Pharmacist Salary in California
Pharmacists in California earn an average of $158,458 per year across 6 metro areas. This is +16.5% higher than the national average.
Average Salary
$158,458
per year
Hourly Rate
$76.18
per hour
vs National
+16.5%
$136,030 national
Salary Range
$103,244
to $227,255
Cost of Living Adjusted Salary
Nominal Salary
$158,458
Cost of Living Index
142
100 = national average
Adjusted Salary
$111,590
purchasing power equivalent
After adjusting for California's cost of living (above average), a Pharmacist's salary of $158,458 has the purchasing power of $111,590 in an average-cost area.
Pharmacist Salary by City in California
| City | Median Salary | Hourly Rate | Entry Level (P10) | Senior (P90) | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $187,661 | $90.22/hr | $118,059 | $266,316 | 387 |
| San Jose, CA | $184,563 | $88.73/hr | $116,351 | $260,223 | 354 |
| Los Angeles, CA | $149,868 | $72.05/hr | $100,652 | $213,576 | 363 |
| San Diego, CA | $147,156 | $70.75/hr | $99,293 | $219,475 | 309 |
| Sacramento, CA | $143,501 | $68.99/hr | $96,743 | $203,174 | 306 |
| Riverside, CA | $137,999 | $66.35/hr | $88,367 | $200,767 | 276 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS Survey, 2026. Sorted by median salary (highest first).
California vs National Average
Pharmacist Salary Comparison
Employment in California
There are approximately 1,995 Pharmacists employed across 6 metro areas in California.
Key Industries: Technology, Entertainment & Media, Agriculture
State Income Tax: 1% - 13.3%
Pharmacist Salary Range in California
Entry Level (10th Percentile)
$103,244
Starting salary for new Pharmacists
Median (50th Percentile)
$158,458
Mid-career Pharmacist salary
Senior (90th Percentile)
$227,255
Top earners in the field
Related Occupations in California
Pharmacist Salary in Neighboring States
Compare Pharmacist salaries in California with nearby states to find the best opportunities.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Pharmacist salary in California?
The average Pharmacist salary in California is $158,458 per year ($76.18/hour) based on 2026 data across 6 metro areas. This is 16.5% above the national average of $136,030.
What is the highest paying city for Pharmacists in California?
San Francisco, CA is the highest paying city for Pharmacists in California, with a median salary of $187,661 per year. The lowest paying metro area is Riverside, CA at $137,999.
What is the salary range for Pharmacists in California?
Pharmacist salaries in California range from $103,244 (entry-level, 10th percentile) to $227,255 (experienced, 90th percentile). The median salary is $158,458 per year.
About This Data
Salary data is sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey. State-level averages are calculated from metro area data within California. Figures represent 2026 estimates and may not reflect all employers or self-employed workers. Cost of living adjustments use regional indices to provide purchasing power context.