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Pharmacist Salary in California

How much does a Pharmacist make in California?

Last updated: 2024 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics

$165,150
Median Annual Salary
$162,110
Mean Salary
$165,150
Median Salary
$79.40
Hourly Rate
34,490 people work as Pharmacist in California

About This Job: Pharmacist

Dispense drugs prescribed by physicians and other health practitioners and provide information to patients about medications and their use. May advise physicians and other health practitioners on the selection, dosage, interactions, and side effects of medications.

Top Skills

Reading Comprehension
4.0
Active Listening
4.0
Speaking
4.0
Writing
3.88
Critical Thinking
3.88

Key Knowledge Areas

Medicine and Dentistry
4.64
Mathematics
4.49
Customer and Personal Service
4.16
English Language
4.16
Chemistry
4.11
Typical Education: Doctoral Degree (78.4% of workers)

Source: O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor

Salary Range: Pharmacist in California

Salaries for Pharmacist in California range from $87,170 at the 10th percentile (entry level) to $208,070 at the 90th percentile (experienced). The middle 50% earn between $137,540 and $197,000.

Median $165,150
P10: $87,170 P25: $137,540 P75: $197,000 P90: $208,070
10th
$87,170
25th
$137,540
Median
$165,150
75th
$197,000
90th
$208,070
Percentile Annual Salary Hourly Rate Monthly
10th Percentile (Entry Level) $87,170 $41.91 $7,264
25th Percentile $137,540 $66.12 $11,461
Median (50th) $165,150 $79.40 $13,762
75th Percentile $197,000 $94.71 $16,416
90th Percentile (Experienced) $208,070 $100.03 $17,339

Note: The mean (average) salary of $162,110 differs from the median because salary distributions are typically skewed by high earners.

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What does this salary really buy? See Pharmacist salary in California adjusted for cost of living →

Pharmacist Salary by State

Compare Pharmacist pay across states — sorted by highest median salary.

View all 50 states →

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Pharmacist make in California?
The median annual salary for a Pharmacist in California is $165,150 as of 2024. The average (mean) salary is $162,110.
What is the salary range for a Pharmacist in California?
Salaries for Pharmacist in California range from $87,170 at the 10th percentile to $208,070 at the 90th percentile. The middle 50%% earn between $137,540 and $197,000.
What is the starting salary for a Pharmacist in California?
Entry-level Pharmacist positions in California typically start around $87,170 (10th percentile). With some experience, salaries rise to $137,540 (25th percentile).
How many people work as Pharmacist in California?
According to 2024 BLS data, approximately 34,490 people are employed as Pharmacist in California.
What is the hourly rate for a Pharmacist in California?
Based on a standard 2,080-hour work year, the median hourly rate for a Pharmacist in California is approximately $79.40 per hour.

Data Source & Methodology

Salary data is sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, 2024 estimates. The OEWS survey covers approximately 1.1 million establishments nationwide.

Annual salaries are calculated based on a standard 2,080-hour work year. Actual compensation may vary based on experience, education, employer, and local market conditions. Figures do not include benefits, bonuses, or overtime pay.

Our Methodology · Data Sources · Source: BLS OEWS