Pharmacist Salaries
How much does a Pharmacist make?
Pharmacists play a vital role in healthcare, ensuring patients receive the right medications and advice. Their work is highly valued, and this is reflected in their salaries. On average, a pharmacist earns around $133,864 per year. This figure can vary based on experience, location, and the type of employer.
Pharmacists often start with lower salaries, but these increase as they gain more experience. For example, a pharmacist with less than a year of experience might earn around $92,460. As they move up, those with 10-20 years of experience can earn between $161,849 and $170,523. The highest earners, with over 20 years of experience, can make up to $187,870 annually. This progression shows that dedication and experience in the field can lead to significant rewards.
What are the highest paying cities for a Pharmacist?

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San Francisco, CA
Average Salary: $170,152
In San Francisco, professionals find rewarding opportunities in healthcare. The city's diverse population and tech-savvy residents create a unique environment. Companies like Walgreens and CVS offer dynamic roles.
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Santa Rosa, CA
Average Salary: $167,966
Santa Rosa provides a balanced lifestyle with a strong community focus. Pharmacists here work in a supportive environment. Local chains such as Walgreens and CVS provide excellent career growth.
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Vallejo, CA
Average Salary: $164,925
Vallejo offers a mix of urban and suburban living. Pharmacists enjoy a relaxed pace while still being part of a vibrant community. Local pharmacies like Walgreens and CVS offer stable positions.
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San Jose, CA
Average Salary: $159,950
San Jose, known for its tech industry, also values healthcare. Pharmacists here work in cutting-edge environments. Companies like Walgreens and CVS provide many opportunities for career advancement.
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San Diego, CA
Average Salary: $159,198
San Diego offers a sunny climate and a strong healthcare sector. Pharmacists benefit from a growing population. Local chains like Walgreens and CVS offer diverse roles.
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Modesto, CA
Average Salary: $158,576
Modesto provides a welcoming environment with a strong community spirit. Pharmacists here enjoy a slower pace of life. Local pharmacies like Walgreens and CVS offer stable and rewarding positions.
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Sacramento, CA
Average Salary: $155,480
Sacramento offers a blend of urban and rural living. Pharmacists here find a supportive community. Companies like Walgreens and CVS provide excellent career opportunities.
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Salinas, CA
Average Salary: $154,323
Salinas, known for its agriculture, also offers good healthcare opportunities. Pharmacists here enjoy a close-knit community. Local pharmacies like Walgreens and CVS offer stable positions.
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Yuma, AZ
Average Salary: $152,950
Yuma provides a warm climate and a friendly community. Pharmacists here enjoy a relaxed lifestyle. Local pharmacies like Walgreens and CVS offer good career opportunities.
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Fresno, CA
Average Salary: $152,346
Fresno offers a diverse population and a strong healthcare sector. Pharmacists here find many opportunities. Companies like Walgreens and CVS provide excellent career growth.
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What are the best companies a Pharmacist can work for?

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San Francisco Department of Public Health
Average Salary: $207,222
The San Francisco Department of Public Health offers rewarding Pharmacist positions. They operate in San Francisco, CA. Pharmacists here focus on public health initiatives, ensuring community access to essential medications.
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John Muir Health
Average Salary: $201,649
John Muir Health provides excellent Pharmacist roles. They serve in Walnut Creek, Concord, and Pleasant Hill, CA. Pharmacists here work in a collaborative environment, focusing on patient care and medication management.
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Sharp HealthCare
Average Salary: $199,431
Sharp HealthCare offers competitive Pharmacist positions. They operate in San Diego, CA. Pharmacists here are involved in innovative healthcare practices, ensuring high-quality patient care.
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Montage Health
Average Salary: $197,132
Montage Health provides rewarding Pharmacist roles. They serve in Monterey, CA. Pharmacists here focus on patient safety and medication therapy management in a scenic location.
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Sutter Health
Average Salary: $195,668
Sutter Health offers excellent Pharmacist positions. They operate in Northern California. Pharmacists here work in a large network, providing comprehensive medication services.
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UCLA Health
Average Salary: $189,710
UCLA Health provides competitive Pharmacist roles. They serve in Los Angeles, CA. Pharmacists here engage in cutting-edge research and patient care in an academic setting.
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MemorialCare
Average Salary: $189,706
MemorialCare offers rewarding Pharmacist positions. They operate in Southern California. Pharmacists here focus on patient-centered care and medication management in a community-based setting.
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Kaiser Permanente
Average Salary: $187,996
Kaiser Permanente provides excellent Pharmacist roles. They serve in California and other states. Pharmacists here work in an integrated healthcare system, focusing on preventive care and medication therapy.
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NorthBay Health
Average Salary: $184,383
NorthBay Health offers competitive Pharmacist positions. They operate in Fairfield, CA. Pharmacists here focus on patient care and medication management in a community hospital setting.
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CHOC Children's
Average Salary: $181,664
CHOC Children's provides rewarding Pharmacist roles. They serve in Orange County, CA. Pharmacists here focus on pediatric care and medication management, ensuring the best outcomes for young patients.
How to earn more as a Pharmacist?
Pharmacists have the opportunity to earn more by taking several steps. They can increase their income by gaining experience and advancing in their careers. Specializing in a particular area of pharmacy can also lead to higher pay. Working in a high-demand location can offer better salary opportunities. Networking with other professionals can open doors to higher-paying positions. Continuing education and certifications can also boost earning potential.
Pharmacists can improve their earnings by focusing on these key areas. First, gaining experience in different pharmacy settings can make them more valuable. Second, specializing in areas like oncology or geriatrics can lead to higher-paying roles. Third, working in areas with a shortage of pharmacists can result in better compensation. Fourth, building a strong professional network can lead to job opportunities that pay more. Lastly, obtaining additional certifications and continuing education can make pharmacists more competitive in the job market.
Consider these factors to increase earning potential. Pharmacists can achieve higher salaries by:
- Gaining experience in various pharmacy settings.
- Specializing in high-demand areas of pharmacy.
- Working in locations with a shortage of pharmacists.
- Building a strong professional network.
- Obtaining additional certifications and continuing education.