In 2023, the number of professionally active pharmacists in the US stood at approximately 327.5 thousand. The forecast from 2024 to 2028 displays a consistent upward trend in the number of pharmacists, increasing from 330.8 thousand in 2024 to 344.73 thousand by 2028. This reflects a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of roughly 1.05% over these five years. Year-on-year growth shows steady increases: 1.06% from 2024 to 2025, 1.05% from 2025 to 2026, and similar trends continue towards 2028.
Future trends to watch for include the impact of technological advancements such as AI in pharmacy practice, potential shifts in healthcare policies affecting pharmacist roles, and evolving pharmaceutical demands due to aging populations and chronic disease prevalence. These factors could significantly influence pharmacist employment and practices in the coming years.
