Pharmacist Salary in Suffolk, VA: $136,446 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time pharmacist in Suffolk, VA earns a median $136,446/year (≈ $65.60/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1051). Once you factor in Suffolk's price level (3% above national, BEA RPP 103.2), that paycheck buys what $132,215 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.7% below the Virginia state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Suffolk, Virginia, pharmacists can expect a median annual salary of $136,446 in 2026, reflecting local estimates based on 2025 BLS data and regional cost adjustments. With a salary range from $100,607 at the lowest 10th percentile to $175,118 at the 90th percentile, pharmacists in this area enjoy competitive compensation despite the fact that the median is about 4.91% lower than the national average of $143,489. The local market for pharmacists includes a diverse set of opportunities, particularly for those with residency training, as hospital and specialty roles often command a premium compared to retail positions.
About the Suffolk Market
Salary estimated from Virginia average ($132,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $100,607 | $48.37 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $127,606 | $61.35 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $136,446 | $65.60 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $153,393 | $73.75 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $175,118 | $84.19 |
Median Salary Position
4.91% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Suffolk
In Suffolk, VA, the pharmacist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $74,511 (2026 est.). At $136,446, the local median is 4.91% below the national median of $143,489.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Suffolk: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Suffolk Pharmacist Pay Compares
Suffolk median: $136,446/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Suffolk Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Virginia Average | $138,806 | -1.70% less |
| National Average | $143,489 | -4.91% less |
Pharmacists in Suffolk, VA earn a median of $136,446 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.91% lower than the national median of $143,489 and 1.70% below the Virginia state average of $138,806.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Suffolk has a cost of living 3.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Suffolk, VA has a cost-of-living index of 103.2 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $136,446 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $132,215 — a 3.1% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$121,803
2025 BLS Actual
$133,994
2026 Current Est.
$136,446
2019–2027 Growth
+14.1%
Salary Trajectory for Pharmacists in Suffolk (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 1.83% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $121,803 | Actual |
| 2020 | $122,393 | Actual |
| 2021 | $122,260 | Actual |
| 2022 | $126,235 | Actual |
| 2023 | $129,354 | Actual |
| 2024 | $133,939 | Actual |
| 2025 | $133,994 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $136,446 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $138,943 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Suffolk metropolitan area, the median pharmacist salary grew 10.0% from $121,803 (2019) to $133,994 (2025). At a 1.83% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $138,943 by 2027 — a total increase of $17,140 (14.07%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Suffolk 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) | $100,607 – $127,606 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $127,606 – $136,446 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $136,446 – $153,393 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $153,393 – $175,118 |
PharmD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual pharmacist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Pharmacist Job Market in Suffolk
The job market for pharmacists in Suffolk remains relatively stable, with only 15 pharmacists employed in the area, indicating a smaller community where job competition may be less intense. However, the cost of living index of 103.2 suggests that while salaries may be lower than the national average, the relative affordability of housing and services can impact purchasing power positively. Retail pharmacy chains like CVS and Walgreens are primary employers, but hospital and specialty pharmacies often offer higher compensation due to the complexity of care provided. Factors contributing to salary variance include board certification stipends, the prevalence of shift differentials, and the impact of pharmacy chain consolidations on the retail landscape. To maximize pay, Suffolk pharmacists may consider pursuing advanced certifications or residencies, which can enhance employability and lead to opportunities in higher-paying clinical settings.
More salary data for Suffolk, VA:
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 $133,994 for pharmacistsin the Suffolk 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 Suffolk 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