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Average Pharmacists Salary in Colorado

Pharmacists in Colorado earn an impressive average annual salary of $145,690, significantly surpassing the national average of $136,140. This elevated compensation reflects Colorado's specific economic landscape, including a higher cost of living and a demand for specialized healthcare professionals.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $145,690 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 20.5% ↗ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $181,560.
  • Outlook: Colorado's pharmacist job market is moderately concentrated, with a Location Quotient of 0.83, indicating a presence slightly below the national average. However, with a local workforce of 5,130 pharmacists and 1.775 jobs per 1,000 workers, the state maintains a steady demand for these essential healthcare providers.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$145,690

The average Pharmacists in Colorado earns+7.0%above the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$70

Weekly

$2,802

Monthly

$12,141

Pharmacists Salary Distribution in Colorado

Career progression for pharmacists in Colorado is typically marked by a substantial increase in earning potential. Entry-level positions may start at a lower percentile, but with accumulated experience and specialization, pharmacists can advance to senior roles commanding salaries in the higher percentiles, reflecting greater responsibility and expertise.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Resident / New GradClinical rotation complete. Gaining floor experience.10% (Entry)$108,030$51.9
Staff ClinicianFull patient caseload. Proficient in core procedures.25% (Junior)$109,268$52.5
Charge / SeniorShift lead. Precepts new hires. Specialized certification.50% (Median)$151,680$72.9
SpecialistAdvanced degree/cert (e.g., ICU, OR). High acuity cases.75% (Senior)$182,113$87.6
Director / LeadDepartment head or Advanced Practice Provider.90% (Expert)$181,560$87.3

Detailed Pharmacists Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$145,690

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$138,095

Adjusted for COL (105.5)

The average annual salary of $145,690 in Colorado presents a strong financial picture, especially when considered against the state's Cost of Living Index of 105.5. While slightly above the national average, the higher salary generally compensates for the increased cost of goods and services, suggesting a reasonable purchasing power for pharmacists residing in the state.

Job Market Context

5,130

Total Jobs

1.775

Per 1K Jobs

0.83

Location Quotient

Below Average

Colorado has 0.83x the national average concentration of Pharmacists jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.

A Location Quotient of 0.83 suggests that Colorado has a slightly lower concentration of pharmacists relative to its overall workforce compared to the national average. This could imply a less saturated market, potentially leading to competitive opportunities for skilled professionals, though it doesn't indicate an overwhelming demand.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Pharmacists

CitySalaryDist.
Colorado Springs, CO Pharmacists Salary$145,780↑ 0%32 mi
Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO Pharmacists Salary$145,620↓ 0%54 mi
Pueblo, CO Pharmacists Salary$142,430↓ 2%66 mi
Boulder, CO Pharmacists Salary$151,160↑ 4%67 mi
Greeley, CO Pharmacists Salary$138,610↓ 5%98 mi

Comparing salaries near Colorado

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Pharmacists make in Colorado?

The median annual salary for a Pharmacists in Colorado is $145,690. This typically ranges from $108,030 for entry-level positions to $181,560 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Colorado is 7.0% higher than the national median of $136,140.

Is Colorado a lucrative place for Pharmacists?

Yes, Colorado offers a lucrative environment for pharmacists.Pharmacists in Colorado earn an average of $145,690 annually, which is notably higher than the national average. This higher salary, even considering the slightly elevated cost of living, indicates strong earning potential.

Is Colorado a good place to live for Pharmacists?

The Cost of Living Index in Colorado is 105.5. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near Colorado?

Some top paying nearby cities include Colorado Springs, CO ($145,780) and Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO.

How does Colorado's pharmacist salary compare to the national average?

Pharmacists in Colorado earn an average of $145,690 annually, which is approximately $9,550 more than the national average of $136,140.

What is the total number of pharmacists employed in Colorado?

Colorado employs a local workforce of approximately 5,130 pharmacists.

How does the concentration of pharmacists in Colorado compare to the rest of the US?

Colorado's Location Quotient for pharmacists is 0.83, indicating that the profession is slightly less concentrated in the state compared to the national average.

How does the cost of living in Colorado affect a pharmacist's salary?

Colorado has a Cost of Living Index of 105.5, meaning it is 5.5% more expensive than the national average. The higher average salary of $145,690 generally helps to offset this increased cost.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 5,130 employees in the Colorado area with a job density of 1.775 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.

Semantic Salary Analysis for Pharmacists • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Colorado