📊 BLS Official Data · May 2025 Release

Pharmacist Salary in California (2026)

California · 42.0% above national average · Medium Demand

Average
$194,838
per year
Median
$188,860
per year
Hourly
$93.67
per hour
🏛️ Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
📅 Dataset: OES May 2025
🔄 Published: May 2026
📍 Coverage: All 50 States + DC
📊
Salary Range & Percentiles
Pay distribution across experience levels
10th Percentile — Entry Level$137,050
25th Percentile — Junior$156,896
50th Percentile — Median$188,860
75th Percentile — Senior$201,549
90th Percentile — Top Earners$212,813
💡 Top-earning Pharmacists in California make up to $212,813 per year. The job market in California is rated very strong, with key industries including Technology, Entertainment, Agriculture.
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Salary Growth Trend (2021–2026)
Six-year compensation trajectory
$176.5k
2021
$180.0k
2022
$183.6k
2023
$187.3k
2024
$191.0k
2025
$194.8k
2026
📈 Pharmacist salaries in California have followed the national trend with 2.0% annual growth. The strong presence in California's job market supports continued salary increases.
🗺️
Pharmacist Salary by City in California
Geographic salary comparison
CityAvg Salaryvs NationalDemand
Los Angeles $301,999 +55.0% Medium
San Diego $288,360 +48.0% Medium
San Jose $335,121 +72.0% Medium
San Francisco $360,450 +85.0% Medium
Fresno $210,425 +8.0% Medium
Sacramento $237,702 +22.0% Medium
Long Beach $282,515 +45.0% Medium
Bakersfield $210,425 +8.0% Medium
Anaheim $276,670 +42.0% Medium
Santa Ana $272,773 +40.0% Medium
Riverside $249,393 +28.0% Medium
Stockton $229,909 +18.0% Medium
Irvine $301,999 +55.0% Medium
San Bernardino $229,909 +18.0% Medium
Modesto $218,219 +12.0% Medium
Fontana $237,702 +22.0% Medium
Moreno Valley $224,064 +15.0% Medium
Glendale $288,360 +48.0% Medium
Fremont $311,741 +60.0% Medium
🔍
Pharmacist Job Market in California
Key factors affecting compensation

California is home to a very strong job market for Pharmacists. The state's key industries — Technology, Entertainment, Agriculture — generate significant demand for skilled professionals. At $194,838 per year, California's Pharmacist salaries are 42.0% higher than the national average.

The cost of living in California (index: 1.42) justifies the higher pay scale. Entry-level professionals in California can expect to earn $137,050–$156,896, while experienced Pharmacists can command $201,549–$212,813.

Looking ahead, the Pharmacist profession in California is projected to grow at 2.0% annually. Major employers are actively hiring, and the state's investment in Technology continues to drive new opportunities for qualified candidates.

🏛️ U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OES) · May 2025
⚖️
Compare with Similar Jobs
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this salary
  • The average Pharmacist salary in California is $194,838 per year in 2026, which is 42.0% above the national average of $137,210.
  • San Francisco and San Jose typically pay Pharmacists the highest wages in California due to higher costs of living and competitive job markets.
  • California has a very strong job market with major industries in Technology, Entertainment, Agriculture. This makes it one of the better states for Pharmacist employment.
  • At $194,838/year, California Pharmacist salaries are 42.0% higher than the national average of $137,210/year.