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 Pharmacist
Hospital Pharmacist
Pharm D (Pharmacy Doctor)
Pharmacist in Charge (PIC)
What You'll Need to Succeed
AI-generated
Key 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
Line chart of annual wages by percentile. U.S. is the solid line. 10th percentile: U.S. $86,930. 25th percentile: U.S. $127,250. 50th percentile: U.S. $137,480. 75th percentile: U.S. $158,620. 90th percentile: U.S. $172,040. Use the left and right arrow keys to move between percentiles.
U.S.
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
Skills & Requirements: Knowledge
Tools & Technology
Equipment and software commonly used in this occupation
