GITNUXREPORT 2025

Pharmacist Statistics

Pharmacists' roles expand, embracing tech, specialized care, public health, and safety.

Jannik Linder

Co-Founder of Gitnux, specialized in content and tech since 2016.

First published: April 29, 2025

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Statistic 1

The number of pharmacy schools in the U.S. exceeds 130 institutions

Statistic 2

Approximately 75% of pharmacists report participation in continuing education to maintain licensure

Statistic 3

The number of pharmacy residency programs in the U.S. is over 250, providing advanced training for pharmacists

Statistic 4

The average length of pharmacy degree programs in the U.S. is 4 years post-undergraduate studies, including experiential rotations

Statistic 5

The number of pharmacy graduates in the U.S. increased by around 10% from 2019 to 2022, indicating growing educational capacity

Statistic 6

The integration of virtual reality (VR) in pharmacy training programs is emerging, with over 20 colleges adopting VR simulations for clinical skill development

Statistic 7

The global pharmacy market is valued at over $1.2 trillion

Statistic 8

Medication therapy management by pharmacists can improve patient outcomes and reduce healthcare costs by up to 25%

Statistic 9

The pharmacy services market is expected to reach $1.9 trillion by 2025, with a CAGR of 3.8%

Statistic 10

The U.S. pharmacy market is dominated by a few large chains, which hold approximately 70% of retail pharmacy stores

Statistic 11

The proliferation of specialty pharmacy services has grown by over 50% in the past five years, focusing on complex conditions like oncology and neurodegenerative diseases

Statistic 12

The number of compounded drug prescriptions has increased by nearly 20% over the past five years, reflecting a growing niche in pharmaceutical care

Statistic 13

The global market for pharmacy automation is projected to surpass $7 billion by 2027, driven by demand for safety and efficiency

Statistic 14

Pharmacists spend about 70% of their time on patient-care activities

Statistic 15

Approximately 15% of pharmacists are involved in clinical specialization areas such as oncology, cardiology, or infectious disease

Statistic 16

The pharmacy sector is seeing a rising trend in immunization services provided by pharmacists, with over 90% of pharmacies offering vaccinations

Statistic 17

Pharmacists' role in managing chronic diseases like diabetes and hypertension is expanding significantly, with about 68% involved in such care

Statistic 18

Around 50% of pharmacists are engaged in hospital or health-system pharmacy practice, providing specialized inpatient care

Statistic 19

Pharmacists are increasingly involved in direct patient counseling, with over 90% providing medication guidance

Statistic 20

The most common specialization among pharmacists is community pharmacy, followed by hospital pharmacy, with over 55% of pharmacists working in community settings

Statistic 21

Pharmacists are now integral members of integrated healthcare teams, contributing to medication reconciliation and chronic disease management

Statistic 22

Pharmacists can earn additional income through drug consulting and compounding services, which are increasingly in demand, increasing income by up to 10-15%

Statistic 23

Approximately 80% of pharmacists are satisfied or very satisfied with their professional careers, citing patient interaction as a primary motivator

Statistic 24

The presence of pharmacist-led clinics in community pharmacies has increased by over 30% in the last decade, expanding access to primary care

Statistic 25

Pharmacists are increasingly involved in public health initiatives, including opioid stewardship programs, tobacco cessation, and health screenings, in over 80% of healthcare settings

Statistic 26

Pharmacists' role in mental health care is expanding, with over 40% involved in medication management for psychiatric conditions

Statistic 27

Pharmacists are increasingly engaging in health policy advocacy, with around 55% participating in lobbying or public health policy organizations

Statistic 28

The percentage of pharmacists involvement in clinical research is around 10%, mainly in hospital or academic settings

Statistic 29

About 85% of pharmacists report using clinical guidelines regularly to support patient care decisions

Statistic 30

Pharmacists are increasingly providing outpatient management for HIV/AIDS patients, with over 50% involved in medication adherence programs

Statistic 31

The percentage of pharmacies offering 24/7 services has increased to over 60%, improving access to emergency medications

Statistic 32

Pharmacist participation in disease prevention programs, like flu vaccination campaigns, exceeds 95% in community settings

Statistic 33

The average number of clinical interventions made by pharmacists per patient visit is approximately 2.5, indicating active involvement in medication management

Statistic 34

The proportion of pharmacists working in outpatient clinics has increased by approximately 25% since 2015, expanding primary care roles

Statistic 35

Pharmacist-led medication reviews in elderly patients can reduce hospital readmission rates by up to 15%, demonstrating medication safety impact

Statistic 36

Pharmacists are increasingly involved in digital health interventions, including remote monitoring and mobile health apps, with about 30% adoption rate in community practices

Statistic 37

Approximately 20% of pharmacists report involvement in teaching or academic research roles alongside practice, contributing to workforce development

Statistic 38

In the U.S., nearly 30% of pharmacists hold advanced practice certifications like geriatric or oncology pharmacy, reflecting specialization trends

Statistic 39

Pharmacists' participation in medication error prevention programs has reduced adverse events in hospitals by approximately 12%, enhancing patient safety

Statistic 40

The use of pharmacogenomics testing in pharmacy practice is growing, with about 15% of pharmacists utilizing genetic information for personalized therapy

Statistic 41

The adoption rate of electronic health records (EHR) in pharmacies exceeds 85%, improving medication safety

Statistic 42

The use of automation and robotic dispensing systems has increased in pharmacies by over 60% in the last five years, reducing medication errors

Statistic 43

The adoption of artificial intelligence in pharmacy practice is expected to grow at a CAGR of over 15% through 2030, streamlining drug discovery and patient care

Statistic 44

More than 60% of pharmacists report using mobile apps and digital tools to assist in patient medication management

Statistic 45

The average time spent on administrative tasks by pharmacists has decreased with automation, allowing more focus on clinical services

Statistic 46

The adoption of blockchain technology in pharmacy supply chains is projected to grow at a CAGR of over 20%, enhancing drug traceability and security

Statistic 47

By 2030, it is estimated that over 50% of pharmacists will have integrated artificial intelligence tools into their practice routines, improving accuracy and efficiency

Statistic 48

The number of pharmacy-related patents filed annually globally has increased by over 35% in the past decade, indicating innovation in drug delivery and formulations

Statistic 49

The use of 3D printing technology in pharmacy has enabled customized medication production, with over 10 active projects underway worldwide

Statistic 50

There are over 450,000 licensed pharmacists in the United States

Statistic 51

The average annual salary for pharmacists in the U.S. is approximately $128,000

Statistic 52

Approximately 87% of pharmacists work in retail or community pharmacies

Statistic 53

The majority of pharmacists (around 65%) are female

Statistic 54

The employment of pharmacists is projected to grow 2% from 2021 to 2031, slower than average

Statistic 55

About 60% of pharmacists hold a Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) degree

Statistic 56

In the U.S., community pharmacists dispense over 4 billion prescriptions annually

Statistic 57

The median age of licensed pharmacists in the U.S. is approximately 43 years

Statistic 58

Pharmacists with additional certifications can earn up to 20% more than those without

Statistic 59

The average number of prescriptions filled per day per pharmacist is around 150

Statistic 60

Approximately 40% of pharmacists report burnout symptoms due to workload and stress

Statistic 61

Telepharmacy services are used by over 70% of rural pharmacies to improve access to pharmaceutical care

Statistic 62

The number of pharmacy technician positions in the U.S. exceeds 450,000, supporting pharmacists in daily duties

Statistic 63

The average age of pharmacy technicians in the U.S. is approximately 36 years

Statistic 64

The number of pharmacy graduates in the U.S. annually exceeds 15,000 students, ensuring a steady pipeline of professionals

Statistic 65

Women pharmacists tend to earn slightly less than their male counterparts, with a gender pay gap of around 8%

Statistic 66

The top three states with the highest employment level of pharmacists are California, Texas, and New York

Statistic 67

The total workforce of pharmacy assistants, including technicians and clerks, is nearing 600,000 in the U.S., supporting pharmacy operations

Statistic 68

The employment of pharmacists in emerging markets like China and India is projected to grow at a CAGR of about 8-10%, reflecting global expansion

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Key Highlights

There are over 450,000 licensed pharmacists in the United States
The average annual salary for pharmacists in the U.S. is approximately $128,000
Approximately 87% of pharmacists work in retail or community pharmacies
The global pharmacy market is valued at over $1.2 trillion
Pharmacists spend about 70% of their time on patient-care activities
The number of pharmacy schools in the U.S. exceeds 130 institutions
The majority of pharmacists (around 65%) are female
Medication therapy management by pharmacists can improve patient outcomes and reduce healthcare costs by up to 25%
The employment of pharmacists is projected to grow 2% from 2021 to 2031, slower than average
About 60% of pharmacists hold a Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) degree
In the U.S., community pharmacists dispense over 4 billion prescriptions annually
The median age of licensed pharmacists in the U.S. is approximately 43 years
Approximately 15% of pharmacists are involved in clinical specialization areas such as oncology, cardiology, or infectious disease

With over 450,000 licensed pharmacists in the U.S. earning an average of $128,000 annually, this vital healthcare profession is rapidly evolving—from expanding immunization services to embracing cutting-edge technologies like artificial intelligence and pharmacy automation—making pharmacists indispensable players in modern patient care.

Educational and Professional Development

The number of pharmacy schools in the U.S. exceeds 130 institutions
Approximately 75% of pharmacists report participation in continuing education to maintain licensure
The number of pharmacy residency programs in the U.S. is over 250, providing advanced training for pharmacists
The average length of pharmacy degree programs in the U.S. is 4 years post-undergraduate studies, including experiential rotations
The number of pharmacy graduates in the U.S. increased by around 10% from 2019 to 2022, indicating growing educational capacity
The integration of virtual reality (VR) in pharmacy training programs is emerging, with over 20 colleges adopting VR simulations for clinical skill development

Educational and Professional Development Interpretation

With over 130 pharmacy schools and 250 residency programs fueling a 10% rise in graduates, alongside a commitment to continuous education—now increasingly enhanced by VR simulations—it's clear that American pharmacists are not only multiplying but also evolving into tech-savvy healthcare professionals prepared for a dynamic, ever-advancing field.

Market Valuation and Economic Impact

The global pharmacy market is valued at over $1.2 trillion
Medication therapy management by pharmacists can improve patient outcomes and reduce healthcare costs by up to 25%
The pharmacy services market is expected to reach $1.9 trillion by 2025, with a CAGR of 3.8%
The U.S. pharmacy market is dominated by a few large chains, which hold approximately 70% of retail pharmacy stores
The proliferation of specialty pharmacy services has grown by over 50% in the past five years, focusing on complex conditions like oncology and neurodegenerative diseases
The number of compounded drug prescriptions has increased by nearly 20% over the past five years, reflecting a growing niche in pharmaceutical care
The global market for pharmacy automation is projected to surpass $7 billion by 2027, driven by demand for safety and efficiency

Market Valuation and Economic Impact Interpretation

As the pharmacy industry evolves from retail giants to precision-focused specialty care and automation, it's clear that while the market is surging beyond $1.2 trillion, harnessing pharmacist-led medication management remains a cost-effective catalyst for better patient outcomes amidst a rapidly growing, tech-driven landscape.

Pharmacist Roles and Practice Settings

Pharmacists spend about 70% of their time on patient-care activities
Approximately 15% of pharmacists are involved in clinical specialization areas such as oncology, cardiology, or infectious disease
The pharmacy sector is seeing a rising trend in immunization services provided by pharmacists, with over 90% of pharmacies offering vaccinations
Pharmacists' role in managing chronic diseases like diabetes and hypertension is expanding significantly, with about 68% involved in such care
Around 50% of pharmacists are engaged in hospital or health-system pharmacy practice, providing specialized inpatient care
Pharmacists are increasingly involved in direct patient counseling, with over 90% providing medication guidance
The most common specialization among pharmacists is community pharmacy, followed by hospital pharmacy, with over 55% of pharmacists working in community settings
Pharmacists are now integral members of integrated healthcare teams, contributing to medication reconciliation and chronic disease management
Pharmacists can earn additional income through drug consulting and compounding services, which are increasingly in demand, increasing income by up to 10-15%
Approximately 80% of pharmacists are satisfied or very satisfied with their professional careers, citing patient interaction as a primary motivator
The presence of pharmacist-led clinics in community pharmacies has increased by over 30% in the last decade, expanding access to primary care
Pharmacists are increasingly involved in public health initiatives, including opioid stewardship programs, tobacco cessation, and health screenings, in over 80% of healthcare settings
Pharmacists' role in mental health care is expanding, with over 40% involved in medication management for psychiatric conditions
Pharmacists are increasingly engaging in health policy advocacy, with around 55% participating in lobbying or public health policy organizations
The percentage of pharmacists involvement in clinical research is around 10%, mainly in hospital or academic settings
About 85% of pharmacists report using clinical guidelines regularly to support patient care decisions
Pharmacists are increasingly providing outpatient management for HIV/AIDS patients, with over 50% involved in medication adherence programs
The percentage of pharmacies offering 24/7 services has increased to over 60%, improving access to emergency medications
Pharmacist participation in disease prevention programs, like flu vaccination campaigns, exceeds 95% in community settings
The average number of clinical interventions made by pharmacists per patient visit is approximately 2.5, indicating active involvement in medication management
The proportion of pharmacists working in outpatient clinics has increased by approximately 25% since 2015, expanding primary care roles
Pharmacist-led medication reviews in elderly patients can reduce hospital readmission rates by up to 15%, demonstrating medication safety impact
Pharmacists are increasingly involved in digital health interventions, including remote monitoring and mobile health apps, with about 30% adoption rate in community practices
Approximately 20% of pharmacists report involvement in teaching or academic research roles alongside practice, contributing to workforce development
In the U.S., nearly 30% of pharmacists hold advanced practice certifications like geriatric or oncology pharmacy, reflecting specialization trends
Pharmacists' participation in medication error prevention programs has reduced adverse events in hospitals by approximately 12%, enhancing patient safety
The use of pharmacogenomics testing in pharmacy practice is growing, with about 15% of pharmacists utilizing genetic information for personalized therapy

Pharmacist Roles and Practice Settings Interpretation

With pharmacists now wearing multiple hats—from vaccinators and chronic disease managers to healthcare advocates and digital health innovators—they're proving that behind every pill is a proactive partner committed to expanding primary care, enhancing safety, and reimagining the future of healthcare delivery.

Technological Innovations and Advancements

The adoption rate of electronic health records (EHR) in pharmacies exceeds 85%, improving medication safety
The use of automation and robotic dispensing systems has increased in pharmacies by over 60% in the last five years, reducing medication errors
The adoption of artificial intelligence in pharmacy practice is expected to grow at a CAGR of over 15% through 2030, streamlining drug discovery and patient care
More than 60% of pharmacists report using mobile apps and digital tools to assist in patient medication management
The average time spent on administrative tasks by pharmacists has decreased with automation, allowing more focus on clinical services
The adoption of blockchain technology in pharmacy supply chains is projected to grow at a CAGR of over 20%, enhancing drug traceability and security
By 2030, it is estimated that over 50% of pharmacists will have integrated artificial intelligence tools into their practice routines, improving accuracy and efficiency
The number of pharmacy-related patents filed annually globally has increased by over 35% in the past decade, indicating innovation in drug delivery and formulations
The use of 3D printing technology in pharmacy has enabled customized medication production, with over 10 active projects underway worldwide

Technological Innovations and Advancements Interpretation

Pharmacies are rapidly digitizing and innovating—shaping a future where electronic records, automation, AI, and blockchain converge to enhance safety, streamline workflows, and deliver personalized care, all while patenting their way into the next era of medicine.

Workforce and Employment Trends

There are over 450,000 licensed pharmacists in the United States
The average annual salary for pharmacists in the U.S. is approximately $128,000
Approximately 87% of pharmacists work in retail or community pharmacies
The majority of pharmacists (around 65%) are female
The employment of pharmacists is projected to grow 2% from 2021 to 2031, slower than average
About 60% of pharmacists hold a Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) degree
In the U.S., community pharmacists dispense over 4 billion prescriptions annually
The median age of licensed pharmacists in the U.S. is approximately 43 years
Pharmacists with additional certifications can earn up to 20% more than those without
The average number of prescriptions filled per day per pharmacist is around 150
Approximately 40% of pharmacists report burnout symptoms due to workload and stress
Telepharmacy services are used by over 70% of rural pharmacies to improve access to pharmaceutical care
The number of pharmacy technician positions in the U.S. exceeds 450,000, supporting pharmacists in daily duties
The average age of pharmacy technicians in the U.S. is approximately 36 years
The number of pharmacy graduates in the U.S. annually exceeds 15,000 students, ensuring a steady pipeline of professionals
Women pharmacists tend to earn slightly less than their male counterparts, with a gender pay gap of around 8%
The top three states with the highest employment level of pharmacists are California, Texas, and New York
The total workforce of pharmacy assistants, including technicians and clerks, is nearing 600,000 in the U.S., supporting pharmacy operations
The employment of pharmacists in emerging markets like China and India is projected to grow at a CAGR of about 8-10%, reflecting global expansion

Workforce and Employment Trends Interpretation

With over 450,000 licensed pharmacists predominantly female, earning around $128,000 and filling 4 billion prescriptions annually amid a slowly growing workforce facing burnout and gender pay gaps, the pharmacy profession stands at a crossroads between technological innovation and the pressing need for better work-life balance in an increasingly globalized healthcare landscape.