,124 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time pharmacist in Independence, MO earns a median $142,124/year (≈ $68.33/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1051). Once you factor in Independence's price level (10% below national, BEA RPP 89.6), that paycheck buys what $158,621 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.1% above the Missouri state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Independence, Missouri, the local pharmacist salary is projected to reach a median of $142,124 in 2026, which is slightly below the national median of $143,489. Amidst ongoing retail chain consolidation, which has reshaped the job landscape for pharmacists—particularly in terms of pay—salaries vary significantly, with a range from $102,524 to $186,146 reflecting different levels of experience, responsibilities, and practice settings. These figures are based on estimates derived from 2025 BLS state-level data adjusted for regional price parity, indicating a nuanced market for pharmacists that is both competitive and evolving. The impact of recent industry shifts is palpable in Independence, where understanding the local employment climate is crucial for aspiring and current pharmacists seeking to maximize their earning potential.
About the Independence Market
Salary estimated from Missouri average ($128,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $102,524 | $49.29 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $131,445 | $63.20 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $142,124 | $68.33 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $160,980 | $77.39 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $186,146 | $89.50 |
Median Salary Position
0.95% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Independence
In Independence, MO, the pharmacist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $83,622 (2026 est.). At $142,124, the local median is 0.95% below the national median of $143,489.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Independence: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Independence Pharmacist Pay Compares
Independence median: $142,124/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Independence Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Missouri Average | $139,201 | +2.10% more |
| National Average | $143,489 | -0.95% less |
Pharmacists in Independence, MO earn a median of $142,124 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.95% lower than the national median of $143,489 and 2.10% above the Missouri state average of $139,201.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Independence has a cost of living 10.40% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Independence, MO has a cost-of-living index of 89.6 (below the national average of 100). A pharmacist earning $142,124 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $158,621 in an average-cost city — an effective 11.61% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$126,872
2025 BLS Actual
$139,570
2026 Current Est.
$142,124
2019–2027 Growth
+14.1%
Salary Trajectory for Pharmacists in Independence (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 1.83% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $126,872 | Actual |
| 2020 | $127,486 | Actual |
| 2021 | $127,347 | Actual |
| 2022 | $131,488 | Actual |
| 2023 | $134,736 | Actual |
| 2024 | $117,044 | Actual |
| 2025 | $139,570 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $142,124 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $144,725 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Independence metropolitan area, the median pharmacist salary grew 10.0% from $126,872 (2019) to $139,570 (2025). At a 1.83% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $144,725 by 2027 — a total increase of $17,853 (14.07%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Independence 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) | $102,524 – $131,445 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $131,445 – $142,124 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $142,124 – $160,980 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $160,980 – $186,146 |
PharmD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual pharmacist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Pharmacist Job Market in Independence
The job market for pharmacists in Independence, with approximately 30 employed professionals, reflects a diverse array of opportunities influenced by various employers, including retail chains like CVS and Walgreens, and specialty pharmacies like Accredo. The cost of living in Independence is notably lower, with a cost-of-living index of 89.6, which translates to greater purchasing power for pharmacists in the area. This means that while the salaries might be slightly below the national average, the actual financial benefits align well with local living expenses. Factors driving pay disparities include the type of employer, with hospital inpatient roles typically commanding higher salaries than retail positions, as well as board certification stipends and shift differentials for overnight work. For pharmacists in Independence, pursuing board certifications, considering residency training, or moving into hospital and specialty roles can prove advantageous in maximizing compensation and aligning with the evolving demands in pharmacy practice.
More salary data for Independence, MO:
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 $139,570 for pharmacistsin the Independence 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 Independence 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