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PBM Manager Salary in the United States

How much does a PBM Manager make in the United States?

As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a PBM Manager in the United States is $152,700 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $73.

However, a PBM Manager's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $159,769
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $145,300 to $156,400
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $138,563
Salary Factors Salary-Boosting Skills Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Key Factors That Influence PBM Manager Salaries

A PBM Manager's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how geographic location and company size can directly affect your earning potential.

How Do PBM Manager Salaries Vary from State to State?

Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract PBM Managers. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $169,000.
  • California: $168,400.
  • Massachusetts: $166,100.

Top Paying Cities for PBM Managers

Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:

  • San Jose: $192,500
  • San Francisco: $190,400
  • Oakland: $186,400

PBM Manager Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

PBM Manager salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $169,291. While startup companies pay approximate $143,542.

PBM Manager Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $143,542
Growth Stage 51~500 $151,737
Established 501~5000 $163,535
Enterprise 5000+ $169,291

PBM Manager Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For PBM Manager roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 45% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Insurance and Healthcare sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 20% above the average. In contrast, PBM Manager positions in Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit or Pharmaceuticals typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view PBM Manager as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a PBM Manager

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Insurance$183,240$88.020%
Healthcare$175,605$84.015%

PBM Manager Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a PBM Manager's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.

Last Updated on September 01, 2026
$145,300
Average $152,700/year
$156,400
$12,108
Average $12,725/month
$13,033
$2,794
Average $2,937/week
$3,008
$70
Average $73/hour
$75
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $156,400 $13,033 $3,008 $75
Average $152,700 $12,725 $2,937 $73
25th Percentile $145,300 $12,108 $2,794 $70

PBM Manager Salary Growth & Career Path

PBM Manager

Next Role

Advancement

For a PBM Manager, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the PBM Senior Manager role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $180,600 - a projected growth of 18% over your current level.

Most common benefits for PBM Manager

  • Social Security
  • 401 (k)
  • Disability
  • Healthcare
  • Pension
  • Time Off (days)

Common company salaries for PBM Manager

Here are companies hiring for PBM Manager and their salaries, click below for more details.

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FAQ about PBM Manager

1. What industry pays the highest salary for PBM Manager?

The Insurance industry offers the highest average compensation for PBM Manager roles, with salaries approximately 20% above the market median.

2. Do PBMs make a lot of money?

PBMs can earn substantial salaries, with a minimum of $153,000, a mid-range of $165,100, and a maximum of $181,700. They generate around $315 billion annually through various income streams, including rebate sharing, pharmacy spread, PBM-owned pharmacies, administrative fees, and DIR fees, contributing to their overall profitability.

3. What type of manager pays the most?

The highest-paid manager roles typically include positions such as PBM Manager, with salaries ranging from $153,000 to $181,700. Other high-paying managerial positions may include store manager, farm manager, and marketing manager, among others. These roles often offer competitive compensation reflecting their responsibilities and industry demands.

4. What is the highest salary of Pharma?

The highest salary for a PBM Manager is $181,700. In the pharmaceutical industry, salaries can vary significantly, with roles like Pharmaceutical Scientists earning around $12 LPA and Clinical Researchers around $5 LPA. However, the PBM Manager position stands out with a competitive salary range, reflecting its importance in the sector.

5. What PBM owns Walgreens?

Scripts or AllianceRx Walgreens Pharmacy provides mail and specialty pharmacy services. In December 2021, Walgreens acquired Prime Therapeutics' 45% ownership interest, resulting in no PBM ownership in 2022. As of June 2022, the company was rebranded as AllianceRx Walgreens Pharmacy. The salary range for a PBM Manager is between $153,000 and $181,700, with a midpoint of $165,100.

6. Which big pharma pays the most?

Based on the salary data for a PBM Manager, the compensation ranges from a minimum of $153,000 to a maximum of $181,700, with a mid-salary of $165,100. This suggests that top-paying companies in the pharmaceutical sector offer competitive salaries, potentially exceeding those reported by Bristol-Myers, which had a median pay of $112,174 last year.

7. How much does a PBM make?

A Pharmacy Benefit Manager (PBM) typically earns between $153,000 and $181,700 annually, with a median salary of around $165,100. This is significantly higher than the average salaries reported in various states, indicating that PBMs generally receive a competitive compensation package.

Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.

We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)

With the most extensive online, real-time compensation data available, Salary.com helps you pinpoint your exact pay target.

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