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Pharmacist Salary in Washington, DC β€” 2026 Guide

Estimated salaries are adjusted for Washington's cost of living (index: 154). National data from BLS OEWS 2024; city adjustments reflect local market conditions.

Pharmacist Salary in Washington β€” Key Numbers

$209,486
Median Salary
$181,012
25th Percentile
$242,889
75th Percentile
$279,864
90th Percentile
National median (Pharmacist)$136,030
vs. National median+54.0%
Washington median household income$98,700
vs. City household income+112.2%

Cost of Living in Washington

Cost of Living Index
154(100 = avg)
Median Monthly Rent$2,195/mo
Rent-to-Income Ratio12.6%
Annual rent cost$26,340
Median Home Price$575,000
Home Price / Salary2.7Γ—
20% Down Payment$115,000
Years to save (20% rate)2.7 yrs

Rent-to-income below 28% is considered affordable; above 35% is cost-burdened. Home price multiple below 3Γ— is affordable; above 5Γ— is expensive by traditional guidelines.

Job Market in Washington

4.0%
Unemployment Rate
6,510,000
Metro Population
34 min
Avg Commute
34.7
Median Age

Washington has a metro population of 6,510,000, offering a large, diverse job market with many employers across all industries. The 4.0% unemployment rate is near the national average.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Pharmacist make in Washington, DC?

The estimated median salary for a Pharmacist in Washington is $209,486 per year (2026). This is derived from the national BLS median of $136,030 adjusted by Washington's cost of living index (154). The typical salary range runs from $181,012 (25th percentile) to $242,889 (75th percentile), with top earners reaching $279,864.

Is Washington affordable for a Pharmacist?

On a $209,486 annual salary, a Pharmacist in Washington would spend approximately 12.6% of gross monthly income on median rent ($2,195/month). This is well within the 28% affordability threshold, making Washington relatively affordable for this profession. The median home price of $575,000 is 2.7Γ— the annual salary.

How does a Pharmacist's salary compare to Washington's overall income?

Washington's median household income is $98,700. A Pharmacist earning the city-adjusted median of $209,486 earns 112.2% more than the typical Washington household β€” placing them solidly in the middle-to-upper income tier for the city.

Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS, 2024 release. City salary estimates adjusted by cost of living index. City data from Census Bureau, BLS, Zillow, and ApartmentAdvisor (2024–2025). Last updated: March 2026.