Walmart Pharmacy pay increase: How much will employees earn now? Who is eligible?

By Admin

06 Feb, 2026

US retail giant Walmart has announced a significant pay hike for thousands of employees working in its Pharmacy division, reinforcing its focus on strengthening local healthcare delivery and creating long-term career growth opportunities for associates.

The announcement, shared through a press release, highlights Walmart’s continued investment in pharmacy teams across its vast network of stores.

Pay hike details: what has changed
Walmart revealed that 3,000 pharmacy technician roles have been elevated to operations team lead positions. As a result, the average hourly pay for these associates has increased from $22 per hour to $28 per hour.

Employees earning $28 an hour can potentially earn up to $42 an hour, depending on their location and role responsibilities. In addition, bonus pay may be available based on store location and performance factors.

Walmart also confirmed that pharmacy technicians who currently earn an average of $22 an hour will now be eligible for wages of up to $40.50 an hour. Operations team leads, who help oversee daily pharmacy operations and support pharmacists and pharmacy managers, can earn up to $42 an hour, excluding bonuses.

Why Walmart Pharmacy is increasing pay
The pay increase comes as Walmart aims to expand staffing and strengthen its pharmacy teams across more than 4,600 locations nationwide. The company is also scaling up its digital and healthcare offerings, including Better Care Services, access to Eli Lilly’s LillyDirect programme, and expanded pharmacy delivery options.

According to Walmart, these changes are designed to support the company’s growth plans while ensuring customers continue to receive reliable, high-quality care close to home.

Walmart described the move as more than just a compensation update. The company said the investment is about strengthening the care experience in communities while creating clear, long-term career pathways for associates. Pharmacy technicians play a critical role in the healthcare journey by supporting patients, coordinating care, and keeping pharmacies running smoothly.

Who is eligible for the new roles
Walmart stated that anyone can apply for pharmacy sales associate, pharmacy technician, or operations team lead positions. No college degree is required to enter these roles.

The company also pays for associates to become certified pharmacy technicians. Since 2016, more than 22,000 Walmart associates have completed their certification through company-supported programmes.

Benefits offered to pharmacy associates
In addition to higher pay, pharmacy associates at Walmart have access to a comprehensive benefits package. This includes low-cost, high-quality medical coverage, 401(k) plans with a 6% company match, paid time off including parental leave, and an associate discount on most in-store items.

With this latest pay hike, Walmart is positioning its Pharmacy division as an attractive career option for those looking to enter or grow within the healthcare retail sector, while also reinforcing its commitment to community-based care and workforce development.