Based on the latest Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS data — updated August 12, 2026.
| California | National | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median annual salary | $164,610 | $143,112 | +15% |
| Median hourly wage | $79.14 | $68.80 | +15% |
Adjusted for local price levels (100 = national average), the cost-adjusted median is $148,699.
| City | Median | Entry Level | Experienced | Cost of Living |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco | $213,094 | $170,500 | $240,250 | 244 |
| Oakland | $192,472 | $154,000 | $217,000 | 196 |
| Los Angeles | $175,974 | $140,800 | $198,400 | 173 |
| Long Beach | $164,976 | $132,000 | $186,000 | 153 |
| San Diego | $162,226 | $129,800 | $182,900 | 161 |
| Sacramento | $148,478 | $118,800 | $167,400 | 130 |
| Fresno | $130,606 | $104,500 | $147,250 | 105 |
The median annual salary for a Pharmacist in California is $164,610, or about $79.14 per hour, according to BLS OEWS data.
The national median for Pharmacists is $143,112. California is +15% above the national median.
Entry-level pharmacists in California typically earn from $170,500 depending on the city and employer.
With 34,030 pharmacist jobs on record and a median salary of $164,610, California offers above-average pay compared to the rest of the country.