Pharmacists
Dispense drugs prescribed by physicians and other health practitioners and provide information to patients about medications and their use. May advise physicians and other health practitioners on the selection, dosage, interactions, and side effects of medications.
SOC: 29-1051.00
Common Job Titles
Clinical PharmacistHospital PharmacistPharm D (Pharmacy Doctor)Pharmacist in Charge (PIC)
What You'll Need to Succeed
AI-generatedKey competencies for this occupation at a glance
- KnowledgeSynthesize pharmacokinetic principles, patient-specific factors, and clinical guidelines to design individualized dosing regimens for complex patient populations.Advanced
- KnowledgeEvaluate prescription orders for accuracy, drug interactions, contraindications, and appropriate dosing using pharmaceutical knowledge and electronic health record systems in clinical pharmacy settings.Proficient
- MindsetAdvocate patient safety and optimal medication therapy outcomes when consulting with physicians and healthcare teams on drug selection and dosing protocols.Proficient
- KnowledgeInterpret complex medication regimens and pharmaceutical literature to provide evidence-based counseling to patients and caregivers on proper medication use.Proficient
- Hands-onPerform sterile compounding of intravenous medications and total parenteral nutrition solutions using laminar flow hoods and aseptic technique following USP standards.Proficient
- KnowledgeAssess patient medication histories, laboratory values, and clinical status to identify drug-related problems and recommend therapeutic interventions independently.Proficient
- MindsetIntegrate patient-centered care principles with regulatory compliance requirements when dispensing controlled substances and managing pharmacy operations.Proficient
- Hands-onOperate automated drug dispensing systems and barcode verification technology to ensure accurate medication distribution while maintaining workflow efficiency.Proficient
- KnowledgeAnalyze emerging pharmaceutical research and therapeutic advances to update clinical protocols and educate healthcare staff on new drug therapies.Proficient
- MindsetBalance patient autonomy with professional judgment when addressing medication adherence barriers and managing difficult therapeutic decisions.Proficient
- KnowledgeCalculate medication dosages, infusion rates, and therapeutic concentrations using mathematical principles for pediatric, geriatric, and renally-impaired patients.Proficient
- KnowledgeCoordinate medication therapy management services and immunization programs while supervising pharmacy technicians and managing inventory control systems.Proficient
Wage Data According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics
Annual wage data for Pharmacists (2024)
Estimated Total Employment (U.S.)
328,870
Wage Distribution by Percentile
| Metric | U.S. |
|---|---|
| 10% of workers earn the following or less | $86,930 |
| 10% of workers earn the following or more | $172,040 |
| Workers on average earn | $137,210 |
+ indicates wage is at or above the BLS reporting cap ($239,200/year)
Skills & Requirements
Key competencies for this occupation, ranked by importance
- Medicine and Dentistry4.6/5
- Mathematics4.5/5
- English Language4.2/5
- Customer and Personal Service4.2/5
- Chemistry4.1/5
Tools & Technology
Equipment and software commonly used in this occupation
In-Demand Technology
Frequently requested by employers in job postings
Epic SystemsMEDITECH softwareMicrosoft ExcelMicrosoft Office softwareMicrosoft OutlookMicrosoft PowerPointMicrosoft SharePointMicrosoft WordeClinicalWorks EHR software
Technology Skills
Computer records systemsFreedom MedTEACHHealthprolink MedAtlasInsurance claim processing softwareLabel-making softwareMultitask softwarePyxis MedStation softwareRecordkeeping software
Tools & Equipment
Ampoule filling machinesArea survey metersAutomated drug dispensing equipmentBarcode scanning/prescription tracking systemsBinocular light compound microscopesCapsule countersElectronic blood pressure monitorsElectronic toploading balances