Average Pharmacists Salary in Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO
Pharmacists in the Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO metropolitan area earn an impressive average annual salary of $145,620. This figure significantly surpasses the national average of $136,140, indicating a strong demand and potentially higher operational costs or a more specialized market within this Colorado region. The local economic landscape and specific healthcare needs likely contribute to this elevated compensation.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $145,620 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $181,880.
- Outlook: The Denver-Aurora-Centennial area boasts a substantial pharmacist workforce of 2,850 individuals. With a Location Quotient of 0.82, the concentration of pharmacists is slightly below the national average, suggesting a stable but not overly saturated job market. The presence of 1.759 jobs per 1,000 workers indicates a consistent need for these healthcare professionals, pointing towards a robust employment outlook.
Salary Overview
The average Pharmacists in Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO earns+7.0%above the national average.
$70
$2,800
$12,135
Pharmacists Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that pharmacist salaries in Denver-Aurora-Centennial have experienced steady growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Factors such as increasing healthcare demands, advancements in pharmaceutical services, and inflation typically drive salary increases in skilled professions like pharmacy.
Pharmacists Salary Distribution in Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO
Salary progression for pharmacists in Denver-Aurora-Centennial is strongly tied to experience. Entry-level positions typically command lower salaries, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills or supervisory roles can expect to earn significantly more. The gap between the 25th percentile (entry-level) and the 75th percentile (experienced) salaries clearly illustrates the career advancement and earning potential available within the field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resident / New GradClinical rotation complete. Gaining floor experience. | 10% (Entry) | $96,680 | $46.5 |
| Staff ClinicianFull patient caseload. Proficient in core procedures. | 25% (Junior) | $109,215 | $52.5 |
| Charge / SeniorShift lead. Precepts new hires. Specialized certification. | 50% (Median) | $152,200 | $73.2 |
| SpecialistAdvanced degree/cert (e.g., ICU, OR). High acuity cases. | 75% (Senior) | $182,025 | $87.5 |
| Director / LeadDepartment head or Advanced Practice Provider. | 90% (Expert) | $181,880 | $87.4 |
Detailed Pharmacists Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$145,620
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$145,620
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $145,620 in Denver-Aurora-Centennial aligns perfectly with the national Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of a pharmacist's salary in this metropolitan area is equivalent to the national average. While the nominal salary is high, the cost of living does not offer an additional advantage, suggesting that the higher pay is primarily driven by local market dynamics rather than a lower cost of living.
Job Market Context
2,850
Total Jobs
1.759
Per 1K Jobs
0.82
Location Quotient
Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO has 0.82x 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 0.82 indicates that the Denver-Aurora-Centennial area has a slightly lower concentration of pharmacists compared to the national average. This suggests that while the market is not exceptionally dense, there is a healthy presence of these professionals. It implies a competitive but accessible job market, where opportunities exist without being overwhelmingly saturated.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Pharmacists
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Boulder, CO Pharmacists Salary | $151,160↑ 4% | 27 mi |
| Greeley, CO Pharmacists Salary | $138,610↓ 5% | 45 mi |
| Northwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area Pharmacists Salary | $155,460↑ 7% | 54 mi |
| Southwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area Pharmacists Salary | $141,860↓ 3% | 54 mi |
| Eastern and Southern Colorado nonmetropolitan area Pharmacists Salary | $134,280↓ 8% | 54 mi |
Comparing salaries near Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO
Hiring Pharmacistss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Pharmacists make in Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO?
The median annual salary for a Pharmacists in Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO is $145,620. This typically ranges from $96,680 for entry-level positions to $181,880 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO is 7.0% higher than the national median of $136,140.
Is Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO a lucrative place for Pharmacists?
Yes, it is a lucrative place for Pharmacists.Pharmacists in this area earn an average of $145,620, which is higher than the national average, and the cost of living is on par with the national average, making the salary highly valuable.
Is Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO a good place to live for Pharmacists?
The Cost of Living Index in Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO?
Some top paying nearby cities include Boulder, CO ($151,160) and Greeley, CO.
How does the Denver pharmacist salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for pharmacists in Denver-Aurora-Centennial is $145,620, which is notably higher than the national average of $136,140.
What is the cost of living in Denver-Aurora-Centennial for pharmacists?
The cost of living in Denver-Aurora-Centennial is exactly at the national average, indicated by a Cost of Living Index of 100.
How concentrated is the pharmacist job market in Denver-Aurora-Centennial?
The job market concentration, measured by the Location Quotient, is 0.82, which is slightly below the national average, suggesting a stable employment landscape.
What is the total number of pharmacists in the Denver-Aurora-Centennial area?
There are approximately 2,850 pharmacists employed within the Denver-Aurora-Centennial metropolitan area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 2,850 employees in the Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO area with a job density of 1.759 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
Explore Pharmacists Salaries by State
Top Jobs in Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO
- All Occupations Salary in Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO
- Business and Financial Operations Occupations Salary in Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO
- Sales and Related Occupations Salary in Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO
- Office and Administrative Support Occupations Salary in Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO
- Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary in Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO
- Transportation and Material Moving Occupations Salary in Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO
- Management Occupations Salary in Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO
- Computer and Mathematical Occupations Salary in Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO
- Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations Salary in Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO
- Educational Instruction and Library Occupations Salary in Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO
- Browse All Jobs in Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO →
Semantic Salary Analysis for Pharmacists • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO