How much does a Pharmacist make?
Pharmacists play a vital role in healthcare, ensuring patients receive the right medications and advice. They work in various settings, including hospitals, clinics, and retail pharmacies. The average yearly salary for pharmacists is around $135,108. This figure can vary based on experience, location, and the type of employer.
The salary range for pharmacists can be quite broad. At the lower end, some pharmacists earn around $100,000 per year. As experience and expertise grow, salaries can rise significantly. The highest-paid pharmacists can earn over $180,000 annually. Factors like specialization, such as clinical pharmacy or oncology, can also influence earnings. Additionally, pharmacists in metropolitan areas often earn more than those in rural regions.
What are the highest paying cities for a Pharmacist?

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Santa Rosa, CA
Average Salary: $172,842
In Santa Rosa, professionals find rewarding opportunities in healthcare. Pharmacies here offer a mix of community and retail settings. Kaiser Permanente and Sutter Health are prominent employers.
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San Francisco, CA
Average Salary: $171,163
San Francisco offers a vibrant job market with many healthcare facilities. Pharmacies here cater to a diverse population. Companies like Walgreens and CVS provide excellent career growth.
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Modesto, CA
Average Salary: $163,759
Modesto provides a welcoming environment for healthcare workers. Pharmacies here focus on community care. Local chains like Rite Aid and Walgreens offer stable positions.
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Vallejo, CA
Average Salary: $163,645
Vallejo has a strong healthcare sector with many pharmacies. Professionals here enjoy a mix of retail and clinical work. Major employers include Walgreens and CVS.
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San Diego, CA
Average Salary: $162,060
San Diego offers a dynamic job market for healthcare professionals. Pharmacies here are part of large networks. Companies like Sharp HealthCare and Kaiser Permanente provide excellent opportunities.
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San Jose, CA
Average Salary: $161,604
San Jose has a thriving healthcare industry with many pharmacies. Professionals here benefit from a diverse patient base. Major employers include Walgreens and CVS.
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Salinas, CA
Average Salary: $157,183
Salinas offers a supportive community for healthcare professionals. Pharmacies here focus on patient care. Local employers like Walgreens and CVS provide stable positions.
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Sacramento, CA
Average Salary: $154,524
Sacramento provides a robust job market for healthcare workers. Pharmacies here offer a mix of retail and clinical services. Major employers include Walgreens and CVS.
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Salem, OR
Average Salary: $152,867
Salem offers a welcoming environment for healthcare professionals. Pharmacies here focus on community health. Employers like Walgreens and CVS provide excellent career opportunities.
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Yuma, AZ
Average Salary: $152,671
Yuma has a strong healthcare sector with many pharmacies. Professionals here enjoy a mix of community and retail work. Major employers include Walgreens and CVS.
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What are the best companies a Pharmacist can work for?

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John Muir Health
Average Salary: $207,719
John Muir Health offers rewarding Pharmacist jobs in Walnut Creek, CA. They focus on patient care and innovation. Their facilities provide a dynamic environment for professional growth.
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NorthBay Health
Average Salary: $198,564
NorthBay Health provides excellent Pharmacist positions in Fairfield, CA. They emphasize teamwork and patient-centered care. Their community-focused approach makes it a great place to work.
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Sutter Health
Average Salary: $198,034
Sutter Health offers competitive Pharmacist salaries in Sacramento, CA. They value innovation and quality care. Their diverse locations provide many opportunities for career advancement.
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Montage Health
Average Salary: $195,404
Montage Health provides attractive Pharmacist jobs in Monterey, CA. They focus on luxury patient care. Their serene environment supports a balanced work-life approach.
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Sharp HealthCare
Average Salary: $195,070
Sharp HealthCare offers rewarding Pharmacist positions in San Diego, CA. They prioritize patient safety and innovation. Their comprehensive benefits package enhances job satisfaction.
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Kaiser Permanente
Average Salary: $193,338
Kaiser Permanente provides excellent Pharmacist jobs in Oakland, CA. They focus on integrated care and patient satisfaction. Their large network offers diverse career opportunities.
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UCLA Health
Average Salary: $193,327
UCLA Health offers competitive Pharmacist salaries in Los Angeles, CA. They emphasize research and advanced patient care. Their academic setting provides a rich learning environment.
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Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center
Average Salary: $192,383
Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center provides rewarding Pharmacist jobs in Seattle, WA. They focus on cancer research and patient care. Their innovative approach makes it a top choice for professionals.
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CHOC Children's
Average Salary: $182,891
CHOC Children's offers excellent Pharmacist positions in Orange, CA. They prioritize pediatric care and family support. Their child-friendly environment enhances job satisfaction.
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Stanford Health Care
Average Salary: $182,706
Stanford Health Care provides competitive Pharmacist salaries in Stanford, CA. They focus on cutting-edge research and patient care. Their prestigious reputation attracts top talent.
How to earn more as a Pharmacist?
Pharmacists have the opportunity to earn more by exploring various avenues. One effective way is to specialize in a niche area of pharmacy. Specialization can lead to higher-paying positions and more job opportunities. For example, becoming a clinical pharmacist or a pharmacist specializing in oncology can command higher salaries.
Another way to increase earnings is to pursue additional certifications. Certifications in areas like immunization, diabetes management, or medication therapy management can make a pharmacist more valuable to employers. These certifications often lead to higher pay and better job prospects. Working in a high-demand area can also boost earnings. Pharmacists in rural or underserved areas may receive higher pay to compensate for the challenges of working in those locations. Seeking positions in hospitals, clinics, or pharmaceutical companies can also lead to higher salaries compared to retail pharmacy settings. Finally, gaining experience and advancing to managerial roles can significantly increase earnings. Pharmacists who take on leadership positions often see a substantial increase in their income.
Consider these factors to enhance earning potential:
- Specialize in a niche area
- Pursue additional certifications
- Work in high-demand areas
- Seek positions in hospitals or clinics
- Advance to managerial roles



