Application Fee
See agencyVerified by TN Board of Healthcare
Pharmacist Licensing in Tennessee
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for pharmacist in Tennessee, 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 Tennessee
Estimated timeline: 21 yearsCore Requirements
- 1
Education: Degree required.
- 2
Experience: Work experience required.
- 3
Background/Criminal Review: Background check required.
- 4
Physical Requirement: Physical exam required.
- 5
Certification: Certification required.
- 6
License Type: Register with licensing agency.
- 7
Be at least 21 years of age and satisfy the experience, education and examination requirements.
- 8
EXPERIENCE:.
- 9
Fifteen hundred (1,500) hours internship.
- 10
D degree).
- 11
EXAMINATION REQUIREMENTS:.
- 12
National licensing examination (NAPLEX) administered several times each year.
Exam and processing details
- National licensing examination (NAPLEX) administered several times each year
Continuing education and program notes
- CONTINUING EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS:
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
Department of Health • Division of Regulatory Boards • Division of Regulatory Boards
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$131,290 median (5% below national)
- State Salary Rank
#48 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (7)
- 1. Confirm eligibility prerequisites (Be at least 21 years of age and satisfy the experience, education and examination requirements.).
- 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 National licensing examination (NAPLEX) administered several times each year.
- 5. Prepare supporting documentation (background check: Background check required; Background/Criminal Review: Background check required.).
- 6. Submit the application to Department of Health~Division of Regulatory Boards~Division of Regulatory Boards and monitor board communications.
- 7. Maintain post-licensure compliance (continuing education: Continuing education required to maintain license).
Salary Insights in Tennessee
With a median salary of $131,290, Pharmacists in Tennessee earn 5% below the national median of $137,480. Tennessee ranks #48 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is 21 years.
State Hiring Climate (QCEW)
SteadyQoQ Employment Change
+0.6%Average Weekly Wage
$1,297Median annual salary
$131,290Hourly estimate
$63.125% below national median
Difference: -$6,190
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationPharmacist Salary Ranking
#48 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tennessee | $131,290 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | 21 years |
| Kentucky | $132,750 | Degree required | State exam required | Varies by board |
| Virginia | $137,470 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| North Carolina | $136,000 | Specific course required | State exam required | 3 months |
| Georgia | $132,400 | Degree required | State exam required | 9 months |
| Alabama | $133,930 | Degree required | Both state and third-party exams required | 1-19 years |
| Mississippi | $132,420 | Degree required | Both state and third-party exams required | Varies by board |
| Arkansas | $134,230 | Degree required | Both state and third-party exams required | 2-21 years |
| Missouri | $137,910 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | 21 years |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tennessee | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Kentucky | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Virginia | 60 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| North Carolina | 60 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Georgia | 54 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Alabama | 56 | Medium | 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
Agency website unverified
Department of Health • Division of Regulatory Boards • Division of Regulatory Boards
665 Mainstream Drive 2nd floor, Nashville, TN, 37243
Phone: 6157412718
This agency is in our manual verification queue. We only publish direct official board URLs after verification.
Related Careers in Tennessee
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Acupuncturist | $78,140 | Specific course required | Varies by board |
| Anesthesiologist | $364,200 | Specific course required | 1-18 years |
| Athletic Trainer | $54,040 | Degree required | 3 months |
| Audiologist | $89,670 | Degree required | Varies by board |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a Pharmacist in Tennessee?
Most applicants finish the licensing path in about 21 years, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.
What exams are required for Pharmacists in Tennessee?
Tennessee lists Third-party exam required as part of the licensure process for Pharmacists.
What education do you need to become a Pharmacist in Tennessee?
The board typically expects Degree required for Pharmacist licensure in Tennessee.
What is the typical Pharmacist salary in Tennessee?
The median annual salary for Pharmacists in Tennessee is $131,290. Salaries range from $72,580 (10th percentile) to $161,360 (90th percentile).
How does the Pharmacist salary in Tennessee compare to the national average?
Pharmacists in Tennessee earn 5% below the national median of $137,480, with a state median of $131,290.
How many Pharmacists work in Tennessee?
Tennessee employs approximately 8,050 Pharmacists according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Pharmacist license to Tennessee 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 Tennessee?
The licensing agency is Department of Health / Division of Regulatory Boards / Division of Regulatory Boards. The official board website is currently under manual verification.
How often do you renew a Pharmacist license in Tennessee?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.