The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is one of the largest healthcare employers in the United States, providing medical care and support services to millions of military veterans. Pharmacists play a critical role within the VA system, ensuring veterans receive safe, effective medications and proper guidance on treatment plans.
Because of the importance of their work, many people are curious about the VA pharmacist salary, bonuses, and benefits in 2025. Whether you are a student planning to become a pharmacist, a practicing professional considering federal employment, or simply researching federal healthcare pay structures, understanding how VA pharmacists are compensated is essential.
This guide provides a comprehensive breakdown of VA pharmacist salaries in 2025, including base pay, allowances, overtime, bonuses, benefits, and career progression. By the end, you’ll have a complete picture of what it means financially and professionally to work as a pharmacist in the Department of Veterans Affairs.
VA Pharmacist Salary Structure (2025 Overview)
Unlike many federal employees who are paid under the General Schedule (GS), VA pharmacists are paid under the Title 38 Hybrid system, which gives the VA flexibility to offer competitive salaries aligned with the private healthcare sector.
Salary levels depend on:
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Experience (entry-level, mid-career, senior)
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Education (Doctor of Pharmacy, residency, board certification)
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Geographic location (cost of living adjustments)
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Specialty or clinical focus
Typical VA Pharmacist Levels in 2025:
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Entry-Level Pharmacist (Grade 11–12): Newly licensed PharmD graduates.
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Mid-Level Pharmacist (Grade 13): Several years’ experience or clinical specialization.
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Senior/Clinical Specialist (Grade 14–15): Advanced certification, leadership, or supervisory roles.
Pay Scale Breakdown (Base Salary – 2025 Estimates)
| Level | Approx. Annual Salary | Approx. Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Entry-Level (GS-11 equivalent) | $85,000 – $105,000 | $40 – $50 |
| Mid-Level (GS-12/13 equivalent) | $106,000 – $130,000 | $51 – $62 |
| Senior Pharmacist (GS-14 equivalent) | $131,000 – $150,000 | $63 – $72 |
| Clinical Specialist/Leadership | $150,000 – $160,000+ | $72 – $78 |
Note: Salaries vary depending on locality adjustments, demand in high-cost cities, and individual qualifications.
Locality Pay Adjustments
VA pharmacists, like other federal healthcare professionals, receive locality pay to reflect cost of living differences across the U.S.
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High-cost regions (San Francisco, New York, Washington, D.C.): Salaries may be 15%–30% higher than base pay.
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Mid-cost regions (Texas, Illinois, Colorado): Salaries remain close to national averages.
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Lower-cost regions (Midwest, South): Salaries are closer to the base pay range.
For example:
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A mid-level VA pharmacist in San Francisco may earn $140,000 annually.
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The same role in Oklahoma might pay $115,000 annually.
Factors That Influence VA Pharmacist Salary
Several factors determine how much a pharmacist earns at the VA in 2025:
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Grade and Step Level – Higher grades and step increases raise pay.
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Locality Pay – Based on where the VA facility is located.
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Special Certifications – Board Certified Pharmacotherapy Specialist (BCPS) or other specialties can lead to higher pay.
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Overtime & Holiday Pay – Extra income for extended hours or covering shifts.
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Performance Incentives – Some VA facilities offer recruitment or retention bonuses for hard-to-fill locations.
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Experience – Longer service means higher grade and step progression.
Role and Responsibilities of a VA Pharmacist
Understanding the scope of the role explains the salary levels:
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Dispensing Medications: Filling prescriptions accurately for veterans.
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Clinical Guidance: Advising physicians and patients on drug interactions and therapies.
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Medication Management: Monitoring treatment outcomes for chronic conditions.
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Patient Education: Helping veterans understand their prescriptions.
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Specialized Care: Many VA pharmacists work in oncology, mental health, geriatrics, and other specialties.
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Research & Training: Some pharmacists participate in VA clinical trials or train new staff.
Benefits of Working as a VA Pharmacist
In addition to salary, VA pharmacists enjoy one of the most comprehensive federal benefits packages in the U.S.:
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Health Insurance
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Access to the Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) program.
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Wide range of plan options with significant employer contributions.
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Retirement Plans
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Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS).
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Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) with government matching (similar to a 401k).
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Paid Leave
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13–26 days of annual leave (based on years of service).
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13 days of sick leave per year.
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11 paid federal holidays.
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Work-Life Balance
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Opportunities for flexible schedules and telework (depending on department).
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Predictable work hours compared to retail pharmacy.
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Professional Development
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Funded continuing education.
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Opportunities for clinical specialization and leadership roles.
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Career Progression for VA Pharmacists
VA pharmacists benefit from a structured, predictable career path:
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Entry Level: New graduates start around Grade 11–12.
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Mid-Level: After 3–5 years, advancement to Grade 13 with specialization.
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Senior Level: Clinical specialists, supervisors, or pharmacy managers at Grade 14–15.
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Beyond Pharmacist Roles: Opportunities to advance into clinical administration, policy, or facility leadership, with salaries exceeding $160,000 annually.
Comparison with Other Pharmacist Roles
How does a VA pharmacist’s salary compare to other pharmacist positions?
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Retail Pharmacists (CVS/Walgreens, 2025): $125,000 – $135,000 (higher stress, less stability).
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Hospital Pharmacists (non-VA): $120,000 – $145,000 depending on hospital.
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Academic Pharmacists: $90,000 – $120,000, often lower but with teaching/research perks.
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VA Pharmacists: $106,000 – $150,000+, competitive with strong benefits and federal job security.
Key Influencing Factors on VA Pay in 2025
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Federal Budget Allocations: Salaries depend on congressional appropriations.
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Inflation Adjustments: Federal workers, including VA staff, received an average 4.7% raise in 2025.
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Workforce Demand: VA pharmacists are in high demand due to a growing veteran population with complex medical needs.
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Union Influence: Some VA staff benefit from collective bargaining agreements influencing conditions.
Joining Requirements for VA Pharmacists
To qualify as a pharmacist in the Department of Veterans Affairs:
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Education: Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) degree.
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Licensure: Active state pharmacist license.
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Preferred: Residency training (PGY-1/PGY-2) or board certification.
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Skills: Strong clinical knowledge, communication, and patient care skills.
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Background Check: Must pass federal background clearance.
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Citizenship: U.S. citizenship is required.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
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What is the starting salary for a VA pharmacist in 2025?
Most new hires start between $85,000 and $105,000 annually, depending on location. -
How much can an experienced VA pharmacist make?
Senior pharmacists and clinical specialists can earn $150,000+ annually with locality adjustments. -
Do VA pharmacists receive bonuses?
Yes, recruitment and retention bonuses may be offered in high-demand areas. -
Is overtime available for VA pharmacists?
Overtime and holiday pay are available, though not as frequent as in retail pharmacy. -
Do VA pharmacists get student loan forgiveness?
Yes. Pharmacists qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program. -
Are VA pharmacist jobs remote?
While most positions are on-site, some administrative and telepharmacy roles allow limited remote work. -
What retirement benefits do VA pharmacists get?
FERS pension, Social Security, and TSP with matching contributions. -
How often do VA pharmacists get raises?
Step increases occur every 1–3 years within grades, plus annual federal raises. -
Do VA pharmacists need residency training?
Not always, but residencies and board certifications improve hiring chances and pay. -
Is working as a VA pharmacist a good career?
Yes. It offers federal job security, strong benefits, and competitive pay compared to private sector pharmacy.
Summary Table – VA Pharmacist Salary & Benefits (2025)
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Pay Scale | Hybrid Title 38 (Grade 11–15) |
| Starting Salary | $85,000 – $105,000 |
| Experienced Salary | $130,000 – $150,000+ |
| Locality Pay | 15% – 30% depending on region |
| Overtime | Available during peak demand |
| Bonuses | Recruitment & retention incentives |
| Benefits | FEHB health insurance, FERS retirement, TSP, paid leave |
| Career Growth | Advancement to clinical specialist, supervisory, or leadership roles |
| Work Options | Hospital, outpatient, and specialty pharmacy |
| Loan Forgiveness | Eligible for PSLF |
| Retirement | FERS pension + TSP with match |
Conclusion
The Veterans Affairs pharmacist salary in 2025 offers a highly competitive and stable income, especially when paired with generous federal benefits. Entry-level pharmacists earn solid starting pay, while experienced specialists can surpass $150,000 annually, depending on location and qualifications.
Beyond salary, VA pharmacists enjoy federal job security, strong retirement benefits, student loan forgiveness opportunities, and a healthy work-life balance compared to retail pharmacy.
For pharmacists seeking a rewarding career that combines professional growth, financial stability, and the honor of serving U.S. veterans, the VA is one of the best employers in 2025.