Pharmacist
Protect Patient Safety
Guide Medication Decisions
Improve Daily Health
Undergraduate
Graduate
Doctor of Pharmacy
Post-Graduate
No degrees available
This is the educational pathway. There may be additional tests or licensure requirements necessary before begining to practice in the field. Consult your state guidelines for more. information.
Career Reality
Average Salary
The median annual wage for pharmacists was $136,030 in May 2024, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Job Market Demand
Employment of pharmacists is projected to grow about 3 percent from 2023 to 2033, with demand supported by increased healthcare needs and medication management services.
Work Environment
Pharmacists work in retail pharmacies, hospitals, healthcare systems, outpatient clinics, and specialty pharmacies. Most work full time, often including evenings or weekends in retail settings.
Common Employers
Retail pharmacy chains, hospitals, healthcare systems, long-term care facilities, specialty pharmacies, and government agencies.
Career Advancement
Pharmacists may advance into clinical specialization, pharmacy management, healthcare administration, research, or pharmaceutical industry roles.
Popular Titles
Core Areas of Impact
Is this career right for you?
What is the role of a pharmacist?
A pharmacist prepares, dispenses, and manages medications while ensuring safe and effective use. Pharmacists also counsel patients and collaborate with healthcare providers on treatment decisions.
What does a typical day look like?
A typical day includes reviewing prescriptions, verifying dosages, checking for drug interactions, counseling patients, coordinating with physicians, and managing pharmacy operations.
Where do pharmacists work?
Pharmacists work in retail pharmacies, hospitals, outpatient clinics, long-term care facilities, and specialty healthcare settings.
What are the common job titles and career paths?
Common roles include Clinical Pharmacist and Retail Pharmacist. Career paths may lead to specialty practice, pharmacy management, hospital leadership, or pharmaceutical research.
Who is this career a good fit for?
This career suits individuals who are detail-oriented, strong in science, comfortable in healthcare settings, and committed to patient safety.
What are the biggest rewards of this career?
Rewards include strong compensation, professional respect, stable demand, and meaningful impact on patient health outcomes.
What does long-term growth look like?
Long-term growth may include specialization in areas such as oncology or cardiology, advancement into management or director roles, or transition into research or pharmaceutical industry positions.
What is the educational pathway to become a pharmacist?
To become a pharmacist, you must complete a bachelor’s degree with required pre-pharmacy science coursework and then earn a Doctor of Pharmacy degree from an accredited program. After graduation, you must pass national and state licensure examinations.
Sara Schenirer offers a comprehensive Pre-Med Track within the BA in Psychology that embeds the common prerequisite science courses required for pharmacy school admission, including biology, chemistry, and related coursework. This structured undergraduate pathway supports efficient preparation for Doctor of Pharmacy programs.
The standard pathway is completion of undergraduate prerequisites, graduation from a Doctor of Pharmacy program, and successful completion of licensure examinations.
