Pharmacist Salary in Manchester, NJ: $159,243 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time pharmacist in Manchester, NJ earns a median $159,243/year (≈ $76.56/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1051). Once you factor in Manchester's price level (15% above national, BEA RPP 115.2), that paycheck buys what $138,232 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.7% below the New Jersey state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
The pharmacist salary in Manchester, NJ, is projected to reach a median annual figure of $159,243 by 2026, reflecting a significant 10.98% increase compared to the national median of $143,489. This competitive salary range spans from $120,374 at the low end (P10) to $198,640 for those in the upper percentile (P90). These projections are derived from 2025 BLS data, factoring in regional cost adjustments that account for a local cost of living index of 115.2, indicating that Manchester’s costs are higher than the national average. The landscape of pharmacy employment is evolving rapidly, particularly post-2023 as retail chain consolidations have resulted in heightened competition for skilled pharmacists. This environment suggests a promising opportunity for aspiring pharmacists seeking to establish their careers in this growing job market.
About the Manchester Market
Salary estimated from New Jersey average ($140,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $120,374 | $57.87 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $151,211 | $72.70 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $159,243 | $76.56 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $176,074 | $84.65 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $198,640 | $95.50 |
Median Salary Position
10.98% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Manchester
In Manchester, NJ, the pharmacist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $78,266 (2026 est.). At $159,243, the local median is 10.98% 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: $159,243/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Manchester Pays |
|---|---|---|
| New Jersey Average | $165,361 | -3.70% less |
| National Average | $143,489 | +10.98% more |
Pharmacists in Manchester, NJ earn a median of $159,243 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.98% higher than the national median of $143,489 and 3.70% below the New Jersey state average of $165,361.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Manchester has a cost of living 15.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Manchester, NJ has a cost-of-living index of 115.2 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $159,243 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $138,232 — a 13.19% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$142,153
2025 BLS Actual
$156,381
2026 Current Est.
$159,243
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 | $142,153 | Actual |
| 2020 | $142,842 | Actual |
| 2021 | $142,686 | Actual |
| 2022 | $147,325 | Actual |
| 2023 | $150,965 | Actual |
| 2024 | $155,372 | Actual |
| 2025 | $156,381 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $159,243 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $162,157 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Manchester metropolitan area, the median pharmacist salary grew 10.0% from $142,153 (2019) to $156,381 (2025). At a 1.83% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $162,157 by 2027 — a total increase of $20,004 (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) | $120,374 – $151,211 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $151,211 – $159,243 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $159,243 – $176,074 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $176,074 – $198,640 |
PharmD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual pharmacist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Pharmacist Job Market in Manchester
In Manchester, the local job market currently employs nine pharmacists, providing essential services amid an evolving healthcare landscape. The higher cost of living impacts the purchasing power of take-home pay, necessitating strategic employment choices for pharmacists. Among local employers, hospital inpatient pharmacies typically offer the highest salaries compared to retail pharmacy chains like CVS and Walgreens. Specialty and mail-order pharmacies, such as CVS Specialty and Express Scripts, are also strong contenders for competitive pay. The notable pay gaps stem from various factors, including board certification stipends, shift differentials for overnight retail positions, and preferences for residency-trained pharmacists in hospital roles. To maximize earnings, pharmacists in Manchester should consider obtaining additional certifications, explore opportunities in specialty pharmacy or hospital settings, and stay informed about changes in local employment conditions to best position themselves in this dynamic job market.
More salary data for Manchester, NJ:
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 $156,381 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