HEALTH Specialization

Pharmacology

Pharmacology graduates earn $68,883 four years out. Related careers are growing at up to 17.3%, one of the stronger demand signals across all fields. Health Specialties Teachers is among the highest-growth roles in the field.

About Pharmacology

Pharmacology is a focused area of study within Biology. Graduates typically earn around $68,883 four years out, a solid return for a focused credential. The program is available at 130 colleges across the U.S., from community colleges to research universities. About 1,179 students complete this program each year, most earning a master's. Training is clinical and hands-on, often leading to licensure or certification.


Median Earnings · 1yr
$39,202
Median Earnings · 4yr
$68,883
Colleges Offering
130
Graduates / Year
1,179
Avg Net Price / yr
$18,996

How Much Do Pharmacology Graduates Earn?

Pharmacology graduates earn $68,883 four years out, above the national median for college graduates. The middle 50% of earners fall between $50,740 and $92,819. Earnings typically jump significantly in the first few years. The one-year figure of $39,202 climbs to $68,883 by year four.

$39,202
1 Year After Graduation

Starting salaries only. Earnings in this field grow substantially in the first 3 to 5 years.

$68,883
4-Year National Median

Above the national median for college graduates.

$64,445
4-Year Institutional Median

Median of per-school medians. Each reporting college counts equally, regardless of size.


Earnings Range

There is a wide earnings spread across Pharmacology graduates. Specialization and credential level drive most of the gap. Advanced practice roles (nurse practitioners, CRNAs, physician assistants) anchor the top; entry-level clinical and support roles sit at the bottom.


Why This Program Pays Off Fast

Strong ROI. At median 4-year earnings of $68,883 against an estimated $75,984 four-year net cost, most graduates break even against baseline wages in under two years.

Based on outcomes from 25 schools. Colleges with fewer than 30 graduates are excluded from national averages.

Who Studies This? Credential Breakdown

Of the 1,179 students who complete Pharmacology programs each year, the majority (43%) earn a master's degree. The breakdown below shows the full credential distribution.

Master's 43%
Doctorate 36%
Bachelor's 20%

What Can You Do With a Pharmacology Degree?

Pharmacology connects to 8 occupations in the job market. Natural Sciences Managers leads at $167,220/yr median. Expand any card to see daily responsibilities, in-demand skills, and 10-year growth projections.

↗ +3.7% Zone 5: Extensive preparation
$167,220
$119K $222K 25th–75th pct.
Bachelor's degree 8,500 openings/yr 109K employed nationally
Science Reading Comprehension Active Listening Reading Comprehension Active Listening
Day-to-day responsibilities

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as life sciences, physical sciences, mathematics, statistics, and research and development in these fields.

  • Hire, supervise, or evaluate engineers, technicians, researchers, or other staff.
  • Design or coordinate successive phases of problem analysis, solution proposals, or testing.
  • Plan or direct research, development, or production activities.
↗ +17.3% Zone 5: Extensive preparation
$107,310
$76K $210K 25th–75th pct.
Doctoral or professional degree 27,400 openings/yr 221K employed nationally
Reading Comprehension Instructing Speaking Critical Thinking Active Learning
Day-to-day responsibilities

Teach courses in health specialties, in fields such as dentistry, laboratory technology, medicine, pharmacy, public health, therapy, and veterinary medicine.

  • Prepare course materials, such as syllabi, homework assignments, and handouts.
  • Keep abreast of developments in the field by reading current literature, talking with colleagues, and participating in professional conferences.
  • Evaluate and grade students' class work, assignments, and papers.
↗ +8.7% Zone 5: Extensive preparation
$103,410
$80K $139K 25th–75th pct.
Doctoral or professional degree 9,600 openings/yr 172K employed nationally
Writing Active Learning Science Speaking Judgment and Decision Making
Day-to-day responsibilities

Conduct research dealing with the understanding of human diseases and the improvement of human health. Engage in clinical investigation, research and development, or other related activities.

  • Follow strict safety procedures when handling toxic materials to avoid contamination.
  • Evaluate effects of drugs, gases, pesticides, parasites, and microorganisms at various levels.
  • Plan and direct studies to investigate human or animal disease, preventive methods, and treatments for disease.
↗ +12.5% Zone 4: Considerable preparation
$90,150
$70K $112K 25th–75th pct.
Bachelor's degree 14,900 openings/yr 141K employed nationally
Active Listening Writing Speaking Reading Comprehension Social Perceptiveness
Day-to-day responsibilities

Review, evaluate, and analyze work environments and design programs and procedures to control, eliminate, and prevent disease or injury caused by chemical, physical, and biological agents or ergonomic factors. May conduct inspections and enforce adherence to laws and regulations governing the health and safety of individuals. May be employed in the public or private sector.

  • Recommend measures to help protect workers from potentially hazardous work methods, processes, or materials.
  • Develop or maintain hygiene programs, such as noise surveys, continuous atmosphere monitoring, ventilation surveys, or asbestos management plans.
  • Order suspension of activities that pose threats to workers' health or safety.
↗ +7.3% Zone 5: Extensive preparation
$84,620
$64K $127K 25th–75th pct.
Doctoral or professional degree 5,400 openings/yr 50K employed nationally
Speaking Learning Strategies Instructing Reading Comprehension Active Listening
Day-to-day responsibilities

Teach courses in biological sciences. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

  • Evaluate and grade students' class work, laboratory work, assignments, and papers.
  • Prepare and deliver lectures to undergraduate or graduate students on topics such as molecular biology, marine biology, and botany.
  • Plan, evaluate, and revise curricula, course content, and course materials and methods of instruction.
↗ +4.4% Zone 4: Considerable preparation
$82,220
$64K $108K 25th–75th pct.
Bachelor's degree 8,500 openings/yr 89K employed nationally
Reading Comprehension Reading Comprehension Writing Speaking Critical Thinking
Day-to-day responsibilities

Conduct research or perform investigation for the purpose of identifying, abating, or eliminating sources of pollutants or hazards that affect either the environment or public health. Using knowledge of various scientific disciplines, may collect, synthesize, study, report, and recommend action based on data derived from measurements or observations of air, food, soil, water, and other sources.

  • Communicate scientific or technical information to the public, organizations, or internal audiences through oral briefings, written documents, workshops, conferences, training sessions, or public hearings.
  • Monitor effects of pollution or land degradation and recommend means of prevention or control.
  • Collect, synthesize, analyze, manage, and report environmental data, such as pollution emission measurements, atmospheric monitoring measurements, meteorological or mineralogical information, or soil or water samples.
↗ +8.5% Zone 3: Medium preparation
$61,560
$52K $79K 25th–75th pct.
High school diploma or equivalent 3,400 openings/yr 31K employed nationally
Active Listening Reading Comprehension Speaking Critical Thinking Writing
Day-to-day responsibilities

Collect data on work environments for analysis by occupational health and safety specialists. Implement and conduct evaluation of programs designed to limit chemical, physical, biological, and ergonomic risks to workers.

  • Evaluate situations or make determinations when a worker has refused to work on the grounds that danger or potential harm exists.
  • Supply, operate, or maintain personal protective equipment.
  • Train workers in safety procedures related to green jobs, such as the use of fall protection devices or maintenance of proper ventilation during wind turbine construction.
↗ +1.2% Zone 4: Considerable preparation
$59,920
$48K $76K 25th–75th pct.
Associate's degree 1,100 openings/yr 12K employed nationally
Critical Thinking Reading Comprehension Active Listening Active Learning Science
Day-to-day responsibilities

Apply theory and principles of environmental engineering to modify, test, and operate equipment and devices used in the prevention, control, and remediation of environmental problems, including waste treatment and site remediation, under the direction of engineering staff or scientists. May assist in the development of environmental remediation devices.

  • Maintain project logbook records or computer program files.
  • Record laboratory or field data, including numerical data, test results, photographs, or summaries of visual observations.
  • Perform environmental quality work in field or office settings.

Top Colleges for Pharmacology

The 20 colleges below are ranked by how many Pharmacology students they graduate each year. Scroll right to compare acceptance rate, net price, and median earnings side by side.

# College Graduates Acceptance Net Price/yr Earnings 10yr
1 Wright State University-Main Campus Dayton, OH · Public 73 96.3% $15,415 $49,500
2 Michigan State University East Lansing, MI · Public 62 84.8% $19,680 $67,253
3 University of California-Santa Barbara Santa Barbara, CA · Public 62 33% $16,109 $74,915
4 Ohio State University-Main Campus Columbus, OH · Public 50 60.6% $17,339 $60,409
5 Drexel University Philadelphia, PA · Nonprofit 33 79.4% $38,509 $84,648
6 University of Wisconsin-Madison Madison, WI · Public 32 45.2% $17,354 $73,792
7 University of California-Davis Davis, CA · Public 30 41.8% $14,741 $80,838
8 University of Rochester Rochester, NY · Nonprofit 30 40.1% $29,278 $79,042
9 Fairleigh Dickinson University-Metropolitan Campus Teaneck, NJ · Nonprofit 30 90.7% $15,404 $57,273
10 Colorado State University-Fort Collins Fort Collins, CO · Public 28 88.5% $21,279 $60,543
11 University of California-Irvine Irvine, CA · Public 25 28.6% $14,251 $80,735
12 University of Louisiana at Monroe Monroe, LA · Public 25 84.8% $13,466 $46,769
13 University of Michigan-Ann Arbor Ann Arbor, MI · Public 23 15.6% $13,138 $83,648
14 University of Southern California Los Angeles, CA · Nonprofit 23 9.8% $32,740 $92,498
15 CUNY York College Jamaica, NY · Public 23 64.1% $4,456 $56,945
16 University at Buffalo Buffalo, NY · Public 22 74.2% $20,995 $70,814
17 University of Minnesota-Twin Cities Minneapolis, MN · Public 21 79.8% $16,778 $69,020
18 Arizona State University Campus Immersion Tempe, AZ · Public 20 89.9% $14,967 $62,668
19 Georgetown University Washington, DC · Nonprofit 20 12.9% $40,815 $103,494
20 CUNY John Jay College of Criminal Justice New York, NY · Public 17 57.1% $3,203 $56,195

Ranked by Pharmacology graduate volume. Scroll right to compare key stats. Read our methodology →

Plan Your Path

Decide with data, not guesswork. These tools turn the numbers on this page into a personal plan. Estimate the real cost of a Pharmacology program, compare colleges side-by-side, weigh the long-term payoff, and find schools that match your profile.

Pharmacology Degree: Pros & Cons

Strong earnings and positive career growth make Pharmacology a solid option. The 4 strengths and 2 trade-offs below are data-sourced from College Scorecard, BLS, and IPEDS.

PROS
  • Above-average earnings Four-year median of $68,883 puts graduates ahead of many humanities and social science programs.
  • Strong salary growth Median earnings climb from $39,202 at graduation to $68,883 four years later, a clear sign of career momentum in this field.
  • Fast-growing field Related careers are projected to grow up to +17.3% over the next decade, with Health Specialties Teachers among the fastest-growing roles.
  • Strong hiring volume Related occupations generate more than 78,800 job openings per year combined, creating consistent demand for graduates.
CONS
  • Licensure often required Most roles in this field require state licensure or certification before you can practice. Budget time and costs for board exams alongside your degree.
  • Advanced degree often expected Top roles in this field typically expect a master's degree or higher. A bachelor's may be a starting point rather than a terminal credential for the most competitive positions.

Pharmacology Degree: Frequently Asked Questions

How much do Pharmacology graduates earn?
Pharmacology graduates earn a national median of $68,883 four years after completing their program. The middle 50% of earners fall between $50,740 and $92,819. Where you land typically depends on employer, role, and location.
What is the starting salary for a Pharmacology degree?
One year after graduation, Pharmacology degree holders earn a median of $39,202. That climbs to $68,883 four years out. The biggest salary jumps typically come once you move past entry-level roles.
What jobs can you get with a Pharmacology degree?
Pharmacology degree holders pursue careers including Natural Sciences Managers, which pays a median of $167,220/yr. Scroll down to the Career Paths section to see wages and job growth projections for every related occupation.
How long does a Pharmacology program take?
While a bachelor's in this area takes four years, many Pharmacology students continue to a master's degree, adding one to two years. Some schools offer accelerated 5-year combined programs.
How many colleges offer Pharmacology?
130 colleges and universities in the United States offer Pharmacology programs. Options range from community colleges with certificates and associate degrees to research universities with doctoral tracks.
Is a Pharmacology degree worth it?
With a median 4-year salary of $68,883 and an average net price of roughly $18,996/yr, a Pharmacology degree can pay off well, especially at lower-cost schools and in high-demand roles. Use the Top Colleges section below to compare specific programs before deciding.
What is the difference between Pharmacology and Biology?
Pharmacology is a focused concentration within the broader Biology field. The Biology major covers the full discipline; this program narrows the curriculum to Pharmacology-specific courses, skills, and career tracks. If you already know this is the direction you want, the specialized program gives you a more targeted credential.
What skills do employers look for in Pharmacology graduates?
Employers hiring Pharmacology graduates consistently prioritize clinical judgment, patient communication, and evidence-based decision-making. Licensure, certifications, and supervised clinical hours are typically required or strongly preferred in most roles.
Is graduate school worth it for Pharmacology graduates?
In health fields, advanced degrees (nurse practitioner, physician assistant, doctor of physical therapy) typically unlock significantly higher salaries and expanded scope of practice, making graduate education a strong investment for most students. The right answer depends on your career goals, program cost, and whether your target role explicitly rewards an advanced credential.
What is the job outlook for Pharmacology graduates?
The job outlook for Pharmacology graduates is moderate overall. Related occupations project an average of +8.0% job growth over the next 10 years. Health Specialties Teachers is among the strongest-growth roles at +17.3%. Growth varies by role and location, so check the Career Paths section for projections on each specific occupation.

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