Find a Job You Really Want In
As of 2026, pharmacists continue to play a vital role in the healthcare industry across the United States. With pharmacists present in every state, the profession is far from being concentrated in just a few areas like California or the South.
Recognizing the importance of this profession, we at Zippia have analyzed the current landscape to identify the best states for pharmacists. This assessment focuses on states where job opportunities abound, and compensation reflects the value of pharmacists throughout their careers.
Utilizing data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), we evaluated various factors to determine which states offer the most favorable conditions for pharmacists.
After thorough analysis, here are the ten best states for pharmacists in 2026:
These states represent the best opportunities for pharmacists in terms of job availability and compensation. Curious about how we reached this conclusion? Keep reading to learn about our research process and insights into the top ten states for pharmacists.
For more detailed insights, explore the following:
- The 10 Best Cities for Pharmacists
- 5 Best Startups to Work For in Little Rock
- The 100 Highest Paying Jobs in Arkansas
How We Determined the Best States for Pharmacists
At Zippia, we engage with a diverse range of job seekers and analyze their preferences. Our research indicates that two primary criteria dominate the job search:
- Job Availability
- Competitive Salaries
To identify the best states for pharmacists, we assessed where job opportunities are strongest and how well pharmacists are compensated. Our evaluation criteria included the following from the Bureau of Labor Statistics:
- Location Quotient: A measure of job concentration in a state.
- Average Annual Salary.
- Average Annual Salary for Entry-Level Positions.
- Average Annual Salary for Experienced Professionals.
To ensure fair comparisons, we adjusted salary data according to each state’s cost of living. This standardization allows us to reflect the actual purchasing power of pharmacists in different states. For instance, while the average salary for pharmacists in California is $139,690, the Illinois average of $125,360 may provide a higher quality of life due to lower living costs.
To create our overall ranking, we assigned each state a score based on their ranks in each category, with the lowest score indicating the best state for pharmacists.
Now, let’s explore what makes each state stand out for pharmacists.
1. Arkansas
Total Jobs: 3,270
Average Annual Salary: $118,320
Average Entry Level Salary: $83,590
Average Experienced Salary: $157,750
Location Quotient: 1.26
2. Missouri
Total Jobs: 6,180
Average Annual Salary: $128,420
Average Entry Level Salary: $107,040
Average Experienced Salary: $160,590
Location Quotient: 1.03
3. Kentucky
Total Jobs: 5,010
Average Annual Salary: $122,450
Average Entry Level Salary: $89,430
Average Experienced Salary: $160,360
Location Quotient: 1.24
4. Tennessee
Total Jobs: 7,330
Average Annual Salary: $124,310
Average Entry Level Salary: $86,290
Average Experienced Salary: $161,410
Location Quotient: 1.16
5. Mississippi
Total Jobs: 2,280
Average Annual Salary: $124,120
Average Entry Level Salary: $98,110
Average Experienced Salary: $160,080
Location Quotient: 0.95
6. Alabama
Total Jobs: 4,880
Average Annual Salary: $122,200
Average Entry Level Salary: $85,610
Average Experienced Salary: $158,820
Location Quotient: 1.17
7. Nebraska
Total Jobs: 2,550
Average Annual Salary: $119,670
Average Entry Level Salary: $93,020
Average Experienced Salary: $154,410
Location Quotient: 1.22
8. Texas
Total Jobs: 21,250
Average Annual Salary: $126,800
Average Entry Level Salary: $93,400
Average Experienced Salary: $161,560
Location Quotient: 0.82
9. Kansas
Total Jobs: 2,990
Average Annual Salary: $121,790
Average Entry Level Salary: $84,680
Average Experienced Salary: $159,600
Location Quotient: 1.02
10. Michigan
Total Jobs: 9,140
Average Annual Salary: $117,680
Average Entry Level Salary: $87,780
Average Experienced Salary: $155,020
Location Quotient: 0.99
The Best States for Pharmacists in 2026
If you’re starting your career as a pharmacist, these states should be at the forefront of your choices, offering competitive salaries, plentiful job opportunities, and significant potential for career advancement.
For those interested in the less favorable options, here are the states considered the least advantageous for pharmacists:
For further exploration, check out:
Detailed List of the Best States for Pharmacists
| Rank | State | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Arkansas | $118,320 |
| 2 | Missouri | $128,420 |
| 3 | Kentucky | $122,450 |
| 4 | Tennessee | $124,310 |
| 5 | Mississippi | $124,120 |
| 6 | Alabama | $122,200 |
| 7 | Nebraska | $119,670 |
| 8 | Texas | $126,800 |
| 9 | Kansas | $121,790 |
| 10 | Michigan | $117,680 |
| 11 | Wisconsin | $132,400 |
| 12 | Idaho | $121,940 |
| 13 | Arizona | $125,210 |
| 14 | Georgia | $118,710 |
| 15 | Illinois | $125,360 |
| 16 | North Carolina | $123,370 |
| 17 | Minnesota | $129,080 |
| 18 | Delaware | $125,400 |
| 19 | Oklahoma | $115,000 |
| 20 | Iowa | $116,160 |
| 21 | West Virginia | $115,130 |
| 22 | Wyoming | $117,700 |
| 23 | South Carolina | $122,900 |
| 24 | Louisiana | $119,380 |
| 25 | New Mexico | $125,450 |
| 26 | South Dakota | $116,410 |
| 27 | Florida | $119,710 |
| 28 | Indiana | $117,260 |
| 29 | Ohio | $116,720 |
| 30 | Montana | $112,290 |
| 31 | Pennsylvania | $116,200 |
| 32 | Maine | $133,050 |
| 33 | Oregon | $130,480 |
| 34 | Rhode Island | $120,890 |
| 35 | Washington | $127,360 |
| 36 | Nevada | $124,430 |
| 37 | Utah | $117,570 |
| 38 | Virginia | $123,920 |
| 39 | Vermont | $135,420 |
| 40 | North Dakota | $103,250 |
| 41 | Colorado | $120,980 |
| 42 | New Jersey | $120,660 |
| 43 | Hawaii | $121,780 |
| 44 | New Hampshire | $127,350 |
| 45 | Maryland | $121,210 |
| 46 | Massachusetts | $116,890 |
| 47 | California | $139,690 |
| 48 | Connecticut | $123,950 |
| 49 | Alaska | $139,880 |
| 50 | New York | $121,030 |
Author
Chris Kolmar is a co-founder of Zippia and the editor-in-chief of the Zippia career advice blog. He has hired over 50 people in his career, been hired five times, and wants to help you land your next job. His research has been featured on the New York Times, Thrillist, VOX, The Atlantic, and a host of local news. More recently, he's been quoted on USA Today, BusinessInsider, and CNBC.
