CredentialCompassJump to FAQ
Verified 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 12, 2026

Application Fee

See agency

Exam Requirement

State exam required

Renewal Cycle

See board renewal rules

Licensing Blueprint for Pharmacist in Massachusetts

Estimated timeline: 6-24 months

Core Requirements

  • License Type: Stand-alone license
  • Education: Degree required
  • Examination: State exam required
  • Application Fee: See agency
  • Experience: Work experience required
  • Background Check: Specific type of conviction prohibited
  • Continuing Education: Continuing education required to maintain license

Application Snapshot

  1. Licensing Authority

    Board of Registration in Pharmacy

  2. Current Filing Fee

    See agency

  3. Renewal Cycle

    See board renewal rules

  4. Salary Position

    $136,030 median (1% below national)

  5. State Salary Rank

    #26 of 50 states

Step-by-Step Process (4)

  1. 1. Meet baseline eligibility requirements.
  2. 2. Complete approved education/training requirements.
  3. 3. Pass required exam(s) and submit application.
  4. 4. Maintain and renew license according to board rules.

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 6-24 months.

Median annual salary

$136,030

Hourly estimate

$65.40
1% below national median

Difference: -$1,450

Percentile Distribution

Annual compensation
  • P1010th percentile$99,090
  • P2525th percentile$129,330
  • P50Median$136,030
  • P7575th percentile$150,210
  • P9090th percentile$161,770

State vs National Median

State: $136,030
National: $137,480

Total employment: 7,950 | Annual openings: N/A

Pharmacist Salary Ranking

#26 of 50 statesfor Pharmacist median salary
RankStateMedian Salary
#1California165,150
#2Alaska163,200
#3Oregon163,120
#4Washington157,020
#5Minnesota154,610

Nearby States Comparison

Pharmacist licensing across the region
StateMedian SalaryEducationExamTimeline
Massachusetts$136,030Degree requiredState exam required6-24 months
New Hampshire$141,480Degree requiredBoth state and third-party exams required6-24 months
Vermont$134,780Degree requiredThird-party exam required6-24 months
New York$136,350Degree requiredThird-party exam required6-24 months
Connecticut$135,340Degree requiredState exam required6-24 months
Rhode Island$128,010Degree requiredThird-party exam required6-24 months

License by Endorsement

Transfer requirements are state-specific. Use this quick matrix as a planning signal, then verify final endorsement rules with each board.

StateReciprocity ScoreTierNotes
Massachusetts50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
New Hampshire58MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply. Background check or criminal history review is indicated.
Vermont50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
New York50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Connecticut68MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply.
Rhode Island50LowState-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

Board of Registration in Pharmacy

239 Causeway St., Boston, MA, 02114

Phone: 8004140168

Related Careers in Massachusetts

ProfessionMedian SalaryEducationTimeline
Audiologist$98,620Degree required6-24 months
Chiropractor$77,760Degree required6-24 months
Clinical Lab Technologist$69,760Degree required6-24 months
Dental Assistant$57,960Degree required6-24 months

FAQ

How long does it take to become a Pharmacist in Massachusetts?

Most applicants finish the licensing path in about 6-24 months, 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/.