Pharmacist in the USA: Licensing, Salaries, and Visas

The pharmaceutical market in the United States offers significant opportunities for qualified professionals from around the world, including Brazilians with a pharmacy degree. With a median annual salary of $137,480 according to 2024 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), and a projected 5% growth in job openings through 2034, a pharmaceutical career in the country combines financial stability with high demand for professionals. For Brazilian pharmacists, the path to legal practice in the United States requires a rigorous licensing process, proven English proficiency, and proper migration planning.

Licensing in the USA

To work as a pharmacist in the United States, professionals trained outside the country must obtain the FPGEC (Foreign Pharmacy Graduate Examination Committee) certification, issued by the NABP (National Association of Boards of Pharmacy). This certification is a mandatory prerequisite for applying for a state license and involves multiple steps. The FPGEC certification process includes:

• Validation of the pharmacy degree through an educational evaluation conducted by the NABP
• Passing the TOEFL iBT, with minimum section scores set by the NABP
• Passing the FPGEE (Foreign Pharmacy Graduate Equivalency Examination), a comprehensive exam with 200 questions, lasting 4.5 hours, and a scaled passing score of 75

Starting January 2026, the minimum TOEFL iBT scores have been updated by the NABP for the new test format: Reading 4, Listening 5, Writing 4.5, and Speaking 5. TOEFL results are valid for two years from the exam date.

After FPGEC certification, the pharmacist must complete additional steps to obtain a license in the chosen state. These steps include:

• Passing the NAPLEX (North American Pharmacist Licensure Examination), which assesses clinical and technical competencies
• Passing the MPJE (Multistate Pharmacy Jurisprudence Examination), which tests knowledge of the pharmaceutical laws of the chosen state
• Completion of a supervised practical internship, when required by the state
• Application for the license with the state Board of Pharmacy

The FPGEE is administered once a year, with the 2026 edition scheduled for October 15 and registration opening on May 15. Candidates have a maximum of five attempts to pass, and the score is valid for five years from the exam date.

Updated Salaries

Pharmacist compensation in the United States is among the highest in the healthcare field. According to the BLS (May 2024 data), the median annual salary is $137,480, equivalent to approximately $66 per hour. The top 10% earn over $172,040 annually, while the bottom 10% receive about $86,930.

Compensation varies significantly depending on the work environment: pharmacists in outpatient services earn an average of $164,180 per year, professionals in hospitals receive about $149,240, and those in retail pharmacy approximately $131,640. States like California lead with an average salary around $157,280 annually. Other factors influencing salary include clinical specialization, professional experience, and work schedule.

Regional Demand

The demand for pharmacists remains strong nationwide, driven by an aging population, expansion of healthcare services, and advances in personalized medicine. The BLS projects 5% employment growth between 2024 and 2034, a rate higher than the overall occupational average. States such as California, Texas, Florida, New York, and Pennsylvania have the highest number of job openings and the most competitive salaries.

In addition to major urban centers, regions with lower population density often face a shortage of professionals, creating strategic opportunities for qualified foreigners. The fastest-growing areas include clinical pharmacy, medication therapy management, specialized hospitals, the pharmaceutical industry, and biotechnology. With proper planning, it is possible to align regional demand, compensation, and quality of life to maximize professional returns in the United States.

Visas for Pharmacists

To work professionally as a pharmacist in the United States, in addition to a professional license, appropriate immigration status is required. Migration planning should be conducted in parallel with the licensing process to optimize timelines. Among the most commonly used options for professionals in the field are:

• H-1B, for specialized professionals with a job offer from a U.S. employer
• L-1, for transfers within multinational companies with operations in the United States
• EB-2 NIW (National Interest Waiver), a permanent residency category that can waive the job offer requirement when the professional’s work is considered in the national interest

The EB-2 NIW is an especially strategic alternative for experienced pharmacists working in high-demand areas or with direct impact on public health, such as serving communities with a shortage of professionals. The petition is filed using form I-140 with the USCIS, with a fee of $715. For those needing faster processing, premium processing costs $2,965 and guarantees USCIS action within 45 business days.

Process Timeline

The complete process, from FPGEC registration to obtaining the state license, usually takes two to four years. This period includes preparation and passing of exams, completion of the supervised internship, and processing of the license with the state Board of Pharmacy. Migration planning should be conducted in parallel to avoid delays that could compromise the use of the professional license.

Brazilian pharmacists who prepare in advance, invest in English proficiency, and understand each step of the American licensing process have excellent prospects for building a solid and well-paid career in the United States. The combination of high demand, competitive salaries, and multiple visa options makes this path one of the most promising for healthcare professionals seeking to work internationally.

Victoria Harper

Editor-in-Chief

Meet the author

Leading journalism and editorial content at Visto n’ Visa, Victoria helps make immigration topics clear, trustworthy, and easy to understand. Her focus is on delivering useful, human, and relevant content for people exploring new paths abroad.