Average Pharmacists Salary in San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA
Pharmacists in the San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA area earn a substantial average annual salary of $184,090, significantly outpacing the national average of $136,140. This elevated compensation is largely driven by the region's high demand for specialized healthcare professionals and the complex healthcare needs of its dense population.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $184,090 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $220,640.
- Outlook: The San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont area supports a local workforce of 4,230 pharmacists, indicating a solid presence within the healthcare sector. With a Location Quotient of 0.83, the concentration of pharmacists is slightly below the national average, suggesting a stable but not overly saturated job market, with consistent opportunities for skilled professionals.
Salary Overview
The average Pharmacists in San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA earns+35.2%above the national average.
$88.5
$3,540
$15,341
Pharmacists Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that pharmacist salaries in San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont have experienced steady growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends of increasing healthcare costs and demand for pharmaceutical services. This upward trajectory is likely influenced by factors such as an aging population and advancements in medical treatments requiring sophisticated pharmaceutical care.
Pharmacists Salary Distribution in San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA
Career progression for pharmacists in San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont typically involves a significant salary increase from entry-level to senior positions. While exact figures vary, experienced pharmacists often command higher salaries due to their specialized knowledge, leadership capabilities, and proven track record in patient care and medication management. The gap between entry-level and senior roles signifies substantial earning potential and career advancement.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resident / New GradClinical rotation complete. Gaining floor experience. | 10% (Entry) | $143,520 | $69 |
| Staff ClinicianFull patient caseload. Proficient in core procedures. | 25% (Junior) | $138,068 | $66.4 |
| Charge / SeniorShift lead. Precepts new hires. Specialized certification. | 50% (Median) | $183,510 | $88.2 |
| SpecialistAdvanced degree/cert (e.g., ICU, OR). High acuity cases. | 75% (Senior) | $230,113 | $110.6 |
| Director / LeadDepartment head or Advanced Practice Provider. | 90% (Expert) | $220,640 | $106.1 |
Detailed Pharmacists Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$184,090
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$184,090
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average pharmacist salary of $184,090 in San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont aligns perfectly with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the nominal salary is high, the purchasing power of that salary is comparable to the national average, indicating that the higher pay is balanced by the local economic conditions.
Job Market Context
4,230
Total Jobs
1.76
Per 1K Jobs
0.83
Location Quotient
San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA 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.
With a Location Quotient of 0.83, the San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont area has a slightly lower concentration of pharmacists compared to the national average. This suggests that while the market is not exceptionally concentrated, there is a steady demand for these professionals, offering a competitive environment for job seekers without being overly saturated.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Pharmacists
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Vallejo, CA Pharmacists Salary | $171,190↓ 7% | 27 mi |
| Napa, CA Pharmacists Salary | $184,480↑ 0% | 38 mi |
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA Pharmacists Salary | $187,480↑ 2% | 42 mi |
| Santa Rosa-Petaluma, CA Pharmacists Salary | $174,290↓ 5% | 50 mi |
| Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA Pharmacists Salary | $163,620↓ 11% | 58 mi |
Comparing salaries near San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA
Hiring Pharmacistss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Pharmacists make in San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA?
The median annual salary for a Pharmacists in San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA is $184,090. This typically ranges from $143,520 for entry-level positions to $220,640 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA is 35.2% higher than the national median of $136,140.
Is San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA a lucrative place for Pharmacists?
Yes, it is a lucrative place for Pharmacists.Pharmacists in this region earn significantly above the national average salary. While the cost of living is average, the high nominal wage provides strong earning potential.
Is San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA a good place to live for Pharmacists?
The Cost of Living Index in San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Vallejo, CA ($171,190) and Napa, CA.
How does the pharmacist salary in San Francisco compare to the national average?
The average pharmacist salary in San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA is $184,090, which is considerably higher than the national average of $136,140.
What is the job market like for pharmacists in San Francisco?
The job market is stable with a local workforce of 4,230 pharmacists and a Location Quotient of 0.83, indicating a healthy demand without excessive competition.
Does the high salary in San Francisco offset the cost of living?
Yes, the average pharmacist salary of $184,090 aligns with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100, suggesting that the salary's purchasing power is on par with the national average.
How many pharmacists are employed in the San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont area?
There are approximately 4,230 pharmacists employed within the San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA 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 4,230 employees in the San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA area with a job density of 1.76 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Pharmacists • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA