Healthcare Los Angeles, CA Pop. 3,898,747

Pharmacist Salary in Los Angeles, California

The median pharmacist salary in Los Angeles, CA is $204,435 per year, which is 54.0% above the national median and 5.5% above the California state average.

City Median
$204,435
vs State Avg
+$10,620
vs National
+$71,685
Cost of Living
146%

Pharmacist Pay in Los Angeles: What to Expect (2026)

Los Angeles offers a median pharmacist salary of $204,435, which is $10,620 above the California state average of $193,815. Compared to the national median of $132,750, Los Angeles pays above average for this role.

However, Los Angeles's cost of living index is 146%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $204,435 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $140,024. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Los Angeles should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for pharmacists in Los Angeles spans from $148,148 at the 10th percentile to $255,332 at the 90th percentile — a $107,184 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $154,000, while senior pharmacists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $243,320. As a major metro area with a population of 3,898,747, Los Angeles typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Pharmacist Salary in Los Angeles by Experience

In Los Angeles, an entry-level pharmacist earns around $154,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $243,320 per year. The local cost of living index is 146% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$154,000
+$54,000 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$200,200
+$70,200 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$243,320
+$85,320 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Los Angeles, CA

Percentile Los Angeles
10th Percentile $148,148
25th Percentile $180,180
Median (50th) $204,435
75th Percentile $234,388
90th Percentile $255,332

Pharmacist Salary in Other California Cities

San Francisco, CA
$252,225
Pop. 873,965
San Jose, CA
$233,640
Pop. 1,013,240
San Diego, CA
$199,125
Pop. 1,386,932
Sacramento, CA
$167,265
Pop. 524,943

How to Become a Pharmacist in Los Angeles

Education

Most pharmacist positions require a doctoral degree. Los Angeles and the surrounding California area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

PharmacologyPatient CounselingDrug InteractionsCompoundingClinical ReviewPharmacy Software

Job Outlook

Nationally, pharmacist employment is projected to grow 2% over the next decade (slower than average). Demand in Los Angeles may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Pharmacist Jobs in Los Angeles

Browse open pharmacist positions in Los Angeles, CA:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Pharmacist Salary in Los Angeles

How much does a Pharmacist make in Los Angeles, CA? ▼
The median pharmacist salary in Los Angeles, California is $204,435 per year, which is 54.0% above the national median of $132,750. Salaries range from $148,148 (10th percentile) to $255,332 (90th percentile).
How much does a Pharmacist make per hour in Los Angeles? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $204,435, a pharmacist in Los Angeles earns approximately $98 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Los Angeles compare to the California state average for pharmacist pay? ▼
Los Angeles's median pharmacist salary of $204,435 is 5.5% above the California state average of $193,815. The local cost of living index is 146% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Los Angeles, CA? ▼
Los Angeles has a cost of living index of 146% compared to the national average. This means a pharmacist salary of $204,435 in Los Angeles has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a pharmacist in Los Angeles? ▼
Most pharmacist positions in Los Angeles require a doctoral degree. Key skills include Pharmacology, Patient Counseling, Drug Interactions, Compounding. The job market is projected to grow 2% nationally over the next decade.