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Job outlook for clinical staff pharmacists in the United States
Clinical staff pharmacist job growth summary. After extensive research, interviews, and analysis, Zippia's data science team found that:
The projected clinical staff pharmacist job growth rate is 2% from 2018-2028.
About 7,700 new jobs for clinical staff pharmacists are projected over the next decade.
Clinical staff pharmacist salaries have increased 5% for clinical staff pharmacists in the last 5 years.
There are over 86,226 clinical staff pharmacists currently employed in the United States.
There are 162,262 active clinical staff pharmacist job openings in the US.
The average clinical staff pharmacist salary is $77,646.
Are clinical staff pharmacist jobs in demand?
Clinical staff pharmacist job and salary trends over time
Clinical staff pharmacist jobs over time
Clinical staff pharmacist job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 86,226 | 0.03% |
| 2020 | 87,031 | 0.03% |
| 2019 | 85,853 | 0.03% |
| 2018 | 85,398 | 0.03% |
| 2017 | 85,337 | 0.03% |
Average clinical staff pharmacist salary over time
Clinical staff pharmacist salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $77,646 | $37.33 | +0.5% |
| 2024 | $77,272 | $37.15 | +1.6% |
| 2023 | $76,083 | $36.58 | +1.6% |
| 2022 | $74,907 | $36.01 | +1.6% |
| 2021 | $73,737 | $35.45 | +0.6% |
Clinical staff pharmacist jobs by state
Most common states for clinical staff pharmacists
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 414 | 60% |
| 2 | Minnesota | 5,576,606 | 1,799 | 32% |
| 3 | Maryland | 6,052,177 | 1,814 | 30% |
| 4 | Montana | 1,050,493 | 320 | 30% |
| 5 | Washington | 7,405,743 | 2,163 | 29% |
| 6 | Iowa | 3,145,711 | 870 | 28% |
| 7 | Kansas | 2,913,123 | 791 | 27% |
| 8 | Maine | 1,335,907 | 367 | 27% |
| 9 | Pennsylvania | 12,805,537 | 3,291 | 26% |
| 10 | Missouri | 6,113,532 | 1,599 | 26% |
| 11 | Oregon | 4,142,776 | 1,058 | 26% |
| 12 | Georgia | 10,429,379 | 2,586 | 25% |
| 13 | Virginia | 8,470,020 | 2,078 | 25% |
| 14 | Colorado | 5,607,154 | 1,429 | 25% |
| 15 | West Virginia | 1,815,857 | 445 | 25% |
| 16 | Wisconsin | 5,795,483 | 1,405 | 24% |
| 17 | Rhode Island | 1,059,639 | 253 | 24% |
| 18 | Vermont | 623,657 | 152 | 24% |
| 19 | South Dakota | 869,666 | 199 | 23% |
| 20 | Alabama | 4,874,747 | 1,060 | 22% |
Most common cities for clinical staff pharmacists
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Plymouth | 4 | 7% | $51,556 |
| 2 | Melrose Park | 1 | 4% | $46,613 |
| 3 | Kingman | 1 | 3% | $67,787 |
| 4 | Burlington | 1 | 2% | $45,704 |
| 5 | Dearborn Heights | 1 | 2% | $46,155 |
| 6 | Orlando | 3 | 1% | $64,685 |
| 7 | Tucson | 3 | 1% | $69,767 |
| 8 | Grand Rapids | 1 | 1% | $44,714 |
| 9 | Hollywood | 1 | 1% | $70,156 |
| 10 | Lowell | 1 | 1% | $49,444 |
| 11 | Macon | 1 | 1% | $61,526 |
| 12 | Melbourne | 1 | 1% | $65,292 |
| 13 | Peoria | 1 | 1% | $48,343 |
| 14 | Chicago | 5 | 0% | $46,732 |
| 15 | Washington | 2 | 0% | $57,261 |
| 16 | Minneapolis | 1 | 0% | $47,334 |
| 17 | Phoenix | 1 | 0% | $69,154 |
Clinical Staff Pharmacist job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of clinical staff pharmacist experts
Wilkes University
University of Southern California
The University of Tennessee - Knoxville
The University of Findlay
Harding University
University of Connecticut
University of Rhode Island
What general advice would you give to a Clinical Staff Pharmacist?
Sara Reece PharmD, CDCES, BC-ADM, BCACP, FADCES, FCCP: Growing your skill set and expertise is vital. Earning your Doctor of Pharmacy is just the beginning. Look for opportunities to complete certifications and additional education (i.e. master's degree in business administration) as this will be a jumping board to grow your career and salary potential.
What Clinical Staff Pharmacist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Sara Reece PharmD, CDCES, BC-ADM, BCACP, FADCES, FCCP: Being a lifelong learner is vital as a pharmacist as the practice is evolving rapidly. Integration of AI is just one example. Developing proficiency with AI to maximize the benefits that it provides. Depending on the specific area of pharmacy you choose, unique skills will become more important and prevalent in the next 3 - 5 years. For example, as an ambulatory care pharmacist proficiency in population-based care and quality measures are important and will grow in their importance.
What will help Clinical Staff Pharmacists increase their earning potential?
Sara Reece PharmD, CDCES, BC-ADM, BCACP, FADCES, FCCP: Do not let fear hold you back. Most likely, it will take time and experience to find just the right area of pharmacy for you. Your first position in pharmacy will likely be a stepping stone so don't get too discouraged if it is not the perfect fit for you. Focus on the larger goal of serving others when you experience frustrations from your job.
What general advice would you give to a Clinical Staff Pharmacist?
Brent Rollins RPh, PhD: Speaking strictly from a supply and demand perspective, yes. In the next four to five years, the amount of pharmacy graduates is going to drop significantly as enrollment has dropped nationwide. I've seen data and had conversations with hiring managers about what the traditional practice role market will look like in the near future and all point to quite the increase in demand.
What Clinical Staff Pharmacist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Brent Rollins RPh, PhD: Taking care of and developing relationships with patients as part of the health care team is still the primary selling point for the profession. On the negative side, issues have crept up from a quality of work life standpoint, especially in community pharmacy. The volume of work required and oftentimes lack of personnel power to effectively handle/manage that volume has created a highly stressful environment in many positions. Still, though, being a part of the healthcare team and the impact one can have on patients' lives combined with the compensation and overall quality of the work environment makes the profession one that should be sought.
What will help Clinical Staff Pharmacists increase their earning potential?
Brent Rollins RPh, PhD: The day-to-day looks very different based on the area of pharmacy practice one works. The traditionally thought of roles for the pharmacist exist in a community pharmacy (filling new and refill prescriptions, counseling patients and taking care of the general public) or hospital pharmacy (filling physician orders, counseling patients and solving inpatient issues). However, more and more pharmacists are working in direct patient care managing chronic disease states such as diabetes or cardiovascular disease or in the insurance world educating a third-party's patients, managing drug formularies and solving those patient/prescription issues. In the end, pharmacists make sure the right person gets the right medication, take care of a patient's health care/medication needs, and are problem-solvers for all things related to a person's drug therapy.
What general advice would you give to a Clinical Staff Pharmacist?
Rubi Mahato PhD, MBA: Be open to new possibilities, network with pharmacy professionals, communicate effectively, and never stop learning.
What Clinical Staff Pharmacist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Rubi Mahato PhD, MBA: Negotiate upfront, consider the field you want to go into, take business courses to climb the ladder quickly.
What will help Clinical Staff Pharmacists increase their earning potential?
Rubi Mahato PhD, MBA: Critical thinking, adaptability, effective patient counseling, and effective communication with healthcare professionals.
What general advice would you give to a Clinical Staff Pharmacist?
Kari Franson PharmD, PhD, BCPP: Pharmacists ensure that each patient is receiving the right therapy, at the right dose at the right time to maximize a patient’s health. They do this in a variety of settings working alongside other health care professionals all committed to ensuring the best for the patient. Depending on the type of pharmacist the day to day activities vary greatly and thus attract people who have interest into going into a health profession that provides them with a variety of opportunities. Pharmacists can help develop medications, produce and test them in accordance with regulatory guidance, determine the best market to ensure patients have access, work in health systems that provide patients with these medications in a hospital or clinic setting, or be the most accessible healthcare provider when they work in community pharmacies. But then there are also pharmacy specializations that attract more people such as cardiology, oncology, mental health, global health, industry, government organizations, or even new and exciting roles in sports pharmacy and digital health
What Clinical Staff Pharmacist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Kari Franson PharmD, PhD, BCPP: Pharmacists are increasingly being asked to take on more roles in health care and this has led to increases in hiring, salaries and even start-up bonuses. But it is always a good time to be a pharmacist because so many people value what pharmacy brings to all aspects of health care.
What will help Clinical Staff Pharmacists increase their earning potential?
Kari Franson PharmD, PhD, BCPP: The challenges we hear related to pharmacy are typically associated with those that work for larger health care providing organizations whose bottom line drives some of the decisions regarding the workforce.
What general advice would you give to a Clinical Staff Pharmacist?
James Wheeler: Pharmacists are medication experts and work in a variety of settings including community pharmacies, clinics, hospitals, long term care settings, the pharmaceutical industry, and many other areas. Day to day responsibilities vary depending on role and setting, but often include preparing and dispensing medications, counseling and educating patients, administering vaccines or other medications, and collaborating with many healthcare professionals. Pharmacists engaging in direct patient care often perform comprehensive medication management, which includes designing, managing, and monitoring pharmacotherapy regimens via collaborative practice.
What Clinical Staff Pharmacist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
James Wheeler: Pharmacists enjoy the versatility of the PharmD degree, allowing for a wide variety of career paths and specialization opportunities in various pharmacy practice areas. It’s a trusted profession where pharmacists tackle complex medical issues, build relationships with patients and colleagues, and improve population health. Pharmacists enjoy the opportunity to serve patients, grow as clinicians, and make a positive impact in their communities. Like other healthcare professions, the role is demanding and requires constant learning and professional growth, but the work is meaningful and improves patient’s lives.
What will help Clinical Staff Pharmacists increase their earning potential?
James Wheeler: It’s a great time to enter the profession of pharmacy as there is strong demand for pharmacist services, excellent earning potential, and the opportunity to work directly with patients and healthcare professionals.
Jenna Mills PharmD, BCPS
Assistant Professor of Pharmacy PracticeThe University of Findlay
Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, And Administration
What general advice would you give to a Clinical Staff Pharmacist?
Jenna Mills PharmD, BCPS: Give yourself patience and grace as you transition from a student pharmacist into a registered pharmacist (RPh). Being a new practitioner comes with many learning curves: responsibility for patient care, working efficiently, and learning site-specific policies and procedures that will be new to you, to name a few. Remember that Rome wasn’t built in a day – you’re beginning your career and will learn more about the site and yourself as a pharmacist every day. Pharmacy school may be over, but maintain your willingness to learn. Ask questions, take notes during your training for reference later, and remember that every shift comes with opportunities to learn.
What Clinical Staff Pharmacist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Jenna Mills PharmD, BCPS: Empathy: as pharmacists face increasing workplace demands, don’t lose sight of your ‘why’ for committing to the profession of pharmacy. For many, this involves a desire to positively impact patient care. In my work as a pharmacist, I often consider the care I would want one of my family members, friends, or loved ones to receive. This can involve going the extra mile for our patients, such as securing an affordable treatment option for a patient when the initial medication is too expensive or inaccessible. Pharmacists are in a position to help patients; some cases may involve extra time and effort, and you may find yourself questioning how you can provide this when you’re being pulled in different directions and facing various tasks. Remember your ‘why’, and don’t lose sight of the fact that you’re involved in the care for someone’s loved one and have the knowledge, skills, and abilities to help.
Prioritization: pharmacists face many demands in the workplace all throughout the day. Oftentimes, several demands occur at once. For example, you might be on the phone with a patient or other healthcare provider, someone might be knocking on your door or arrive at your counter, and the unverified prescriptions queue may be filling up by the minute. In these instances, pharmacists must actively listen to what is being presented (take notes!) and determine what is the problem of highest priority. During the workday, pharmacists must determine what is urgent and time-sensitive to guide their next step.
Attention to detail: whether you’re verifying a new prescription, dispensing a medication from the pharmacy, completing a consult, or evaluating a patient’s chart, pharmacists must be equipped with analytical skills. Known as ‘medication experts,’ pharmacists must be accurate and attentive to ensure safe patient care.
What will help Clinical Staff Pharmacists increase their earning potential?
Jenna Mills PharmD, BCPS: Self-reflect on what you are looking for in your career as a pharmacist, and at minimum, question what setting you would like to practice in and what knowledge and skills you would like to refine. This can help to guide which opportunities you take or seek out. Completing additional training or earning certifications will build your curriculum vitae (CV). Picking up additional hours at your site or working as a PRN pharmacist at another site can also be beneficial.
Julie Hixson-Wallace
Dean and ProfessorHarding University
Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, And Administration
What general advice would you give to a Clinical Staff Pharmacist?
Julie Hixson-Wallace: Be flexible! A pharmacy degree can be used to practice in a variety of settings. Having an open mind to explore all the available opportunities can open doors most people don't associate with the traditional view of pharmacists.
What Clinical Staff Pharmacist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Julie Hixson-Wallace: Completing residency training, a dual degree program (e.g., MBA, MSIS), or going to work in an underserved area are ways to secure higher compensation in the long run either through starting in higher level positions or securing sign-on bonuses or student loan reimbursement benefits.
What will help Clinical Staff Pharmacists increase their earning potential?
Julie Hixson-Wallace: Pharmacists are increasingly providing direct patient care in a variety of settings. Critical thinking and communication skills are important when bridging the gaps in primary care and supporting other members of the healthcare team as the medication expert in the group.
What general advice would you give to a Clinical Staff Pharmacist?
Chasity Shelton PharmD, FCCP, FNAP, BCPS, BCPPS: To maximize your salary potential when starting your career in pharmacy, I would advise someone to start by exploring salary trends within the various career paths for pharmacy. Some geographic locations offer more competitive salaries, and some specialized areas of pharmacy can also increase your earning potential. Staying abreast of the evolving pharmacy healthcare environment can inform you of the need to seek out advanced education or additional certifications. Continuously upgrading your skills and knowledge can make you more valuable to employers which can command a higher salary. Also, building and leveraging your professional network will help you identify hidden job opportunities.
What Clinical Staff Pharmacist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Chasity Shelton PharmD, FCCP, FNAP, BCPS, BCPPS: Pharmacy practice is increasingly reliant on technology for managing various aspects of the practice. Staying up-to-date on the latest technology and pharmacy software tools will help improve efficiency and accuracy. As healthcare continues to move towards more data-driven decision-making, skills in data analysis, informatics, and health informatics will be highly valuable. Effective communication skills continue to be important and prevalent in the field whether it is with patients, colleagues, or other healthcare professionals. With medication use becoming increasingly complex, it is critical that this information can be relayed to patients in terms that are clear and easy to understand.
What will help Clinical Staff Pharmacists increase their earning potential?
Chasity Shelton PharmD, FCCP, FNAP, BCPS, BCPPS: The career opportunities available to new pharmacy graduates are vast. Pharmacy is a field that is constantly evolving with new medications, treatments, and regulations; therefore finding ways to stay up to date on new information will be critical to your success and can help you identify new innovative practice models. Expanding your network will also be important to your success. Finding experienced pharmacists who can offer guidance and mentorship as you navigate your career will help with your professional development.
What general advice would you give to a Clinical Staff Pharmacist?
C. Michael White: Challenges include being the drug information expert, dealing with anxious or upset patients, breaking bad news, and the need to be physically present during work hours. Working from home may not be an option for some roles, leading to pros and cons in career choices.
What Clinical Staff Pharmacist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
C. Michael White: The healthcare system is more collaborative than before, creating high demand for pharmacists. Pharmacists can choose where they want to live and the type of pharmacy to practice in, allowing flexibility and career options.
What will help Clinical Staff Pharmacists increase their earning potential?
C. Michael White: Pharmacists can work in various settings such as community pharmacy, pharmaceutical industry, managed care, clinical pharmacy, and primary care pharmacy. They provide medications to patients, give immunizations, counsel patients, conduct research, answer drug information questions, make care plans, write laboratory and prescription orders, and meet with patients.
Dr. Elizabeth St. Louis PharmD, BCACP
Director, Co-Curriculum and Experiential EngagementUniversity of Rhode Island
Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, And Administration
What will help Clinical Staff Pharmacists increase their earning potential?
Dr. Elizabeth St. Louis PharmD, BCACP: In the dynamic landscape of pharmacy several skills are likely to become more important and prevalent. As pharmacists continue moving toward an emphasis less on the traditional dispensing activities and more on the clinical services we can provide to enhance patient-centered care we must be adept at adapting to the technological advancements, regulatory changes, and shifts in healthcare delivery models to embrace new roles and responsibilities. This will inevitably also require a high level of digital literacy in elements such as artificial intelligence, electronic health record enhancement, and other digital tools to support patient care. Additionally, as we further identify the value of and need for collaborative care models, pharmacists will need to possess strong interprofessional skills to ensure thriving teamwork and communication with all members of the healthcare team to deliver comprehensive patient care. It is also critical to note that with increasingly diverse patient populations, pharmacists must educate themselves and demonstrate cultural competence and sensitivity to the unique healthcare needs, beliefs, and practices of different cultural and ethnic groups. This includes understanding cultural perspectives on health and illness, addressing health disparities, and providing culturally competent care to promote patient trust and engagement. These will all be crucial in moving the profession forward.