GraduateSmart
GraduateSmart
Study how drugs interact with biological systems. Work in pharmaceutical companies developing new medications, or in academic research advancing drug science.
$85,000
Lower reported wage
—
Not available in our data
$168,210
Upper reported wage
Annual U.S. salaries. Actual pay varies by location, employer, and experience. The lower and upper figures do not represent starting and senior salaries.

Build a personalized Roadmap Plan with CLEP savings and school matches.
Create free account →BLS medical scientists is a related benchmark; pharmacist practice follows a separate licensed path. [1]
Search CareerOneStop by occupation and state, then confirm the rules with the issuing agency. Coverage is incomplete; an empty result does not mean no license is required.
About license data coverageAsk whether any internship, field placement, or supervised training in your chosen route is paid; arrangements vary.
Exam is FREE with Modern States
Sign up free at modernstates.org, complete the course, and receive a voucher that covers the full $97 exam fee.
modernstates.orgCLEP Biology
3 credits · Biology & Science
$1,703
saved
CLEP Chemistry
3 credits · Science
$1,703
saved
CLEP Natural Sciences
3 credits · Science
$1,703
saved
CLEP Calculus
4 credits · Mathematics
$2,303
saved
U.S. career guide. Program, employer, and state requirements can differ.
No Pharmacologist SOC. Aggregated to 19-1042. Shares this SOC with Neuroscientist. Industry pharmacologists typically fall in the upper percentiles.
Annual median review, October 27, 2026: The stored BLS occupation includes a broader population than this specialty, title, or credential. No separate annual median for this role has been verified in the reviewed source, so the broader occupation median is not presented as its own. Sources: https://www.bls.gov/oes/2025/may/oes_stru.htm . Existing employment and projection figures were not refreshed.
Illustration: AI-generated image · Illustrative scene
Compare tuition after aid, required supplies and exams, travel, and any unpaid training time for the route you choose.
Planning questions: request a written estimate from each program or sponsor. A total cost has not been verified here.
A related major can be preparation; it does not by itself qualify you for the career.
Direct research subject route; compare laboratory and graduate opportunities. [1]
Investigate how drugs act, evaluate evidence, and document findings. [1]
Research institutions, universities, pharmaceutical firms, and medical centers. [1]
Usually full time; experiments and project deadlines may extend hours. [1]
Strict protocols, reproducibility, and patient-safety implications demand care. [1]
Advanced research experience can lead to study or team leadership. [1]
These are possible directions. Promotion timing and pay depend on the role and employer.