Pharmacist Salary in Burien, WA: $160,163 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time pharmacist in Burien, WA earns a median $160,163/year (≈ $77.00/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1051). Once you factor in Burien's price level (7% above national, BEA RPP 107.4), that paycheck buys what $149,128 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.5% below the Washington state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Burien, Washington, pharmacists can expect a vibrant salary landscape, with a 2026 median annual salary projected at $160,163. This figure positions local compensation above the national median of $143,489, reflecting a notable 11.62% premium. The salary range for pharmacists in the area varies widely, spanning from $116,557 at the 10th percentile to an impressive $204,045 at the 90th percentile. These estimates are based on 2025 BLS data, adjusted for regional cost-of-living factors specific to Burien. The divide in pay is especially pronounced among different roles: hospital clinical specialists typically earn more than retail pharmacy managers, who in turn usually surpass staff pharmacists in remuneration. With a total of eight pharmacists currently employed in the city, Burien represents a stable but selective job market for the profession.
About the Burien Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($145,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $116,557 | $56.04 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $148,634 | $71.45 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $160,163 | $77.00 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $188,266 | $90.52 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $204,045 | $98.10 |
Median Salary Position
11.62% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Burien
In Burien, WA, the pharmacist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $87,488 (2026 est.). At $160,163, the local median is 11.62% above the national median of $143,489.
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At 40 hours/week in Burien: You'd be above the median
How Burien Pharmacist Pay Compares
Burien median: $160,163/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Burien Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Washington Average | $160,968 | -0.50% less |
| National Average | $143,489 | +11.62% more |
Pharmacists in Burien, WA earn a median of $160,163 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.62% higher than the national median of $143,489 and 0.50% below the Washington state average of $160,968.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Burien has a cost of living 7.40% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Burien, WA has a cost-of-living index of 107.4 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $160,163 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $149,128 — a 6.89% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$142,975
2025 BLS Actual
$157,285
2026 Current Est.
$160,163
2019–2027 Growth
+14.1%
Salary Trajectory for Pharmacists in Burien (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 1.83% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $142,975 | Actual |
| 2020 | $143,667 | Actual |
| 2021 | $143,511 | Actual |
| 2022 | $148,177 | Actual |
| 2023 | $151,838 | Actual |
| 2024 | $155,005 | Actual |
| 2025 | $157,285 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $160,163 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $163,094 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Burien metropolitan area, the median pharmacist salary grew 10.0% from $142,975 (2019) to $157,285 (2025). At a 1.83% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $163,094 by 2027 — a total increase of $20,119 (14.07%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Burien 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) | $116,557 – $148,634 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $148,634 – $160,163 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $160,163 – $188,266 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $188,266 – $204,045 |
PharmD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual pharmacist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Pharmacist Job Market in Burien
While the salary figures may appear appealing, it’s essential to consider the cost of living in Burien, which has a cost-of-living index of 107.4, indicating higher expenses relative to the national average. This higher cost can impact the purchasing power of pharmacist pay in Burien WA, leading to varying take-home amounts. Major employers in the area, including retail pharmacy chains and local hospitals, tend to offer different compensation packages influenced by the competitive landscape. Specialization plays a significant role in determining salaries; for instance, those with board certifications or residency training might command higher wages. Additionally, factors like shift differentials, with premium pay for evening and overnight shifts, can enhance earnings. With retail pharmacy consolidation ongoing, those seeking advanced roles, especially in specialty and clinical settings, may find better opportunities for maximizing their pharmacist salary in Burien.
More salary data for Burien, WA:
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 $157,285 for pharmacistsin the Burien 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 Burien 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