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 stands at $135,637. This figure reflects the importance of their work and the specialized knowledge they bring to the table.
Pharmacists can expect to earn different salaries based on their experience and location. For example, those with less than a year in the field might earn around $100,000. As experience grows, so does the salary. Pharmacists with over 20 years in the industry can earn upwards of $187,940 annually. This range highlights the potential for career growth and financial rewards in the field of pharmacy.
What are the highest paying cities for a Pharmacist?

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Santa Rosa, CA
Average Salary: $171,943
Santa Rosa offers a vibrant community with a strong healthcare sector. Pharmacies here work closely with local hospitals and clinics. Kaiser Permanente and Sutter Health are prominent employers in the area.
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San Francisco, CA
Average Salary: $170,695
San Francisco provides a dynamic environment with a diverse population. Pharmacies here often serve a wide range of medical needs. UCSF Health and Walgreens are key employers in the city.
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Modesto, CA
Average Salary: $164,321
Modesto is a growing city with a welcoming community. Pharmacies here focus on providing essential services. Local chains like CVS and Walgreens are major employers.
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Vallejo, CA
Average Salary: $164,268
Vallejo offers a mix of urban and suburban living. Pharmacies here cater to both local residents and military personnel. Walgreens and CVS are prominent employers in the area.
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San Jose, CA
Average Salary: $163,909
San Jose is a tech hub with a thriving healthcare industry. Pharmacies here often work with tech companies and startups. Kaiser Permanente and Walgreens are key employers.
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San Diego, CA
Average Salary: $162,648
San Diego offers a sunny climate and a strong healthcare sector. Pharmacies here serve a diverse population. Sharp HealthCare and Walgreens are major employers in the area.
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Salinas, CA
Average Salary: $157,962
Salinas is a central California city with a focus on agriculture. Pharmacies here provide essential services to the community. Walgreens and CVS are prominent employers.
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Salem, OR
Average Salary: $155,307
Salem offers a blend of urban and rural living. Pharmacies here serve a diverse population. Walgreens and CVS are key employers in the area.
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Sacramento, CA
Average Salary: $154,608
Sacramento is the capital city with a strong healthcare sector. Pharmacies here cater to a wide range of medical needs. Kaiser Permanente and Walgreens are major employers.
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Fresno, CA
Average Salary: $154,065
Fresno offers a vibrant community with a strong agricultural sector. Pharmacies here provide essential services to the local population. CVS and Walgreens are prominent employers.
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What are the best companies a Pharmacist can work for?

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John Muir Health
Average Salary: $207,794
John Muir Health offers rewarding Pharmacist jobs in Walnut Creek, CA. They focus on patient care and provide a supportive work environment. Their team works together to ensure the best outcomes for patients.
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El Camino Health
Average Salary: $205,149
El Camino Health provides excellent Pharmacist jobs in Mountain View, CA. They emphasize teamwork and innovation. Pharmacists here play a key role in patient care and medication management.
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NorthBay Health
Average Salary: $204,980
NorthBay Health offers competitive Pharmacist salaries in Fairfield, CA. They value their pharmacists for their expertise and dedication. The company provides a collaborative environment for professional growth.
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Sutter Health
Average Salary: $197,745
Sutter Health offers Pharmacist jobs in various locations across California. They focus on quality patient care and offer many opportunities for career advancement. Pharmacists here work in a supportive and innovative setting.
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Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center
Average Salary: $195,977
Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center provides Pharmacist jobs in Seattle, WA. They specialize in cancer care and research. Pharmacists here are part of a team dedicated to improving patient outcomes.
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Sharp HealthCare
Average Salary: $195,050
Sharp HealthCare offers Pharmacist jobs in San Diego, CA. They focus on patient-centered care and provide a dynamic work environment. Pharmacists here are valued for their skills and dedication.
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Kaiser Permanente
Average Salary: $194,676
Kaiser Permanente offers Pharmacist jobs in various locations across California. They emphasize teamwork and provide many opportunities for professional development. Pharmacists here play a vital role in patient care.
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UCLA Health
Average Salary: $193,956
UCLA Health provides Pharmacist jobs in Los Angeles, CA. They focus on innovation and patient care. Pharmacists here work in a collaborative environment and contribute to cutting-edge research.
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Stanford Health Care
Average Salary: $189,594
Stanford Health Care offers Pharmacist jobs in Stanford, CA. They emphasize excellence in patient care and provide a supportive work environment. Pharmacists here are part of a team dedicated to improving health outcomes.
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CHOC Children's
Average Salary: $183,454
CHOC Children's provides Pharmacist jobs in Orange, CA. They focus on pediatric care and offer a collaborative environment. Pharmacists here play a key role in ensuring the best care for children.
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, such as clinical pharmacy, oncology, or pediatrics. Another way is to pursue additional certifications. These can enhance skills and make a pharmacist more valuable in the job market. Working in a high-demand area can also increase earning potential. This includes urban centers or regions with a shortage of pharmacists. Taking on leadership roles, such as a pharmacy manager, can also lead to higher salaries. Finally, pharmacists can increase their income by working in different settings, such as hospitals, clinics, or retail pharmacies.
Pharmacists can also boost their earnings by advancing their education. Obtaining a Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) degree or a Master’s degree can open up higher-paying positions. Networking with other professionals in the field can lead to job opportunities that offer better pay. Participating in continuing education courses can also keep skills sharp and make a pharmacist more competitive. Seeking out positions in industries that value pharmacists highly, such as pharmaceutical companies, can also lead to higher salaries. Lastly, pharmacists can increase their income by offering additional services, such as medication therapy management or immunizations.



