Pharmacists
Pharmacists dispense prescription medications and advise patients on proper use, side effects, and drug interactions. They work primarily in retail pharmacies, hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare settings, and may consult with physicians on medication selection and dosing to ensure safe and effective patient care.
Four short assessments and your background, scored against pharmacists and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
A day in the work
A pharmacist's week involves filling prescriptions, verifying medication accuracy, and counseling patients about their drugs. They check for dangerous interactions between medications, consult with doctors about dosing questions, manage pharmacy operations and staff, handle insurance issues, and document patient records. Shifts may include evenings and weekends, particularly in retail settings.
Who this work suits
Holland code ISC. Investigative work is figuring things out: analysis, research, problem-solving. Aptly’s interest assessment scores you on the same six scales.
You tend to excel in this role if you enjoy solving complex problems systematically and working directly with people to help them understand health information. Your investigative nature drives you to research drug interactions and evidence, while your social interests make you effective at patient communication and team collaboration.
What it takes
Preparation: Extensive preparation (graduate degree and/or many years of experience). Most people in this occupation hold doct.
Skills that matter most
Knowledge areas
Who is hiring
Openings right now
- Pharmacist - Intermittent · Veterans Health Administration · Togus, Maine · $130752–$169981
- Supervisory Pharmacist · Indian Health Service · Eagle Butte, South Dakota · $143662–$186762
- Clinical Pharmacist Practitioner- Outpatient Mental Health · Veterans Health Administration · Phoenix, Arizona · $152118–$197755
- Pharmacist (Clinical Specialist) · Veterans Health Administration · Victoria, Texas · $146389–$190308
- Pharmacist (Facility Program Manager) · Veterans Health Administration · Honolulu, Hawaii · $178949–$228000
- Pharmacist (Clinical Specialist) · Veterans Health Administration · Honolulu, Hawaii · $178949–$228000
- Pharmacist · Military Treatment Facilities under DHA · Fort Carson, Colorado · $129528–$168390
- Clinical Pharmacist · CommonSpirit Health · Carmichael, Sacramento County · $186,675–$186,675
Openings are read from employers’ own career pages and public job boards and change daily. Search all openings (free account) to filter by distance, pay and how well you qualify.
Pay by state
| State | 25th pct | Median | 75th pct | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alaska | $158,000 | $167,310 | $173,600 | 560 |
| Oregon | $144,020 | $165,960 | $182,040 | 3,250 |
| California | $138,360 | $164,610 | $197,860 | 34,030 |
| Hawaii | $133,900 | $163,220 | $171,510 | 1,190 |
| Washington | $137,890 | $160,610 | $179,480 | 7,350 |
| Minnesota | $135,520 | $159,740 | $169,140 | 6,310 |
| Colorado | $136,750 | $156,030 | $169,120 | 4,560 |
| District of Columbia | $132,840 | $153,400 | $165,710 | 850 |
| Delaware | $135,320 | $152,880 | $165,170 | 790 |
| Wisconsin | $131,780 | $148,740 | $167,430 | 5,730 |
| New Mexico | $132,560 | $147,000 | $163,540 | 1,730 |
| Arizona | $133,600 | $146,930 | $161,970 | 6,900 |
All 50 states, D.C. and Puerto Rico
Certifications people in this field hold
- North American Pharmacist Licensure Examination (NAPLEX) — National Association of Boards of Pharmacy
- Board Certified Critical Care Pharmacist (BCCCP) — Board of Pharmacy Specialties
- Board Certified Ambulatory Care Pharmacist (BCACP) — Board of Pharmacy Specialties
- Board Certified Cardiology Pharmacist — Board of Pharmacy Specialties
- Board Certified Infectious Diseases Pharmacist — Board of Pharmacy Specialties
- Certified Specialty Pharmacist (CSP) — Specialty Pharmacy Certification Board
Training
Aptly members see WIOA-approved programs, colleges and certificates near them, with completion and earnings data, on every Path plan.
Job titles in this occupation
Related occupations
Four short assessments and your background, scored against pharmacists and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
O*NET-SOC 29-1051.00 · O*NET OnLine. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025, annual, U.S. Employment counts are national.