Pharmacists dispense prescription medications to patients and offer expertise in the safe use of prescriptions. They also may conduct health and wellness screenings, provide immunizations, oversee the medications given to patients, and provide advice on healthy lifestyles.
Pharmacists work in pharmacies, including those in grocery and drug stores. They also work in hospitals and other healthcare facilities.
Pharmacists must have a Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.), a 4-year professional degree. They must also be licensed, which requires passing two exams.
The median annual wage for pharmacists was $121,500 in May 2015.
Employment of pharmacists is projected to grow 3 percent from 2014 to 2024, slower than the average for all occupations. Increased demand for prescription medications will lead to more demand for pharmaceutical services. Employment of pharmacists in traditional pharmacies is projected to decline slightly.
Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for pharmacists.
Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of pharmacists with similar occupations.
Learn more about pharmacists by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.