Pharmacists Salary in California
Pharmacists in California earn a median of $164,610 a year, +17% compared with the U.S. median.
Updated October 2026 · Data: BLS OEWS May 2025 · How we match careers
- Median pay
- $164,610
- vs. U.S. median
- +17% ($140,910)
- Rank among states
- 3 of 51
- Jobs in the state
- 34,030
Pay range in California
The lowest-paid 10% earn under $90,560; the top 10% earn over $213,820. Nationally the range is $99,290 to $174,230.
States ranked near California
Similar jobs in California
- Nurse Practitioners$168,520 median in California
- Physician Assistants$165,650 median in California
- Neurologists$357,080 median in California
- Preventive Medicine Physicians$281,590 median in California (broader BLS group)
- Obstetricians and Gynecologists$301,240 median in California
- Allergists and Immunologists$281,590 median in California (broader BLS group)
Pharmacists pay in California
How much do pharmacists make in California?
The median is $164,610 a year. The lowest-paid 10% earn under $90,560 and the top 10% earn over $213,820. BLS OEWS May 2025.
Is California a good state for pharmacists?
On pay alone it ranks 3 of 51 (+17% vs. the national median of $140,910). Living costs are not included.