Pharmacist Salary in California
Based on 34K+ workers in California
Median Annual Salary (CA)
$164,610
$79.14/hr
vs National Average
$142,891
+15.2% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$91K – $214K
34K employed in California
Pharmacist salary in California is notably competitive, with a median annual earnings of $164,610. This places California pharmacists significantly ahead of the national average, earning approximately 15% more than their peers across the country. With over 34,000 pharmacists currently employed in the state, California represents a substantial market for pharmacy professionals seeking strong compensation.
Several factors influence pharmacist salary in California, including geographic location within the state, years of experience, and employer type. Urban areas and major metropolitan regions typically offer higher salaries than rural locations. Additionally, specialization in clinical pharmacy or management roles, advanced certifications, and the specific healthcare setting—whether hospital, retail, or clinical—all play important roles in determining individual compensation levels.
Salary Distribution — Pharmacist in California
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $90,560 |
| 25th percentile | $138,360 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $164,610 |
| 75th percentile | $197,860 |
| 90th percentile | $213,820 |
Top-Paying Industries for Pharmacist (U.S.)
Which industries pay Pharmacists the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Pharmacists in California tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Health Care and Social Assistance | $156,600 | 122K |
| Transportation and Warehousing | $156,490 | 470 |
| Government (excl. schools, hospitals & USPS) | $153,650 | 10K |
| Other Services (except Public Administration) | $150,350 | — |
| Management of Companies and Enterprises | $144,820 | 5K |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Pharmacist in California vs National
| Year | Median Salary (California) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $155,830 |
| 2023 | $160,950 |
| 2024 | $165,150 |
| 2025 | $164,610 |
| 2026 (projected) | $164,610 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | California Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $155,830 | $132,955 |
| 2023 | $160,950 | $136,337 |
| 2024 | $165,150 | $138,804 |
| 2025 | $164,610 | $142,891 |
| 2026 (projected) | $164,610 | $142,891 |
Pharmacist Salary by Experience Level in California
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $138,360 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $164,610 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $197,860 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $213,820 |
Pharmacist Salary in Other States
Related Pharmacist Salaries in California
How other high-demand occupations in California compare to Pharmacist ($164,610 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Pharmacist | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Psychiatrist in CA | $353,500 | +114.8% | $169.95/hr |
| Internal Medicine Physician in CA | $313,890 | +90.7% | $150.91/hr |
| Obstetrician and Gynecologist in CA | $301,240 | +83.0% | $144.83/hr |
| Nurse Anesthetist in CA | $292,410 | +77.6% | $140.58/hr |
| Radiologist in CA | $270,560 | +64.4% | $130.08/hr |
| Family Medicine Physician in CA | $252,010 | +53.1% | $121.16/hr |
| Pediatrician in CA | $214,140 | +30.1% | $102.95/hr |
| Nurse Midwife in CA | $203,840 | +23.8% | $98.00/hr |
| Podiatrist in CA | $201,300 | +22.3% | $96.78/hr |
| Cardiologist in CA | $185,610 | +12.8% | $89.24/hr |
| Nurse Practitioner in CA | $168,520 | +2.4% | $81.02/hr |
| Dentist in CA | $165,950 | +0.8% | $79.78/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do pharmacists make in California?
- The median salary for pharmacists in California is $164,610 per year, or $79 per hour. This is 15.2% higher than the national average for pharmacists, making California one of the most lucrative states for this profession.
What is the salary range for pharmacists in California?
- Pharmacist salaries in California range from a low of $90,560 to a high of $213,820 per year. This wide range reflects differences in experience, employer type, location within the state, and specialty certifications.
How many pharmacists are employed in California?
- There are approximately 34,030 pharmacists currently employed in California. This represents a substantial workforce in the state's healthcare sector.
Is California's pharmacist salary higher than the national average?
- Yes, California's median pharmacist salary of $164,610 annually is 15.2% above the national average. This makes California one of the top-paying states for pharmacists in the United States.