How much does a Pharmacy Intern make?
Pharmacy interns play a vital role in the healthcare industry. They gain hands-on experience and learn the skills needed to become licensed pharmacists. The average yearly salary for a pharmacy intern is around $50,661. This salary can vary based on experience, location, and the specific employer.
Pharmacy interns often start with lower salaries and see increases as they gain more experience. For example, those in the first 10% of earners make about $32,000 per year. As interns gain more experience, their salaries can rise to around $78,550 per year for those in the top 10%. This range shows the potential for growth and advancement in the field. Pharmacy interns can also benefit from additional training and certifications, which may lead to higher salaries.
What are the highest paying cities for a Pharmacy Intern?

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San Jose, CA
Average Salary: $62,286
In San Jose, pharmacy interns gain valuable experience in a bustling tech hub. They work alongside experienced pharmacists at major chains like CVS and Walgreens. The city offers diverse opportunities for professional growth.
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Santa Rosa, CA
Average Salary: $61,305
Santa Rosa provides a welcoming environment for pharmacy interns. They work in community-focused pharmacies, gaining hands-on experience. Local companies like Walgreens and Rite Aid offer excellent training programs.
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Pueblo, CO
Average Salary: $59,850
Pueblo offers a supportive setting for pharmacy interns. They work in both large chains and independent pharmacies. Interns benefit from a close-knit community and diverse patient interactions.
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Sacramento, CA
Average Salary: $59,404
Sacramento is a vibrant city for pharmacy interns. They work in various settings, from hospitals to retail pharmacies. Major employers like CVS and Walgreens provide robust training and mentorship.
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Modesto, CA
Average Salary: $58,252
Modesto offers a friendly environment for pharmacy interns. They work in community-oriented pharmacies, gaining practical experience. Local chains like Walgreens and CVS offer excellent internship opportunities.
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Fresno, CA
Average Salary: $57,172
Fresno provides a diverse setting for pharmacy interns. They work in a variety of pharmacies, from large chains to independent stores. The city offers many opportunities for professional development and growth.
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San Francisco, CA
Average Salary: $56,521
San Francisco offers a dynamic environment for pharmacy interns. They work in cutting-edge pharmacies and healthcare facilities. Major employers like Walgreens and CVS provide top-notch training and mentorship.
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Fort Myers, FL
Average Salary: $55,995
Fort Myers offers a warm and welcoming environment for pharmacy interns. They work in a range of pharmacies, from local chains to independent stores. The city provides many opportunities for professional growth and development.
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Bakersfield, CA
Average Salary: $55,588
Bakersfield offers a supportive setting for pharmacy interns. They work in community-focused pharmacies, gaining practical experience. Local chains like Walgreens and CVS offer excellent internship opportunities.
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Seattle, WA
Average Salary: $55,287
Seattle provides a vibrant environment for pharmacy interns. They work in diverse settings, from hospitals to retail pharmacies. Major employers like Walgreens and CVS offer robust training and mentorship.
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What are the best companies a Pharmacy Intern can work for?

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Kaiser Permanente
Average Salary: $74,925
Kaiser Permanente offers Pharmacy Intern jobs with a focus on patient care. They operate in multiple states, including California, Colorado, and Washington. Interns gain hands-on experience in various settings.
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NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital
Average Salary: $74,232
NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital provides Pharmacy Intern positions in New York City. Interns work in a dynamic environment, learning from experienced pharmacists. They focus on patient care and medication management.
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Northwell Health
Average Salary: $60,000
Northwell Health offers Pharmacy Intern jobs in New York. Interns work in a large healthcare system, gaining experience in both community and hospital settings. They learn about patient care and medication dispensing.
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Mount Sinai Health System
Average Salary: $58,670
Mount Sinai Health System provides Pharmacy Intern positions in New York City. Interns work in a teaching hospital, learning from top pharmacists. They focus on patient care and medication safety.
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King Soopers
Average Salary: $58,176
King Soopers offers Pharmacy Intern jobs in Colorado. Interns work in a retail pharmacy setting, learning about customer service and medication management. They gain experience in a fast-paced environment.
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Safeway
Average Salary: $55,362
Safeway provides Pharmacy Intern positions across multiple states. Interns work in retail settings, learning about customer service and medication management. They gain experience in a busy environment.
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Walgreens
Average Salary: $54,883
Walgreens offers Pharmacy Intern jobs nationwide. Interns work in a retail pharmacy, learning about customer service and medication management. They gain experience in a fast-paced environment.
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Vons
Average Salary: $53,818
Vons provides Pharmacy Intern positions in California. Interns work in a retail pharmacy, learning about customer service and medication management. They gain experience in a busy environment.
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Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center
Average Salary: $53,730
Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center offers Pharmacy Intern jobs in Idaho. Interns work in a hospital setting, learning about patient care and medication management. They gain experience in a supportive environment.
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Fairview Health Services
Average Salary: $53,313
Fairview Health Services provides Pharmacy Intern positions in Minnesota. Interns work in a hospital setting, learning about patient care and medication management. They gain experience in a supportive environment.
How to earn more as a Pharmacy Intern?
Pharmacy interns can explore various avenues to enhance their earning potential. By focusing on specific strategies, interns can increase their value and compensation. One effective approach is to seek out internships that offer competitive pay. Researching and applying to positions that provide higher wages can lead to immediate financial benefits.
Another strategy is to gain additional certifications. Certifications in specialized areas of pharmacy can make an intern more attractive to employers. These credentials can lead to higher-paying opportunities and career advancement. Networking with professionals in the field also opens doors to better-paying positions. Attending industry events and joining professional organizations can connect interns with potential employers who offer competitive salaries.
Interns should also consider taking on extra responsibilities at their current internship. Volunteering for additional tasks or projects can demonstrate their commitment and capability. This proactive approach can impress supervisors and lead to higher pay or bonuses. Lastly, negotiating salary during the hiring process can make a significant difference. Interns should be prepared to discuss their value and the market rate for their role.
Here are some key factors to consider:
- Seek internships with competitive pay.
- Obtain additional certifications in specialized areas.
- Network with professionals in the pharmacy field.
- Take on extra responsibilities at current internships.
- Negotiate salary during the hiring process.



