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Key Takeaways:
Pharmacists in the U.S. depend on specialty, experience, and location.- Learn about the average pharmacist salary in usa.
- Discover why the U.S. is at the top of the list for Indian pharmacists.
- Understand how salaries vary based on location and area.
- Get to know the steps to become a registered pharmacist in the U.S.
- Find out which U.S. cities offer the highest pay to pharmacists.
- Explore the benefits of working in the U.S.
- Info about expert guidance to start your pharmacy career in the U.S.
Who is eligible to become a Registered Pharmacist in the USA?
Candidates graduated before January 1, 2003, you must have completed at least a 4-year pharmacy program at the time of graduation. Candidates graduated on or after January 1, 2003, you must have completed at least a 5-year pharmacy program at the time of graduation.Pathway to Becoming a Registered Pharmacist in the USA
Step1:-1.Write the English TOEFL EXAM. The valid scores are
For applications accepted before September 1, 2025:
- Reading: 22
- Listening: 21
- Speaking: 26
- Writing: 24
For applications accepted on or after October 25, 2025:
- Reading: 21
- Listening: 22
- Speaking: 25
- Writing: 22
Step 2: Complete the FPGA Application, pay the application fee, and submit the documentation.
1. Create a NABP e-Profile by inserting all required information and uploading all the documents
2. FPGEC application fee is $750, which includes a $100 100administrative fee and a $650 document evaluation fee, which can be paid by Bank transfer. 3. The FPGEC does not accept electronically submitted documents. 4. Pharmacists should submit all required documents within 3 months of submitting their The FPGEC Attestation is among the documents you will need to send by mail as part of of the application process. (refer to https://nabp.pharmacy/programs/foreign-pharmacy/fpgee/) 5. Submit the evaluation report application to ECE 6. Submit the pharmacist’s license , registration ID, and supporting docs 7. Once all the documents are received, FPGEE will take 8 weeks to complete the process. 8. After successfully completing the documentation, candidates can now apply for the FPGEE exam.What is the FPGEE EXAM?
The FPGEE is an examination administered by the NABP to assess foreign pharmacy graduates for the purpose of granting FPGEC certification. It is designed to access the knowledge in four major pharmacy content areas: 10% – Basic Biomedical Sciences 33% – Pharmaceutical Sciences 22% – Social/Behavioral/Administrative Sciences 35% – Clinical Sciences The FPGEE is a 200-question computer-based exam with a 4.5-hour testing period.What is the NAPLEX exam?
International pharmacists who have cleared the FPGEE exam need to write the NAPLEX exam The NAPLEX exam evaluates the practical pharmacy knowledge. It is a computer-based exam with 225 questions, with 6-hour testing periodsWhat is the MPJE EXAM?
After passing the FPGEE EXAM and the NAPLEX exam, pharmacists need to write the MPJE to obtain the licensure for working in the USA The MPJE assesses candidates’ application of laws and regulations specific to their state or jurisdiction and is taken by graduates of ACPE-accredited pharmacy schools.Salaries of Pharmacists in the USA?
In the U.S. in 2025, the average pharmacist’s salary varies. Still, sources indicate a median range of approximately $123,010 to $137,480 per year, with the highest earners earning around $178,690 annually and the lowest around $132,556.| Industry | Average Salary (USD) |
|---|---|
| Ambulatory health care services | $150,110 |
| Hospitals: state, local, and private | $144,460 |
| General merchandise retailers | $141,880 |
| Pharmacies and drug stores | $131,290 |
Which cities are paying more for pharmacists in the USA?
Pharmacist salaries vary from city to city when applying for a pharmacist position. The table below explains the various salaries for the different cities| City | Average Salary (USD) | Approx. in INR (₹) |
|---|---|---|
| New York, NY | $161,066 | ₹1.37 crore |
| Syracuse, NY | $142,438 | ₹1.21 crore |
| Los Angeles, CA | $136,771 | ₹1.16 crore |
| Phoenix, AZ | $135,976 | ₹1.16 crore |
| Memphis, TN | $135,586 | ₹1.15 crore |
| Philadelphia, PA | $134,635 | ₹1.15 crore |
| Denver, CO | $134,578 | ₹1.15 crore |
| Austin, TX | $132,620 | ₹1.13 crore |
| Chicago, IL | $127,355 | ₹1.08 crore |
| Houston, TX | $125,897 | ₹1.07 crore |
What are the benefits of becoming a pharmacist in the USA?
There are many benefits of becoming a pharmacist in the USA, such as:-- High job security
- Better work-life balance
- Career progression
- Rewarding patient care
- Rewarding salary
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Pharmacist Career & Exams in the USA
Yes, working in the USA is a rewarding career where every pharmacist is paid well.
Yes, an Indian pharmacist with a 6-year pharmacy degree can apply for the FPGEE exam, the NAPLEX exam, and after passing the licensure exam, they can work as a pharmacist in the USA.
International pharmacists holding a 6-year pharmacy degree are eligible to take the FPGEE exam.
A minimum score of 75 is needed for passing the exam.
The average annual salary for a pharmacist in the USA was $137,480 in May 2024.
The FPGEE exam is designed to assess knowledge in four major pharmacy content areas:
• 10% - Basic Biomedical Sciences
• 33% - Pharmaceutical Sciences
• 22% - Social/Behavioral/Administrative Sciences
• 35% - Clinical Sciences
A minimum score of 75 is needed to pass the exam.
Candidates are allowed 5 attempts to pass the NAPLEX exam.
Elite Expertise helps pharmacists from the very beginning of their preparation, not only for the FPGEE and NAPLEX but also for the OPRA Exam, PEBC Exam, and PSI Equivalence Exam.
