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Pharmacists are a crucial component of the health care process. Their work involves much more than just dispensing prescribed medications. Pharmacists offer advice on over-the-counter medications, work with doctors on selecting the best medication, giving the proper dosage, and checking for any possible side effects when a patient is on multiple medications. Some pharmacists actually compound the medications, mixing the correct doses for the patient.

Every state requires a pharmacist to be licensed, and in order to take the licensing exams you need a PharmD degree, which takes about four years to attain and replaces the bachelor's degree once required. Many PharmD programs require applicants to have two to four years of college experience; check with your intended school. There are a number of licensing exams required; every state requires the North American Pharmacist Licensure Exam. Many states also require the Multistate Pharmacy Jurisprudence Exam, while some states have their own licensing exam that students must also pass.

Pharmacist Salary: 2009 Data

The employment outlook for a pharmacist is expected to grow faster than average over the 2008-2018 time period. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) predicts 17 percent growth, and the BLS also notes the mean annual pharmacist salary in May 2009 was $106,630. Similarly, Salary.com reports the median annual wage as $110,958. That figure varies, however, depending on where you live, and what industry you work in.

The top paying industries for a pharmacist are:

• Management, scientific, and technical consulting services: $116,710
• Residential mental retardation, mental health, and substance abuse facilities: $114,580
• Insurance carriers: $111,390
• Management of companies and enterprises: $110,860
• Employment services: $110,480

The top paying states for a pharmacist are:

• California: $117,080
• Maine: $115,760
• Alabama: $115,060
• Minnesota: $113,500
• Alaska: $113,460

Certain cities top the highest paying list, even though they aren't on the highest-paying states list, for various reasons. The top three highest paying metropolitan areas are South Bend-Mishawaka, IN-MI ($104,660); Richmond, VA ($112,870); and Gainesville, FL ($97,280).

While high salaries are great, the area's cost of living is another factor to consider when choosing where to live. According to the Missouri Economic Research and Information Center's study of the third quarter of 2010, Virginia had the 22nd lowest cost of living in the country, making that high salary go even further. Wisconsin was right behind at 23rd, while Florida was just 25th.

Getting Pharmacist Training Online

While there are parts of a pharmacist degree that require attending a traditional campus, there are many online programs that offer pharmacy technology, as well as basic degree requirements that can be fulfilled at an online school. For those wishing to start their career as soon as possible, getting a pharmacist technician degree online can help you get into the industry, and while you may not be able to complete all of your pharmacist training online, you can start the process of getting your PharmD degree.