Application Fee
See agencyVerified by LA Board of Healthcare
Pharmacist Licensing in Louisiana
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for pharmacist in Louisiana, including See agency and board contact links.
Last verified: Feb 18, 2026
Current
Exam Requirement
Third-party exam requiredRenewal Cycle
See board renewal rulesLicensing Blueprint for Pharmacist in Louisiana
Estimated timeline: 3 monthsCore Requirements
- 1
Education: Degree required.
- 2
Experience: Work experience required.
- 3
Background/Criminal Review: Background check required.
- 4
Physical Requirement: No physical requirements.
- 5
License Type: Stand-alone license.
- 6
Must earn 1,500 hours of practical experience in an approved pharmacy.
- 7
Must pass licensure examinations (NABLEX and MPJE examinations), complete state and federal criminal background checks, file application, and pay all fees.
Exam and processing details
- pass licensure examinations (NABLEX and MPJE examinations), complete state and federal criminal background checks, file application, and pay all fees
Continuing education and program notes
- Continuing education required to maintain license
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals • Louisiana Board of Pharmacy
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$129,650 median (6% below national)
- State Salary Rank
#49 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (7)
- 1. Meet Louisiana eligibility requirements for Pharmacist licensure.
- 2. Complete required education or training: Degree required.
- 3. Document required supervised experience: Work experience required.
- 4. Pass required examination steps: Third-party exam required pass licensure examinations (NABLEX and MPJE examinations), complete state and federal criminal background checks, file application, and pay all fees.
- 5. Prepare supporting documentation (background check: Background check required; Background/Criminal Review: Background check required.; Must pass licensure examinations (NABLEX and MPJE examinations), complete state and federal criminal background checks, file applicatio...).
- 6. Submit the application to Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals~Louisiana Board of Pharmacy and monitor board communications.
- 7. Maintain post-licensure compliance (continuing education: Continuing education required to maintain license).
Salary Insights in Louisiana
With a median salary of $129,650, Pharmacists in Louisiana earn 6% below the national median of $137,480. Louisiana ranks #49 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is 3 months.
State Hiring Climate (QCEW)
SteadyQoQ Employment Change
+0.2%Average Weekly Wage
$1,176Median annual salary
$129,650Hourly estimate
$62.336% below national median
Difference: -$7,830
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationPharmacist Salary Ranking
#49 of 50 statesfor Pharmacist median salary
| Rank | State | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | California | $165,150 |
| #2 | Alaska | $163,200 |
| #3 | Oregon | $163,120 |
| #4 | Washington | $157,020 |
| #5 | Minnesota | $154,610 |
Nearby States Comparison
Pharmacist licensing across the region| State | Median Salary | Education | Exam | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Louisiana | $129,650 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | 3 months |
| Arkansas | $134,230 | Degree required | Both state and third-party exams required | 2-21 years |
| Mississippi | $132,420 | Degree required | Both state and third-party exams required | Varies by board |
| Texas | $136,950 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
License by Endorsement
Transfer requirements are state-specific. Use this quick matrix as a planning signal, then verify final endorsement rules with each board.
| State | Reciprocity Score | Tier | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Louisiana | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Arkansas | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Mississippi | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Texas | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
- License status indicator: Active.
- Continuing education indicator: Continuing education required to maintain license.
- Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Official Licensing Agency
Official website verified
Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals • Louisiana Board of Pharmacy
3388 Brentwood Drive, Baton Rouge, LA, 70809
Phone: 2259256496
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FAQ
How long does it take to become a Pharmacist in Louisiana?
Most applicants finish the licensing path in about 3 months, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.
What exams are required for Pharmacists in Louisiana?
Louisiana lists Third-party exam required as part of the licensure process for Pharmacists.
What education do you need to become a Pharmacist in Louisiana?
The board typically expects Degree required for Pharmacist licensure in Louisiana.
What is the typical Pharmacist salary in Louisiana?
The median annual salary for Pharmacists in Louisiana is $129,650. Salaries range from $94,430 (10th percentile) to $155,890 (90th percentile).
How does the Pharmacist salary in Louisiana compare to the national average?
Pharmacists in Louisiana earn 6% below the national median of $137,480, with a state median of $129,650.
How many Pharmacists work in Louisiana?
Louisiana employs approximately 5,010 Pharmacists according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Pharmacist license to Louisiana from another state?
Transfer requirements vary by board. License status indicator: Active. Continuing education indicator: Continuing education required to maintain license. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Who is the licensing agency for Pharmacists in Louisiana?
The licensing agency is Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals / Louisiana Board of Pharmacy. Review agency details at https://www.pharmacy.la.gov/.
How often do you renew a Pharmacist license in Louisiana?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.