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Pharmacists Salary in California
Last updated: 2025 BLS data · Page refreshed:
How much do Pharmacists make in California?
Last updated: 2025 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics
$164,610
Median Annual Salary
▼
-0.3% vs 2024
$162,340
Mean Salary
$164,610
Median Salary
$79.14
Hourly Rate
34,030 people work as Pharmacists in California
Pharmacists salary by percentile in California
BLS-reported salary distribution — from entry-level (10th percentile) to top earners (90th percentile).
Pharmacists in California earn a median salary of $164,610 per year ($13,717/month).
This is 15.2% above the national average of $142,891.
California ranks #3 out of 51 states for Pharmacists pay.
Approximately 34,030 people work in this occupation across California.
Salaries decreased by 0.3% compared to 2024.
About This Job: Pharmacists
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)
Salaries for Pharmacists in California range from $90,560 at the 10th percentile (entry level) to $213,820 at the 90th percentile (experienced). The middle 50% earn between $138,360 and $197,860.
The median annual salary for Pharmacists in California is $164,610 as of 2025. The average (mean) salary is $162,340.
What is the salary range for a Pharmacists in California?
Salaries for Pharmacists in California range from $90,560 at the 10th percentile to $213,820 at the 90th percentile. The middle 50% earn between $138,360 and $197,860.
What is the starting salary for a Pharmacists in California?
Entry-level Pharmacists positions in California typically start around $90,560 (10th percentile). With some experience, salaries rise to $138,360 (25th percentile).
How many people work as Pharmacists in California?
According to 2025 BLS data, approximately 34,030 people are employed as Pharmacists in California.
What is the hourly rate for a Pharmacists in California?
Based on a standard 2,080-hour work year, the median hourly rate for a Pharmacists in California is approximately $79.14 per hour.
Salary data is sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, 2025 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.
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