Application Fee
See agencyVerified by MA Board of Healthcare
Pharmacist Licensing in Massachusetts
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for pharmacist in Massachusetts, including See agency and board contact links.
Last verified: Feb 18, 2026
Current
Exam Requirement
State exam requiredRenewal Cycle
See board renewal rulesLicensing Blueprint for Pharmacist in Massachusetts
Estimated timeline: Varies by boardCore Requirements
- 1
Education: Degree required.
- 2
Experience: Work experience required.
- 3
Background/Criminal Review: Specific type of conviction prohibited.
- 4
License Type: Stand-alone license.
- 5
Pharmacist earn a PharmD degree from an accredited college of pharmacy, and must pass a national standard pharmacy exam (NAPLEX).
- 6
To be registered in a particular state (s), a pharmacist must also pass that state's specific jurisprudence exam.
Exam and processing details
- national standard pharmacy exam (NAPLEX)
Continuing education and program notes
- Continuing education required to maintain license
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
Board of Registration in Pharmacy
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$136,030 median (1% below national)
- State Salary Rank
#26 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (7)
- 1. Meet Massachusetts 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: State exam required national standard pharmacy exam (NAPLEX).
- 5. Prepare supporting documentation (background check: Specific type of conviction prohibited; Background/Criminal Review: Specific type of conviction prohibited.).
- 6. Submit the application to Board of Registration in Pharmacy and monitor board communications.
- 7. Maintain post-licensure compliance (continuing education: Continuing education required to maintain license).
Salary Insights in Massachusetts
With a median salary of $136,030, Pharmacists in Massachusetts earn 1% below the national median of $137,480. Massachusetts ranks #26 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.
State Hiring Climate (QCEW)
RisingQoQ Employment Change
+2.1%Average Weekly Wage
$1,805Median annual salary
$136,030Hourly estimate
$65.401% below national median
Difference: -$1,450
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationPharmacist Salary Ranking
#26 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts | $136,030 | Degree required | State exam required | Varies by board |
| New Hampshire | $141,480 | Degree required | Both state and third-party exams required | 1-18 years |
| Vermont | $134,780 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| New York | $136,350 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Connecticut | $135,340 | Degree required | State exam required | Varies by board |
| Rhode Island | $128,010 | 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| New Hampshire | 58 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Background check or criminal history review is indicated. |
| Vermont | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| New York | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Connecticut | 68 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
| Rhode Island | 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
Board of Registration in Pharmacy
239 Causeway St., Boston, MA, 02114
Phone: 8004140168
Related Careers in Massachusetts
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Acupuncturist | $135,250 | Degree required | 1-18 years |
| Anesthesiologist | N/A | Degree required | 2 years |
| Athletic Trainer | $63,720 | Degree required | Varies by board |
| Audiologist | $98,620 | Degree required | Varies by board |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a Pharmacist in Massachusetts?
Most applicants finish the licensing path in about Varies by board, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.
What exams are required for Pharmacists in Massachusetts?
Massachusetts lists State exam required as part of the licensure process for Pharmacists.
What education do you need to become a Pharmacist in Massachusetts?
The board typically expects Degree required for Pharmacist licensure in Massachusetts.
What is the typical Pharmacist salary in Massachusetts?
The median annual salary for Pharmacists in Massachusetts is $136,030. Salaries range from $99,090 (10th percentile) to $161,770 (90th percentile).
How does the Pharmacist salary in Massachusetts compare to the national average?
Pharmacists in Massachusetts earn 1% below the national median of $137,480, with a state median of $136,030.
How many Pharmacists work in Massachusetts?
Massachusetts employs approximately 7,950 Pharmacists according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Pharmacist license to Massachusetts 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 Massachusetts?
The licensing agency is Board of Registration in Pharmacy. Review agency details at http://www.mass.gov/eohhs/gov/departments/dph/programs/hcq/dhpl/pharmacy/about/.
How often do you renew a Pharmacist license in Massachusetts?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.