Senior Pharmacist Salary in Burlington, IA: $160,030 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of pharmacists working in Burlington, IA — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $160,030/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-1051. Strip back Burlington's price premium (BEA RPP 90.4, 10% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $177,024 in average-cost America. The 17% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Burlington, Iowa, experienced pharmacists stand to earn competitive salaries, particularly for those reaching the upper tiers of compensation. The 2026 projections indicate that the median annual salary for seasoned pharmacists will be $137,004, but the top earners can take home as much as $160,030 per year. This significant disparity between medians and top figures highlights the experience premium present in the market, where expert pharmacists are rewarded for their skills and specialized knowledge. Attaining such heights in salary often requires advanced credentials, such as a PharmD, along with board certifications from the Board of Pharmacy Specialties (BPS) in areas like pharmacotherapy or oncology. As the demand for highly skilled professionals grows in Burlington, those who invest in continued education and pursue prestigious roles will find substantial rewards.
About the Burlington Market
Salary estimated from Iowa average ($130,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Burlington
Experienced pharmacists at the top of the pay scale in Burlington earn between $153,638 and $160,030 per year (2026 est.). This $58,216 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Burlington median of $137,004 sits 4.52% below the US median.
Top PharmD Salary Comparison
| Level | Burlington | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $137,004 | $143,489 |
| 75th Percentile | $153,638 | $164,802 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $160,030 | $177,418 |
In Burlington, experienced pharmacists (P90) earn 16.81% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Pharmacist Pay in Burlington
Advanced Certifications in Iowa
IA pharmacists with additional specialty certifications within the pharmacy field earn significantly above the $137,004 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Burlington employers.
Specialty Focus
Pharmacists focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the pharmacy field in Burlington command premium compensation, often reaching the $153,638–$160,030 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Burlington metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced pharmacists who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured pharmacists in Burlington with established relationships have strong negotiating leverage. In this developing market, retention bonuses and annual raises are common for top performers.
Continuing Education & Leadership
Pharmacists in Iowa who pursue advanced degrees, mentor junior staff, or lead clinical education programs position themselves for the highest compensation tiers and management roles.
Pharmacist Career & Wage Growth Path in Burlington
Clinical Pharmacist
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Pharmacist
5-10 yearsPharmacist Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedBurlington ranks #19 of 26 Iowa cities for top earner pharmacist salary (90th percentile: $160,030).
Top 10% pharmacist compensation in Burlington ($160,030) is 4.29% below the Iowa average P90 ($167,198).
2019 BLS Actual
$146,934
2025 BLS Actual
$157,154
2026 Current Est.
$160,030
2019–2027 Growth
+10.9%
Salary Trajectory for Pharmacists in Burlington (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 1.83% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $146,934 | Actual |
| 2020 | $148,811 | Actual |
| 2021 | $148,459 | Actual |
| 2022 | $148,134 | Actual |
| 2023 | $152,121 | Actual |
| 2024 | $133,389 | Actual |
| 2025 | $157,154 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $160,030 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $162,958 | Projected |
Top-earning pharmacists (90th percentile) in Burlington saw their compensation grow 7.0% from $146,934 in 2019 to $157,154 in 2025, based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for this metropolitan area. At a 1.83% annual growth rate, senior-level pay is projected to reach $162,958 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Burlington 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.
Maximizing Your Pharmacist Earnings in Burlington
Compensation for senior pharmacists in Burlington also varies significantly depending on their area of expertise and the nature of their employment. Specializations such as ambulatory care, oncology, and critical care command premium salaries due to their complexity and the level of skill required. For instance, positions within hospital settings or specialty pharmacies tend to offer higher pay compared to retail chains, reflecting the increasing demand for clinical pharmacy services in healthcare. Additionally, leadership roles—like pharmacist-in-charge or clinical pharmacy specialist—further boost earning potential. Advanced credentials not only solidify a pharmacist's market position but also attract additional stipend opportunities and compensation benefits. As the retail pharmacy landscape undergoes consolidation, professionals may find more openings in hospitals and ambulatory care clinics, further shaping the future of senior pharmacist pay in Burlington, IA.
More salary data for Burlington, IA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced pharmacists make in Burlington in 2026?
What drives higher pharmacist pay in Burlington?
What certifications boost pharmacist salary in Burlington?
Can experienced pharmacists make six figures in Burlington?
How much does pharmacist salary increase over time in Burlington?
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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
Top-earner salary figures on this page are 2026 projections derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. BLS reported a 90th percentile salary of $157,154 for pharmacists in the Burlington metro area. A 1.83% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 senior-level compensation. Individual earnings depend on certifications, specialization, practice type, and years of clinical experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Burlington 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