How much does a Pharmacist make?
Pharmacists play a vital role in healthcare, and their compensation reflects the value of their work. The average yearly salary for a pharmacist stands at $134,950. This figure provides a general idea of what one might expect to earn. The salary range can vary based on factors such as location, experience, and the type of employer.
Looking at the salary distribution, pharmacists can expect the following:
- 1.45% earn between $73,956 and $84,505
- 1.12% earn between $84,505 and $95,055
- 1.77% earn between $95,055 and $105,604
- 5.40% earn between $105,604 and $116,154
- 12.87% earn between $116,154 and $126,703
- 40.99% earn between $126,703 and $137,253
- 14.53% earn between $137,253 and $147,802
- 7.65% earn between $147,802 and $158,352
- 4.86% earn between $158,352 and $168,901
- 2.55% earn between $168,901 and $179,451
- 1.81% earn more than $190,000
What are the highest paying cities for a Pharmacist?

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San Francisco, CA
Average Salary: $173,628
In San Francisco, healthcare is a priority, and pharmacists play a key role. They work in busy pharmacies and hospitals. Major employers include Kaiser Permanente and UCSF Health.
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Santa Rosa, CA
Average Salary: $172,608
Santa Rosa offers a close-knit community with several pharmacy options. Pharmacists here work in both independent and chain stores. Local employers include Sutter Health and Safeway.
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San Diego, CA
Average Salary: $167,746
San Diego's warm climate and vibrant culture create a welcoming environment for pharmacists. They serve diverse populations in well-established pharmacies. Major employers include Scripps Health and CVS Pharmacy.
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San Jose, CA
Average Salary: $167,738
San Jose is a tech hub with plenty of job opportunities. Pharmacists find roles in various settings, from retail to hospital pharmacies. Employers include Stanford Health Care and Walgreens.
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Vallejo, CA
Average Salary: $166,658
Vallejo offers a mix of suburban and urban living. Pharmacists here enjoy working in community settings. They serve at places like Kaiser Permanente and Walgreens.
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Modesto, CA
Average Salary: $166,512
Modesto provides a friendly atmosphere with many community pharmacies. Pharmacists can find jobs in both retail and hospital settings. Major employers include Walmart and Rite Aid.
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Salinas, CA
Average Salary: $160,451
Salinas is known for its agricultural roots. Pharmacists here support both local communities and farm workers. They work at pharmacies like CVS and Walgreens.
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Honolulu, HI
Average Salary: $160,254
In Honolulu, pharmacists benefit from the island lifestyle. They serve a diverse population in both retail and hospital settings. Employers include Kaiser Permanente and CVS Pharmacy.
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Salem, OR
Average Salary: $156,458
Salem offers a balanced mix of urban and rural life. Pharmacists here enjoy serving a diverse community. They can find roles at places like Kaiser Permanente and Walgreens.
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Sacramento, CA
Average Salary: $156,096
Sacramento is the state capital with many pharmacy opportunities. Pharmacists work in various settings, from community stores to hospitals. Major employers include Kaiser Permanente and Walgreens.
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What are the best companies a Pharmacist can work for?

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Asereth Medical Services
Average Salary: $251,000
Asereth Medical Services offers competitive salaries for Pharmacists. They provide services in various states across the United States. Pharmacists work in diverse environments, including retail, hospitals, and clinics.
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John Muir Health
Average Salary: $210,165
John Muir Health provides rewarding opportunities for Pharmacists. They operate in the Bay Area of California. Pharmacists here are involved in patient care, medication management, and health education.
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El Camino Health
Average Salary: $206,961
El Camino Health offers excellent Pharmacist positions. They serve patients in the San Francisco Bay Area. Pharmacists work in hospitals and outpatient settings, ensuring patient safety with medications.
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NorthBay Health
Average Salary: $204,778
NorthBay Health is a leading employer for Pharmacists. They provide healthcare services in Northern California. Pharmacists at NorthBay Health focus on providing personalized care and medication therapy management.
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Stanford Health Care
Average Salary: $200,570
Stanford Health Care offers competitive Pharmacist salaries. They are based in the San Francisco Bay Area. Pharmacists here collaborate with top medical professionals to provide advanced patient care.
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Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center
Average Salary: $200,495
Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center offers rewarding positions for Pharmacists. They are located in Seattle, Washington. Pharmacists work in oncology, ensuring patients receive safe and effective cancer treatments.
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Sutter Health
Average Salary: $198,837
Sutter Health provides excellent opportunities for Pharmacists. They serve Northern California communities. Pharmacists here manage patient medications and provide health education in various settings.
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UCLA Health
Average Salary: $196,417
UCLA Health offers competitive salaries for Pharmacists. They are part of a prestigious academic medical center in Los Angeles, California. Pharmacists work in both teaching hospitals and community clinics.
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Kaiser Permanente
Average Salary: $194,034
Kaiser Permanente provides rewarding Pharmacist positions. They operate nationwide, with a strong presence in California. Pharmacists work in integrated healthcare settings, focusing on patient wellness and disease prevention.
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Sharp HealthCare
Average Salary: $190,410
Sharp HealthCare offers competitive opportunities for Pharmacists. They serve the San Diego area in California. Pharmacists here focus on patient care, medication management, and health education.
How to earn more as a Pharmacist?
Pharmacists play a crucial role in healthcare. They ensure patients receive the right medications. A pharmacist can increase their earnings by pursuing certain strategies. These steps can lead to better job opportunities and higher pay. The right choices can make a big difference in a pharmacist's career.
Here are some factors that can help pharmacists earn more:
- Specialization: Pharmacists can earn more by specializing in a certain area. This can be in areas like oncology, pediatrics, or geriatrics. Specializing makes a pharmacist more valuable to employers.
- Advanced Education: Earning a postgraduate degree can lead to higher pay. A Master’s in Pharmacy Administration (MPA) or a Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) can open doors to higher-paying jobs.
- Certification: Becoming certified in a niche area can boost earnings. Certifications like Board Certified Pharmacotherapy Specialist (BCPS) are highly valued by employers.
- Location: Pharmacists in certain areas earn more. Urban centers or regions with a shortage of pharmacists tend to offer higher wages. Considering relocation can be a smart move.
- Experience: Gaining more experience can lead to higher pay. Working in different pharmacy settings can build a solid resume. Experience makes a pharmacist more attractive to potential employers.



