Pharmacist salary in California
Pharmacists in California earn a median $164,610 a year, 17% above the national median of $140,910. That ranks #3 of 51 states. After taxes, a single filer keeps about $110,573.
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025, SOC 29-1051. Taxes for tax year 2026.
| Yearly | Monthly | Every 2 weeks | Hourly | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median pay | $164,610 | $13,718 | $6,331 | $79.14 |
| Average pay | $162,340 | $13,528 | $6,244 | $78.05 |
| Take-home (median) | $110,573 | $9,214 | $4,253 | $53.16 |
Where the money goes
| Item | Per year |
|---|---|
| Federal income tax | $28,240 |
| Social Security and Medicare | $12,593 |
| California income tax and state programs | $13,204 |
| Take-home | $110,573 |
California's prices are 11% above the U.S. average, so the median take-home buys what $99,867 buys in an average-priced state. The California minimum wage is $16.90; the median pharmacist earns 4.7 times that.
Pharmacist pay in California vs. neighboring states
| State | Median salary | Take-home | Buying power |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | $164,610 | $110,573 | $99,867 |
| Arizona | $146,930 | $108,422 | $107,693 |
| Nevada | $140,030 | $106,977 | $106,999 |
| Oregon | $165,960 | $109,408 | $105,851 |
Frequently asked questions
- How much do pharmacists make in California?
- The median salary is $164,610 a year ($79.14 an hour), and the average is $162,340, per BLS data for May 2025.
- How much do pharmacists take home in California?
- About $110,573 a year after federal and California taxes, or $4,253 every two weeks, for a single filer at the median salary.
- Do pharmacists earn more in California than the national average?
- California ranks #3 of 51 for median pay, 17% above the U.S. median of $140,910. Adjusted for prices and taxes it ranks #42.