California pays pharmacists more than any other state — its $165,150 median leads all 51 states and D.C. reporting wage data.
The 10th-to-90th percentile range runs from $87,170 to $208,070 — a $120,900 spread, 42% wider than the national $85,110 range.
California employs roughly 10.5% of all pharmacists in the country (34,490 workers).
Salary Range: 10th to 90th Percentile
Full Percentile Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry-level) | $87,170 | $41.91 |
| 25th percentile | $137,540 | $66.13 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $165,150 | $79.40 |
| 75th percentile | $197,000 | $94.71 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $208,070 | $100.04 |
| Mean (average) | $162,110 | $77.94 |
How California Compares
| State | Median Annual | vs. California |
|---|---|---|
| California (current) | $165,150 | n/a |
| Alaska | $163,200 | -1% |
| Oregon | $163,120 | -1% |
| Washington | $157,020 | -5% |
| Minnesota | $154,610 | -6% |
| Colorado | $151,680 | -8% |
| Hawaii | $150,710 | -9% |
| District of Columbia | $141,560 | -14% |
| New Hampshire | $141,480 | -14% |
Showing top-paying states with available data. View all states →
Related Occupations in California
| Occupation | Median Annual | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| Nurse Practitioners | $166,610 | 20,980 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives | $162,740 | 12,980 |
| Human Resources Managers | $169,140 | 27,680 |
| Physician Assistants | $161,080 | 13,570 |
| Managers, All Other | $170,740 | 103,510 |
| Software Developers | $170,910 | 292,630 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Pharmacists salary in California?
The mean pharmacists salary in California is $162,110 per year. The median (middle) salary is $165,150 per year.
What is the starting salary for a Pharmacists in California?
Entry-level pharmacistss (10th percentile) in California typically earn around $87,170 per year. Workers at the 25th percentile earn approximately $137,540 per year.
What is the highest Pharmacists salary in California?
Top earners (90th percentile) in this occupation in California make approximately $208,070 per year. Those in the 75th percentile earn around $197,000 per year.
How does the California Pharmacists salary compare to the national average?
The median pharmacists salary in California is $165,150, which is +20% above national average of $137,480.